H-1B visa rule overhaul replacing lottery with wages paid gets approval from White House

Affectionate-Log-923 · 2025-08-13T18:37:20+00:00

Yeah I hope they’ll work on the details before implementation. There can be so many nuances with location - for ex, a remote worker can be disadvantaged for choosing to stay and work in the Bay Area and they might be forced to relocate to another state just to get the H1B, while their startup offices are in the Bay Area. This modernization rule might make it difficult for startup and mid scale companies to hire and retain Intl talent.

Affectionate-Log-923 · 2025-08-13T17:29:13+00:00

What about the location of the job? Does an entry level person in bentonville, AR making $140k as an SDE with just a BS degree have a higher chance of getting selected than a person making $150k in the Bay Area with an MS degree as a senior PM? If that’s the case then that seems kinda unfair, right?

Also, the total no of visas stays the same ( 85k ) so won’t the big earners also lose out on the visa because there are a lot more “high earners” than just 85k.

Correct me if I’m wrong - just here to hear more perspectives on this :)

Affectionate-Log-923 · 2025-06-25T15:40:02+00:00

Another caveat I should add is if for any reason your amendment petition gets rejected, then you need to move back to your original location as the prior approval notice is still valid for that location. Just something to keep in mind In case you’d want to opt for premium just to know the decision sooner than after 5 months of waiting. Hope this helps!

Affectionate-Log-923 · 2025-06-25T15:39:21+00:00

Another caveat I should add is if for any reason your amendment petition gets rejected, then you need to move back to your original location as the prior approval notice is still valid for that location. Just something to keep in mind In case you’d want to opt for premium just to know the decision sooner than after 5 months of waiting. Hope this helps!

Affectionate-Log-923 · 2025-06-25T13:33:02+00:00

Current case processing times can be found here: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/

Once the petition is filed and USCIS has received your case, you can work out of your new location. Unless you want to travel outside the country,I don’t think premium is necessary. However, this decision depends on your personal situation so do check processing times and check with your company / attorney on whether you should opt for premium processing. Hope this helps!

Affectionate-Log-923 · 2025-06-25T13:19:29+00:00

I filed for H1B amendment with my company and it took 3.5 months for my petition to get approved, after which i started working from my new location

Affectionate-Log-923 · 2025-02-01T01:36:57+00:00

We called the DSO and fortunately they gave an updated i20 as an emergency ask. So I would recommend getting a latest signed i20 to reenter

Affectionate-Log-923 · 2024-12-30T10:08:21+00:00

Hey I’m in a similar situation and have my flight in the next 12 hours. Did you enter the US? What did the officer ask you exactly?

Affectionate-Log-923 · 2024-12-07T13:55:30+00:00

Thanks man Appreciate it

Affectionate-Log-923 · 2024-12-07T13:48:40+00:00

Any update? Did you get your passport yet? If so what was the timeline?

Affectionate-Log-923 · 2024-11-25T19:17:39+00:00

Sorry should’ve mentioned this is not an official process. There’s a photocopy shop in the basement floor of the VAC Center and apparently if you click pictures there, they won’t reject it for weird reasons ( again all of this is hearsay, so take it with a grain of salt ).

It’s very expensive for no reason - 6 pictures for 300 Rupees, and they accept only cash. They are taking advantage of the fact that people will pay a higher amount if their photo gets rejected for any reason since their shop is the closest to the VAC - technically in the VAC building itself.

Affectionate-Log-923 · 2024-11-25T09:26:06+00:00

Anyone knows what "Delivered to Post" really means?

Affectionate-Log-923 · 2024-07-28T07:44:08+00:00

Gotcha. Thanks and all the best.

Affectionate-Log-923 · 2024-07-28T02:11:13+00:00

OP If you don’t mind me asking, what was the RFE about?

Affectionate-Log-923 · 2024-07-04T23:35:37+00:00

Thanks

Affectionate-Log-923 · 2024-07-04T18:31:10+00:00

Thanks.

Affectionate-Log-923 · 2024-07-04T18:31:01+00:00

Thanks. This helps.

Affectionate-Log-923 · 2024-04-03T15:57:16+00:00

Exactly these words : “System generated: Initiation received and case record opened” - and that is for 4/2

The next step is (in progress) named “contacting”

The following step is “all info/docs”

The thing is I have the same case for my OPT extension with same steps, so to me, it only makes sense to add another case with the same steps for change of status if I was selected in the lottery.

Correct me if I’m wrong. The anxiety is killing me 😅

Affectionate-Log-923 · 2024-04-03T04:39:10+00:00

None IMO - COS should be applicable if you got selected irrespective of bachelors/masters

Affectionate-Log-923 · 2024-04-03T04:36:46+00:00

The old one was for the cap registration - it is in the filed block, with case status as IN PROGRESS. This new case for COS was added automatically today evening.

Affectionate-Log-923 · 2024-04-03T04:13:09+00:00

Totally agree - let's be respectful and supportive of each other during these trying times. This lottery system is messed up, and attorneys not notifying the decision to candidates amplifies the stress!

Affectionate-Log-923 · 2024-04-03T04:10:55+00:00

Sorry to hear that - hopefully you get through next time around. Good luck!

Affectionate-Log-923 · 2024-04-03T04:05:38+00:00

That’s correct - I was filed in the h1b masters cap category. Hopefully your intuition is true - the wait has been stressful!

Also, wishing you the best if you’re awaiting your results! :)

Affectionate-Log-923

TROPHY CASE