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H1B Visa 2015 – Frequently Asked Questions – Updates

Updated : Dec 9, 2014 (H1B 2016 FAQs )

H1B Visa 2015 season is over. Check below for H1B Visa 2016 Season.

Applying for H1B Visa 2016 ? Did you miss FY 2015 lottery ?

Check out -> H1B Visa 2016 – Start Info, Sponsos, Fees, News , FAQs 

Flash News Update  : 

  • May 5th : USCIS announced today that data entry of all FY15 H-1B cap petitions has been completed. USCIS will now begin returning all H-1B cap petitions that were not selected in the lottery. They have announced it on their twitter and facebook pages.
  • April 18th : USCIS announced that they will begin H1B FY 2015 premium processing from April 28th, 2014. Previously they announced that they will begin, ‘no later than April 28th’. They just clarified that. You can read on USCIS website  
  • April 11th : USCIS announced that it received about 172,500 petitions for the H1B Visa 2015 Quota. Read USCIS : 172,500 Received – H1B Lottery Summary 
  • April 7th USCIS H1B Visa 2015 Cap Reached on April 7th. 

H1B Visa 2015 – Latest News Updates , Articles 

Looking for H1B Cap Daily Updates ?  Check  H1B Visa 2015 Cap count Updates Page 

Frequently Asked Questions about H1B Visa FY 2015 

When will H1B Visa 2015 Season Begin ?

USCIS accepted H1B Visa 2015 applications from April 1st, 2014. They had the window open for 5 working days. USCIS stopped accepting H1B Petitions for FY 2015 from Monday April 7th as more applications were received than the required cap of 85,000 petitions.

What would be the Cap count for H1B Visa 2015 quota ?

No changes to the H1B Cap for FY15, the immigration reform discussions did not go through, the cap limit remained same as last year.

  • Regular H1B Quota : 65,000
  • Masters H1B Quota : 20,000
  • It is to be noted that 6,800 visas every year are set aside for Singapore and Chile Free trade agreement filings, which is called as H1B1 program.

Would there be lottery for H1B Visa 2015 ?

We had H1B visa Lottery for fiscal year 2014. USCIS received about 172,500 petitions for FY 2015 . Our predictions were right, you can read the article H1B Visa 2015 Lottery Prediction analysis 

How soon should I start planning for H1B Visa 2015 ?

[ Updated : H1B Sesaon is over for FY 15, plan for next year FY 2016 ] Well, there is nothing like too early… Getting a good H1B Sponsor can be a challenge these days. You need to find a job that fits your profile and find a sponsor that has a job for you.  Some employers want to test out the capabilities of the candidate before they plan to sponsor H1B Visa. Typically, they would like students with masters from US work for them on internship or co-op.  If they like the candidate then they will sponsor H1B visa.  If you are planning to land in US from overseas countries like India, it could be even challenging to find a good sponsor. Maybe you would need to work with global IT services companies and make your way up. It can involve lot of internal process to get the process initiated… You are never early…. Read Step by Step Plan to Apply for H1B 2015 

How do I find Sponsors for H1B visa 2015 ?

This is probably the most asked question.  It can be a challenge to find a good sponsor. We have written quite a few articles on this topic. The fundamental concept of finding a good employer does not change.  You can use our H1B Visa Sponsors Database  and search for sponsors in a city or zip code. Check out the above links under 2015 latest news and updates for the current year’s article to find sponsors. You can also, read our last year’s article :  How to find H1B Visa sponsors, avoid fraud 

What would be the H1B Filing fee for Fiscal year 2015 ? 

There has not been any changes in the filing fee for the past couple of years. It did not change for fiscal year 2014.  The  H1B Visa 2015 filing fee can range anywhere from  $1,575 to $4,325  based on the size of the company (number of employees ). Also, the attorney fee can range from $700 to $3000. If you go for premium processing again that is $1225.  You can check out the detail break up of fee at : H1B Visa Filing Fee Details – Who Pays for What ?  

H1B Visa Immigration Reform – CIR – Proposed Changes ? The comprehensive immigration reform has not passed yet.  But, lets say, if it gets passed, the below changes may happen.

  • Annual H1B Cap will be increased from 65,000 per year to 110,000. If exteme demand, it can go up to a maximum of 180,000.
  • The H1B quota for STEM degree holders from American Schools will increase from 20,000 to 25,000
  • H1B Visa fees can up to USD $10,000.
  • More stringent rules on H1B visa adjudication.
  • Mandatory LCA posting on DOL website for at least 30 days, before it is certified.

You can read Summary of CIR – Immigration reform – H1B Visa and Green Card  . We will keep you posted with updates on CIR and H1B visa changes for this year, if any. Did I miss anything ?  Do you have any other questions ?

Note :  Some of the below comments about H1B Sponsors are negative.  Please be aware that these are comments added by individuals of companies, competitors and many others that may hate such companies. We do NOT vouch for any of the comments made as they are not made by us.

Under federal law (Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act), our Blog RedBus2US.com is NOT legally liable or responsible for information posted by public, general users or third parties that contains remarks that are defamatory for a company or individual.

   

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23,888 Comments

  1. We ( me , my wife and my son) went to visa stamping today(24th August). VO asked where will I work and how did I find the job. He didn’t ask for any document and told your visa is approved and will be available within 27th . We were very happy and got back

    but now I see
    1) my 3 years old son’s visa is issued
    2) both mine and my wife’s visa under Administrative Processing:(

    What is going on I dont know. Does the status change takes time?

    Reply
  2. Please help me on this case. I am currently working in the us under TN status and my Wife is here with me under TD status. So my employer filed a CoS for both of us, meaning after October 1st our status will automatically change to H1/H4.

    My petition was approved about a month ago, however my Wife’s petition has not been approved yet. The problem is that she has a family emergency and she has to go back to Mexico next week, while it is possible that her petition could get approved before that happens, I would not count on it. Therefore I am pretty sure her CoS will be considered abandoned correct?.

    With that in mind, I was thinking if it was possible, for her to travel (and therefore abandon her petition is there any way to prevent this???), and then after October 1st she would go to the consulate with DS-160 filed for an H4 Visa. Note that at this time I would not have an H4 visa I would only have H4 status (as per the CoS). So it seems to me that for this to work, I would also have to go back after October 1st with my approved petition, fill a DS-160 and include my Wife and then we can all go to the interview and get our H1/H4 Visas, would this work?.

    Are there any negative side effects or my Wife abandoning her CoS to H4?. Besides of course it being considered abandoned.

    Do I have to go back after October 1st, so my Wife can get her H4 Visa and reenter the U.S.?. It is my understanding that she could actually also reenter on her TD Visa before October 1st, and then file a CoS again before October 1st, what would be the best course of action?.

    Thank you in advance!

    Reply
  3. Hi All,

    I got an email from my employer today that they have received my approval notice. However my online case status still shows as “Initial Review”. Has anyone been in same boat.

    Thanks,

    Reply
  4. Hi All,

    I got an email from my employer today that they have received my approval notice. However my online case status still shows as “Initial Review”. Has anyone been in same boat.

    Thanks,

    Reply
  5. Hi Friends,

    I got my petition approved this year and I applied visa by US company. I didn’t filed spouse and child information for dependent visa H4 while I am applying H1b visa at 1st April. I am planning to apply dependent visa now and I sent all documents dependent visa to HR. But they are not doing now, they would be doing H4 if I were in the US. Attorney advised that “this is set up when you go to your Consulate visit since you and your family are still overseas”.
    Could you please give me valuable suggestion is it possible to apply H4 visa now?
    If yes please give me details.
    Is it possible to apply dependent visa while applying H1B visa interview?

    Thanks in advance.

    Thanks & Regards,
    Your Best Fried.

    Reply
    • When you schedule visa interview (which is called DS-160 form), you can always add your dependents in the last page.
      Spouse, kids and you all can attend the interview at a time. Of course, this is advisable.

      Reply
    • When I applied for my H1, only my details was given to my company. I too have to apply for H4 for my wife. What I did was …
      1. While filling my DS 160 I mentioned my wife as my dependent who will accompany me.
      2. Filled DS 160 for my wife for H4.
      3. Scheduled interview for me and my wife together.

      My interview is scheduled for Sep. and my advise will be to take them with you as in this case H4 rejection chances will be Null.

      Reply
  6. My case status changed to RFE on june 16th, But my employer is not telling anything about the RFE reason. I understand that USCIS is asking for documentation from End Client.

    Its almost 75 days passed after getting RFE, and my employer has not replied yet. I am very much worried about my VISA. What else can i do now??

    Reply
    • Jes,

      Dont worry. USCIS give handsome time to employer almost like 3 months. So relaxed, it is employer docs so they may wont disclose with you. Also at time USCIS not reflect status on site even though docs are submitted. So Relax and wait for good news (its on the way)

      Reply
  7. Hi All,
    I am waiting for my h4 to h1 COS approval. I just want to know whether ppl who already got their H4 to H1 COS approval got their I-94 attached along with your I-797 notice? If so, what is the start date on I-94? Please let me know about I-94. Please help H4 to H1 COS approved folks. Appreciate it.

    Reply
  8. Hi All,

    Yesterday have attended H1B interview @copenhagen, after the interview visa officer issued and told we cannot verify your petition as it is not available in PIMS. And kept passports and original petition approval.

    Do you have any update and what can I expect from US consulate.

    Regards
    Wait4visa

    Reply
  9. Hi,

    I got my petition approved this year. Now, I work for a big MNC and they didn’t reveal the receipt number yet. I don’t have a valid US assignment yet, will get probably in March. I havn’t received any documents till date, just the approval email. Now, I’ve got a really good offer in another company. Any way I can switch and keep my VISA ? I have heard if I leave the company, they withdraw the petition, any way I can re apply with Cap exemption ?

    Does it make any difference in such situation if I know my petition receipt number ?

    Reply
  10. My petition is still in ‘Initial Review’ since Apr 10th. Do you think is it worthy to convert to Premium processing at this moment? Thanks in advance.

    Reply
  11. Hi I have a question. I got my visa approved and the new I94 as I am in US right now. Will be going to India in Sep. end and then will go for stamping on earliest appointment may be first week of Oct. but coming back to US in Dec. 2014. My question is can I work remotely during time period of Oct to Dec. And what should i put intended date of travel in DS 160 . Should I put a date of mid oct. to be on safer side. Also will they ask at port of entry as to why I had gap of 3 months in coming back.

    Please if someone can help.

    Reply
    • Yes! you can work remotely during that time , and you can put any future date in DS-160 , they can’t ask about gap in port of entry

      Reply
    • @wish
      You can work remotely only if your employer allows, but H1-B is not intended for working remotely because it is tied to the LCA in which your work location is specified.
      BTW, you can put mid Oct as your date of travel in DS160, in case the question about 3 months gap arises at the port of entry then you always have the right to say because some unavoidable personal reason you had to stay back.

      Reply
  12. Dear Friends,
    I have a doubt. Can you please clarify, if you have any idea.
    Me and my colleague are in LCA multislot.His petition is approved but i did not receive any update still .
    So my doubt is , the approved dates can be different for persons in multislot?

    Thanks in advance 🙂

    Reply
  13. Anyone from Infosys who got petition approved this year and is going for stamping/has completed stamping/moved onsite, please share your base location/unit

    Thanks

    Reply
  14. Hi Experts,

    Can you please suggest for my RFE case.

    I got a RFE to sumbit the SOW. Problem is, actually our SOW contract ended on Aug 2014 and we have taken an approval to extend the contract from the client, so that it got extended for two more months and this was happened throw email chain.

    Sep onwards, new contract also done, but it will take some time to get a new signed SOW.
    To reply my RFE case, I forwarded the old SOW and client email chain. Whether it will be a problem ? or my case will be approved or whether it will be a rejected?
    could you please suggest

    Reply
  15. Hi ,

    Can I give my friend address which is in the same location as my employer is not ready to give accommodation
    For below question at ds-160
    Address Where You Will Stay in the U.S

    Thanks

    Reply
  16. I’ve been silently following this website for months. Reading all other applicants commenting their stories about how their cases got approved made me wonder if I would ever got mine accepted.. Well, today it was finally my day!! After a long and painful wait I got notified that my case got approved. It was in “initial review” for around 2 months and a half, then it moved to “RFE” and again it stayed there for 2 months and a half. Las week it moved from “RFE” to “RFE Response Review” and today got finally accepted. Be patient and good luck!!

    Reply
      • I never knew exactly what was the “RFE” related about. I got a called from my employer telling me that my case was under “RFE”. He just mentioned the “RFE” had to do with with the company. USCIS wanted to get some more background of the company. But I didn’t have to submit any other information. Does anybody know what’s next? I assume I will need to go for the embassy interview. How long does it take to get the appointment?

        Reply
      • Hi Thanks. As far as I know my employer didn’t upgrade my case. The case was moved to “RFE Response Review” on the 9th of August, and today I finally got notified that the case has been approved! 🙂

        Reply
      • Till now i am not sure my H1 is selected in lottery or not. My employer said that USCIS asked for some supporting documents, but said they didn’t get any receipt number upto now after H1 lottery.
        Is this really possible without generating receipt number, USCIS will ask for more supporting docs. Anyone please clarify.

        Reply
        • maybe since some people mentioning without receipt number uscis reject some cases I think they are working on it or employer hiding something

          regards

          Reply
    • Hi, My condition is also same.. H1 is through US Consultency.. My employer is transparent with me and is in touch with Lawyer on my case.. So far nothing was heard..

      Reply
    • +1

      Yes me too still waiting to get lottery status.

      Anyone in the form please suggest, is there any positive chances now? Anybody knows abt it based on the previous years experience.

      Thanks.

      Reply
  17. Hi,

    I am still waiting for my first mail regarding to H1B, no RFE or petition approved. Please let me know how long do I need to wait.

    Thanks in advance

    Reply
    • IM waiting after submitting the docs after rfe..submitted on june 2nd.july 30th,was due date bt still have NT received any response

      Reply
  18. Got RFE and responded to it in premium. Now the status is as follows
    “your Alien Registration Number was changed relating to your I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. ”

    I was never on F1. I applied for H1 Extension. Does any one know what this means.

    Reply
    • It is a normal random update after a RFE response in premium. Many people had this update and they got their approval after this update mostly. So no need to worry and call USCIS if you don’t hear the decision in 15 days after your response. Good luck

      Reply
  19. Hi friends,

    My petition was approved in june 1’st week but my employer didn’t send the documents till now for stamping.when i ask him about this he said that will send in September first week.is there any problem for employer if we go for stamping early ?
    my employer said that more scrutiny will be there if we go early ….is it true ?

    Thanks in advance…..

    Reply
    • I don’t think so,if u attend late VO may ask for explanation about delay.

      If docs are ready,I would suggest to attend interview ASAP so that you will get clarity about ur case

      Reply
  20. Hi guys,

    am trying to schedule Stamping interview.

    I reached payment page and I see how much i need to pay but my dought is what is account no towards I should make the payment?

    Reply
    • There are 3 payment options, you can pay in person in India at any Axis bank branch. There is a link to see all the payment options on same page, look around you will find it.
      Or via BOA from US.
      For Axis bank option you need to generate some paper with instructions and your receipt number(it can be done from where you see payment options), take this along with to Axis bank.

      Reply
  21. Hi guys,

    am trying to schedule Stamping interview.

    I reached payment and I see how much i need to pay but my dought is what is account no towards I should make the payment?

    Reply
  22. I got RFE on 6th June and my Employer submitted the required document on 2nd week of AUG to USCIS but my status not changed from REF to REF response review. I don’t know about the REF requested documents list as well 🙁

    Worried 🙁 🙁 🙁

    Reply
    • To my experience, it will at least take 1 month for your status change. My employer submitted in the first week of July and my status changed 2nd week of Aug.

      Reply
    • Pls confirm, after submitting ur doc after RFE status, does the status changed to RFE response review.

      Mine one is still in RFE even though my employer sent all docs on 5 August, my due date is 8sept for RFE,

      Pls reply.

      Reply
  23. My case online changed from rfe response review to initial review (address change) I never changed the address nor the employee. Please let me know if there is anyone in the similar situation?

    Reply
    • It depends on the Complexity of RFE . Normally it is 60 to 90 days… so ur Employer should be ready before 7 working days of RFE expiration.

      Reply
    • RFE time is 90 days irrespective of the case. They made it standard 90 days for all cases after July 2011 as USCIS published an interim memo about this. Google rfe response time and you will see the USCIS official interim memo about this in the search result. So you got RFE on 1st July, you got time till 27th Sep. Good Luck.

      Reply
  24. Guys,
    I got RFE on 22nd May and i need to submitted by 18 August, Well my Employer submitted in July end and USCIS got it on 1st August, now my pitition is in RFE response review since 8th August.

    can anyone tell how much time now it take to get approved or Rejected ?

    Reply
  25. Hi,

    want to get the clarification for pay stubs.

    some people are saying that we have to carry original pay stubs for stamping interview.

    Actually my employer is sending PDF file for pay stub.there is no signature on that .it is computer generated …is that enough ?

    Thanks in advance…

    Reply
  26. In my current company h1b is initiated, if i get visa and then quit my current company and join another company before going to US, Can i use that visa in another company to goto US, if yes can you please let me know what are the documents required or what all things should be taken care from my side.
    It will be helpful.

    Reply
    • There are chances that your employer can revoke your visa if you change your employer. So don’t go for that now. You can change your employer only after you get your H1B transferred to the other employer and then intimate your current employer

      Reply
    • You cannot change your employer as there are possibilities that your visa can be revoked. So in case you change your employer, first get your H1b transferred and then put your papers.

      Reply
      • @Enquiry

        Visa can never be revoked by any employer, visa can only be revoked by a govt. authority, employer can only revoke I-797 approval notice.

        What is a Visa? A travel document allows an individual to travel to specific country/countries. Visa is issued by a specific country’s/union’s embassy/consulate.

        H1B approval notice (I-797) is an authorization of work issued by USCIS and not a visa. You can’t travel just with I-797 approval notice to the US, you need a visa stamped on your passport along with it.

        So, in your case your best bet is to get the approval notice (I-797). Then you can join other employer and ask them to get your H1B petition transferred from your old employer to them. If you get the visa stamping done while staying with your old employer then you don’t have to get the stamping done again when you join a new employer, you only need the petition transferred. You have weigh your options correctly. All the best.

        Reply
        • I was about to tell the same things. OP was almost misguided by previous posts.
          ENQUIRY,
          Your visa cannot be revoked by your employer. They can revoke your petition only. You can ask the next company to file a new petition and get it approved. Then travel with this visa, even though it contains your first employer s details on the visa itself. Just carry the supporting documentation such as new I797 and the packet which your new company sent to USCIS.

          Reply
  27. Hi everyone, I have 2 years bond with my consultancy, so they process my H1b visa. Now my visa is approved..my question is after 2 years if I change my employer, will my H1b approval be valid ? what are the document do I need to have before changing my employer. what is the process to apply for visa interview appointment . Kindly advice

    Reply
    • As prospective employees in the USA, we should be more informed. The Desi-Telugu guys exploit our weakness and ignorance and make money. Now the answer, if you are switching to another employer, he files a petition for you and gets is approved. While changing, you should have 3 last 3 months pay slips and relieving letter( If you get one) from your employer. This bond etc are bullshit, please be careful as he may try to abuse your rights by not paying you on bench or not giving payslips. All the best.

      Reply
        • @principle

          There doesn’t exist a law in the US where one can use an employee as a bonded labor, so the bond you have signed has ZERO value. You can leave your employer anytime, and if he intimidates you then you can approach the labor dept. and they will take care of the rest, they will put him behind bars for all the life. As far as experience certificate is concern, don’t worry about it while working in the US, all your work history is recorded against your SSN and lastly, your employer can’t deny you a paystub, it’s illegal if an employer doesn’t provide paystubs to his employees.

          Now comes the question of changing the employer, you can do it once you go to the US. Work for some time then make a move say may be after 3-4 months.

          Reply
  28. Hi,
    My wife’s employer filed her petition in april. We waited for 4 months for any news but did not get any. I lost hope already but was praying to my Sai baba for a good option. I was waiting for the return package. But with the blessings of Sai Lord, i got to know in 1st week of august that a receipt number was sent which the employer did not get before. But now they found it and it is in RFE stage. It was a miracle. I know it is not approved yet but i believe Baba would definitely continue to surpise me again and again. With his blessings, approval notice would also come soon.

    Thanks to you all.

    Reply
  29. HI ALL,

    I have attended interviewin Delhiin August2014,it shows ike administrative processing,
    i have given pick up address for passport is delhi only,
    suddenly i got tranasfred to Chennai Location, how can i change the pick up location,please help on this

    Reply
    • i got rfe on June 15th.submitted docs on July 2nd,rfe response due date was 30th July..bt still i hve nt got any response..has anybody in tcs received response

      Reply
  30. I have mentioned my name as i had a special note mentioned in my RFE that the petitioner role in organisational chart and job desc should match . I am not sure in your case. When did u got the RFE docs and submitted those and your due date?

    Reply
          • ok, I got the same thing. but i have a question here, I did not mentioned my name in organisation chart but i mentioned people those are there in US and reporting to the same manager to whom I am going to report if I go there. So is it ok If I did not mentioned my name in Organizationa chart.

          • Ok.
            One question here i did not mentioned my name under reporting manager in organization chart and I mentioned other folks name those who are already there. Is there any issue for this.

  31. Hi Folks,
    I have been a silent reader of this forum for most of the time, apart from a few comments that i added to some of your queries. Its a pleasure to inform you all that my petition got approved last Friday.

    RFE was for Specialty background : IT
    Receipt No : WAC141435*****

    Initial Review since : 10th April
    RFE : 26th June
    RFE response received at USCIS : 28th July
    RFE response review : 28th July
    Post decision (approved) : 8th August

    My company is a genuine small IT firm with its base in US and offices spread across 3 continents. I was not selected in the lottery last year but i knew that i had to keep calm and move on. This year we applied again and here it is 🙂 Wish you all good luck. I’ll post my experience during the Interview soon. Cheers !!

    Reply
  32. Hi all,

    I have my case status in Post decision and my employer has received I129.. Whats the next step.?? I mean how to apply for SSN and other paper related activities?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • @Ramya

      If your’s was a Change of Status from H4 to H1-B, that means you are already in the US and can apply for SSN. Talk to your employer if this is the case.

      If you are not in the US, the you will have to schedule visa interview. Your employer will send you all the documents required for scheduling the visa interview and you should be choosing the Consulate/Embassy as specified in the I-797 approval notice for this purpose.

      Reply
  33. hello Experts,

    Please address the below query related to the DS-160.

    in the section “Temporary Work Visa Information”

    there is a ” monthly income ” option on the bottom, would that be of my employer or mine?
    thanks,

    Reply
  34. Thank god my RFE got approved..

    RFE was for Specialty background (non it background)

    RFE – 10th May
    RFE docs reached USCIS – Aug 1st
    RFE response review – Aug 1st
    Post decision – Aug13

    Regular processing/Advanced degree

    I hope people waiting on the decision will get approved soon

    Reply

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