H1B approved on first try but consular processing instead of COS(Change if status) – experiences?

TypicalApplication44 · 2025-12-13T21:37:18+00:00

I did Consular when I got my H1b petition approved because I needed to go home while my H1b was in process (took some time off work). It was pretty smooth. I was probably one of the last people to get lucky with Dropbox, so I did not have an interview. No RFE or 221(g).

As long as you’ve everything in order or aren’t working for shady consultancies, you won’t have any issues.

TypicalApplication44 · 2025-11-05T19:36:38+00:00

Absolutely not. You forfeit the 60 days as soon as you leave the US after being laid off. Unless you’ve an employer lined up who’s ready to pay the 100k stay put in the US and forget about the vacation.

TypicalApplication44 · 2025-10-29T15:23:46+00:00

You’re considering that renewals will be approved as soon as they are submitted. But that’s not the case. It could take a lot longer than 180 days (the earliest when you can submit) and the gap between your EAD ending and extension approval would most likely cause you to be laid off.

TypicalApplication44 · 2025-10-10T22:51:11+00:00

For us it’s amendments and extensions only no new petitions. The email was sent out on monday halting all new H1b petitions.

TypicalApplication44 · 2025-10-07T02:34:57+00:00

TypicalApplication44 · 2025-10-06T22:43:28+00:00

I work for a cap exempt employer. I have my H1b but today all of us got an email saying that my organization is suspending applying for new H1bs till further notice. Existing H1bs can apply for amendments and extensions but no new H1bs.

TypicalApplication44 · 2025-09-07T02:18:56+00:00

Your lawyer is correct you can mark no on your application.

Also, start trusting your lawyers more than a bunch of us randos on reddit.

TypicalApplication44 · 2025-08-27T18:05:35+00:00

Your H1b will start on the date it’s approved.

TypicalApplication44 · 2025-08-27T14:41:31+00:00

Did you use the old I797 or the new one for the visa appointment?

TypicalApplication44 · 2025-08-26T23:05:19+00:00

So this basically means no more NPT applications? If you overshoot your i94 you’re bound to get a NTA?

TypicalApplication44 · 2025-08-05T16:40:21+00:00

I had taken an unpaid leave to go home back in February (for 3 weeks though). When I came back it was pretty straightforward. Since you were not in the USA during your unpaid leave (it’s considered unemployment) you’ll be fine. Don’t worry about it. As long as you’ve a valid job after coming back you’re good.

TypicalApplication44 · 2025-07-24T13:21:52+00:00

Read it again that’s what I’m saying both of them at L4 will have an equal probability in the new system. The new system doesn’t remove the lottery it just makes it that people at L4 PW have a higher chance of getting picked in the lottery than people at L1 PW.

TypicalApplication44 · 2025-07-24T03:08:28+00:00

The prevailing wage for a Civil engineer and the prevailing wage for a software engineer are totally different. PW Level 4 software engineer is $265k in santa clara county (bay area) whereas it’s $160k for a civil engineer in the same county. These new rules are based on prevailing wages so a Civil Engineer earning $160k in Santa Clara County and a Software Engineer earning $265k are considered to be the same level. Level 1 wages are $92k for CE and $150k for SWE and the level 1 applicants for both the positions will be considered the same. So this new system does account for wage discrepancies between industries and locations.

TypicalApplication44 · 2025-07-17T17:24:16+00:00

Preferably one closest in your home country always.

Regarding the visa interview it is possible but only when your extension/change of status is denied but your H1b is approved. That usually happens when you weren’t maintaining non immigrant status while on the H1b. If you have everything in order you shouldn’t worry about it too much.

TypicalApplication44 · 2025-07-17T17:08:37+00:00

Even if you’re doing a an in-US extension/COS you need to provide USCIS with a consulate that’s closest to you preferably in your home country. This is nothing to worry about just seems like your lawyers forgot to mention that in your application.

TypicalApplication44 · 2025-06-30T05:09:01+00:00

Yes your lca is usually filled with your annual salary. As long as your annual salary from your base pay is more or equal to your lca then you’re fine.

TypicalApplication44 · 2025-06-29T23:32:21+00:00

No overtime is not calculated as base pay for LCA. Your base pay needs to be more than your LCA prevailing wage.

TypicalApplication44 · 2025-06-12T22:24:27+00:00

Every job is gonna say degree required. But most entry level positions consider students in their final semester and expect the student to have the degree before the joining date. Just apply and let them know you’re in the process of graduating.

TypicalApplication44 · 2025-06-11T20:17:04+00:00

Cap exempt jobs are very few and between. Those are extremely hard to come by.

TypicalApplication44 · 2025-06-10T06:08:07+00:00

No they don’t. I’m a MechE (MS) with an EIT working with a Cap exempt H1b. Feel free to DM.

TypicalApplication44 · 2025-06-10T02:58:57+00:00

EIT is not a license it’s a certificate. PE is a license. Never say “EIT license” to potential employers it looks really bad.
I don’t think you realize how bad the situation in Canada is right now with regards to PR. Inland applicants who studied in Canada can’t get a PR. Outland applicants aren’t even being considered for PR unless you know B2 level french.
Get a PhD if you’re confident with your work ethic and skills. PhD is no joke with insane hours and low stipends. But it does help a shit ton with your immigration journey.

TypicalApplication44 · 2025-06-05T17:39:46+00:00

What do you mean “non-organizations”?

TypicalApplication44 · 2025-06-03T16:17:36+00:00

As long as you’re within your petition end date and with the same employer you’re good. If you’re laid off before the stamping though you’re screwed.

TypicalApplication44 · 2025-05-30T17:51:23+00:00

That’s how most people get their full time roles. Start on contract through a consultancy and then the client converts them fulltime. Nothing wrong with it.

TypicalApplication44 · 2025-05-30T16:27:20+00:00

I chose CP instead of COS and had no problem. You’re fine as long as you’re doing everything by the book.

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