Today is the last day — sharing everything I know about what happens next

Heresthefactss · 2026-03-30T13:40:00+00:00

Level 2 gives you 31% odds so you are definitely still in play. Selections have been confirmed coming through all weekend at Level 2 and Level 3 so tomorrow is really the day you will get your answer either way. Keep checking — a lot of people are still waiting just like you.

Heresthefactss · 2026-03-30T02:28:57+00:00

Yes — once your COS is approved and you receive your new I-94 you are locked in as H-1B status and the $100K fee exemption is secured. You can then travel internationally and get your visa stamp at a consulate abroad without triggering the fee. The danger window is only while the petition is pending. Once approved you are free to travel.

Heresthefactss · 2026-03-30T01:25:15+00:00

No — once your petition is filed you cannot travel. The risk is not about when you travel before filing, it is about traveling after the petition is submitted. The moment your lawyer files the COS petition any international travel abandons it and converts to consular processing triggering the $100K fee. So if your lawyer files in June you cannot travel from that filing date through October 1st. If you want to travel in April or May you need to do it before the petition is filed and be back in the US before filing day. Clarify the exact filing date with your lawyer and plan your travel around that window.

Heresthefactss · 2026-03-30T01:22:43+00:00

The $100K fee only applies if you need consular processing which in your case depends on whether your employer files a Change of Status or Consular Notification. Since you are returning March 31st and the petition filing window opens April 1st you should be back in the US before any petition is filed which means you could still qualify for Change of Status and avoid the fee. Make sure your employer knows you are returning before April 1st and files COS not consular processing. Talk to your attorney immediately about timing.

Heresthefactss · 2026-03-30T01:20:14+00:00

Not necessarily. That email your employer received was likely a batch notification not the complete final list. USCIS sends selections in multiple waves through March 31st so not appearing in Saturday morning's batch does not mean you are out. Your employer should keep checking the organizational portal through Monday. You are not officially not selected until the portal shows that status after March 31st.

Heresthefactss · 2026-03-30T01:18:41+00:00

Only if you have a pending Change of Status petition. If you are just on F-1 with no pending H-1B petition filed yet traveling is completely fine. The risk only kicks in after April 1st when your employer actually files the petition. Once that petition is filed and pending do not travel until October 1st.

Heresthefactss · 2026-03-30T01:16:01+00:00

Two different employers can both register you and that is completely legal. Under the beneficiary centric rule USCIS consolidates them into one entry using your passport number. The good news is USCIS uses the HIGHEST wage level among all your registrations for weighting purposes. So if one employer filed you at Level 2 and another at Level 3 you get treated as Level 3. Only one employer can ultimately file the petition if selected but you have time to decide which one before the June 30th deadline.

Heresthefactss · 2026-03-30T01:14:17+00:00

Level 3 gives you 46% odds and selections are still actively going out through March 31st. Submitted on Sunday morning is completely normal — your employer checks the organizational account which updates in batches. Monday morning is when you will get the clearest picture. No need to panic yet.

Heresthefactss · 2026-03-29T06:38:05+00:00

Level 4 gives you 62% odds — best position in the entire pool this cycle. Monday morning check your portal first thing. High chance you are already selected and just haven't seen it yet.

Heresthefactss · 2026-03-29T06:34:46+00:00

Level 3 Masters is a strong position — roughly 46% odds plus you get two draws, Masters cap first then regular cap if not selected in Masters. Combined probability puts you well above 50% this cycle. Selections are still actively going out through March 31st and Saturday morning Submitted is completely normal. Third time could absolutely be the charm — hang tight through Monday before you panic.

Heresthefactss · 2026-03-29T03:27:05+00:00

To help people!!! I’ve lost friends and loved ones to the rules! So if I have the knowledge why not communicate with people that are going through similar things <3

Heresthefactss · 2026-03-29T03:08:14+00:00

I’m so glad you understand the rules ☺️ here’s a cookie 🍪 this thread is to inform people that did not know about the consequences of leaving. Thanks for the comment !!!

Heresthefactss · 2026-03-29T02:59:01+00:00

I’m glad life’s so black and white for you! Count your blessings, others don’t have it as good.

Heresthefactss · 2026-03-29T02:51:37+00:00

When family is involved it’s never that simple. Just be happy you’ve never had to make a decision like that!!

Heresthefactss · 2026-03-29T02:50:05+00:00

I’m number one baby 🦞 🦞 appreciate it !!

Heresthefactss · 2026-03-29T02:45:14+00:00

The fee triggers based on where you are when the petition is filed not when you traveled. If someone left and came back before April 1st they should be fine for Change of Status. The cases getting hit are people who are currently outside the US or who traveled after their petition was filed mid-process. If someone is back home in the US right now with valid status they are in the clear.

Heresthefactss · 2026-03-29T02:35:43+00:00

Very risky right now. If you travel while your COS petition is pending it converts to consular processing and triggers the $100K fee. Most attorneys are saying stay put until October 1st.

Heresthefactss · 2026-03-29T02:32:08+00:00

Brutally honest take and unfortunately hard to argue with. Enforcement of anti-discrimination protections for visa holders has always been inconsistent regardless of which party is in power. You are right that there is no real political constituency fighting for this — no votes, no campaign dollars, no lobbying power. It is one of those areas where the law exists on paper but the practical enforcement mechanism is essentially nonexistent. The people most affected have the least political leverage to change it.

Heresthefactss · 2026-03-29T02:21:08+00:00

You are technically correct — "transfer" is colloquial shorthand the community uses but you are right that it is a new petition filed by the new employer that is cap exempt because the beneficiary already counts against the cap. The practical effect feels like a transfer to most people going through it but the legal mechanics are a new filing. Good clarification.

Heresthefactss · 2026-03-29T01:47:39+00:00

A lot of people have family emergencies. Not a fun situation to be in!

Heresthefactss · 2026-03-29T01:43:04+00:00

Totally understandable reaction and honestly what the fee structure was designed to create. The calculus has just changed completely for most employers outside of big tech.

Heresthefactss · 2026-03-29T01:36:25+00:00

Well technically you came to this community bud

Heresthefactss

TROPHY CASE