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H1B Visa 2015 – Frequently Asked Questions – Updates

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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.

Photo of author
Satheesh Kumar Ilu, commonly known as Kumar, is the founder of RedBus2US.com. He is an Immigration and Study Abroad expert. He holds an MS from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He studied, lived, and worked in the U.S. and Singapore for nearly two decades, and has traveled to over 25 countries.

   

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23,888 Comments

    • hey @Waiting To Hear:

      Same situation here. BAL Attorneys. AD/PP/VT.

      I asked them last Friday about it but they said that only a limited number of employers got receipts. They also said that they would update the Online Status Check account first. Have you checked that?

      I feel that they are a bit slow with updating…

      Reply

        • Yea… same here, not sure how reliable is the online Status Check tool, as they have to manually put in the receipt number, which might take quite a bit of time if they receive lots of receipts…

          Any thoughts?

          Reply

          • +1 , I think it may take time for them to upload the info on the tool , but I guess not much we can do here.

          • My employer is using BAL as well, but I’m AD/PP. They received receipt around noon last Friday and the system was updated 6 hours later. They also emailed me directly to inform me.

  3. Also, if we can stop the debate on who is more deserving and concentrate on the logical stuff it will be great for others 😛

    Good luck guys. Hang on tight

    Reply

  4. All my colleagues are getting their receipt numbers!! Seems they are closing in on PP processing applicants. I have an AD/PP application.

    Reply

  5. same boat as last year….non-advance, regular precessing.
    Didnt get selected last year. Application packet was returned on May 16th 2013.
    Hoping this year will be different.
    Hope everyone deserving gets it. This page has been really helpful as a coping mechanisim as we all wait.

    Reply

      • I refresh this page atleast 5 times an hour. Even though i know i will be one of the last people to find out since I am regular non premium.

        Reply

    • True. The wait is agonizing, and the whole process frankly is a bit silly when you weigh it against the consequences that applicants who miss out suffer; the potential to drastically change people’s futures. I am on my STEM extension and I can have another attempt next year, but I don’t know if I “need” this agony. If we as a group are as qualified as we are, as desirable as corporate America thinks we are, I am certain we have the ability to make good things happen for ourselves back home or in more welcoming environments like Canada. The lottery is farcical.

      Reply

      • Agree. Process is very antiquated, product of immigration law enacted more than 20 years ago when USSR was still around… World has changed drastically since then.

        And as always, government agencies everywhere around the world are the last ones to adapt to change.

        Definitely should consider other work options like Canada or the EU.

        Reply

    • Did you call the board line number or the direct number of your attorney at EGAN? someone else also mentioned they are not answering calls…

      Reply

      • I try my attorney, the attorney staff and some other person that asked me for back ups while they were preparing my application.

        Reply

          • I hope not… dont see a reason why they would do something like that actually… but u never knw… i think all other firms have some communication atleast..

          • I checked with my friend who went through this process last year. He told me that they informed him after 2-3 weeks.

          • What?! After 2-3wk they got the lottery result?
            That’s insane… They should at least picking up the phone ..
            So for pp, we will know the lottery result before 28th for sure right?

          • I think 2-3 weeks is a long time for them to get back with a response for a Premium Processing case.. and they have been always saying that EGAN/EY has all cases under PP…. Hope someone hears from them soon enough…

          • no updates yet. tried calling and by mail but no news yet.
            Did you guys follow with your HR. I left a voice mail. Haven’t heard back yet.

  8. Thanks god! Just got the number, PP/AD. but no update in the uscis status check. why?
    Thanks in advance!
    Good luck to others!

    Reply

  9. Is there anyone that currentlt on OPT that filed non AD/PP had check with school whether your Sevis status had updated before receiving receipt number? I checked with the school today but non progress!

    Reply

    • I applied for Regular cap and Regular processing.. The wait seems never ending and it adds every second to it.. although we will be the last ppl to know whats there in our destiny!!

      Reply

  17. On April 10, 2014, we received this I539 APPLICATION TO EXTEND OR CHANGE NONIMMIGRANT STATUS.what does this application for L1 to H1 change of status

    Reply

  20. Hiee,
    Plss help…

    Any AD people who were not selected last year lottery, what did u guys do to maintain legal status for 1 year.??????
    Thanks in advance.
    Hope to hear ur reply.

    Reply

    • Good question. My guesses would be:

      1. OPT 17-month extension (if you are STEM or still have 17 months left…)
      2. Work in your home country for 1 year for the same employer (internal transfer, pretty common actually)
      3. L1 Visa (only for certain individuals who have previously worked abroad for more than 1-year for the same employer)
      4. TN NAFTA work permit (for Canadian and Mexico citizens)
      5. Bribe USCIS officials to get your application approved 😉 Last resort obviously.

      Reply

    • You have to get admission in any college and you can stay with valid I-20 until next year. but do not loose hope from now. Best of luck.

      Reply

  25. Are regular processing applicants going to be notified about their receipt numbers via email or postal mail. Does anybody know?

    Reply

    • For selected premium processing petitions, an email with receipt number will be sent to the attorney and then followed by a hard copy in mail. For selected regular processing petitions, a hard copy of the receipt notice with receipt number is sent via standard mail

      Reply

  28. Still PP is going on..
    Last successful petition at California is wac1413252703.
    Last receipt number is wac1413252706(it’s rejected, though)

    Reply

      • I am not sure this Non-premium . Because in this thread previously it was said
        email will be only sent to PP cased. so this case has been named as email.so i guess its still PP

        Reply

        • I think its a Non-PP. If its a PP, then we should see something like this in the status – “Your Request for Premium Processing Service for your I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER..”

          Reply

        • On April 10, 2014, we received this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER and we e-mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case. Please follow any instructions on this notice

          Reply

        • Check this

          On April 10, 2014, we received this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER and we e-mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case. Please follow any instructions on this notice. This case is being processed at our CALIFORNIA SERVICE CENTER location. You will be notified by mail when a decision is made, or if the office needs something from you. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address or call our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.

          Reply

  36. Just got my receipt from my employer, Ad/PP. Thanks God this year is luck as mine was not selected last year. Best of luck every one out there.

    Reply

  37. The attoreny will send one package for all employees and courier them and
    Name it as ATTN: H1B MASTERS& REGULAR is that valid.

    Reply

  39. Does anyone have any updates on when the receipt numbers or returned packages will be for regular quote under regular filing? I am in MI so I believe it will go to the California for processing if selected? Just trying to plan ahead for my future!! I came to the USA from the UK for college and have been working now since last year on my OPT. I have built a life here, with long term girlfriend, house and car payment and now I have to sit around and wait to see what my fate is on if I can stay in the country or not. I just want to find out so I can get with my lawyer and see what other options I have if I am not selected! Thanks everyone!

    Reply

    • Same situation here. Built a life here, but I guess there’s nothing you or me can do about it at this point. What matters is our response to these adverse challenges.

      My “Plan B” is actually to go work in the UK if this H-1B game doesn’t materialize… 😉

      Reply

    • House payment ? An alien with a college degree and on OPT at most will make 45k-55k (if STEM and fresh graduate). with that money and assuming that you did not have any college loans (which I have doubts if you can get any in the US due to your status) you will barely survive with your life expenses ! a very simple life insurance will cost at least $ 150 per month. So how’s that possible even to establish a life with a girlfriend and car and house payments ! o_O

      Reply

      • Also with your VISA expiring short after graduation, even credit unions will hesitate giving you a loan since they are not sure if you are gonna stay in the country to pay it back. Or they may charge you 20% interest rate. Did you even had enough credit history to be qualified for house loan ? did you even have that 20% down payment ?? o_O 20% of 200K is 40K which is more than a year of your income salary !

        Reply

      • Mikeab – there are graduates who make more than 55k …

        Most grads from from my program average 85k to 110k range, so it’s not that rare.

        Also, foreigners can buy and own property, as well as taking out mortgages out of U.S. banks. There’s no restriction on that (though down payment may be as high as 25%).

        Also, most large employers cover the entire health and disability insurance expense with no cost to the employee. My employer also covers life, vision, and dental as well.

        Reply

        • Dude I’m working for a Fortune 19th employer and I have been in the job market for a while ! There is no way that you make 85K around what I make with a masters in STEM with an undergrad degree! My VP who has been with the company for almost his life 😀 dosent make more than 150K ! What are you talking about ?

          I also have car loan that I got it with difficulties even when I had a good credit record and score non of the major banks wanted to work with me simply because of my status and they said they are not sure if I’m gonna stay in the country to pay it back ! So I would say that is not gonna work !

          Reply

          • Also for the health insurance, my portion is $ 150 per month ! company pays most of it ! I also need to include 401K which that is also a portion of the income ! so with that 45K and all these stuff there is no way that you can have girlfriend and a house ! at most you might find a $ 300 puppy or a drug whore to live with ! 😀

          • Jonathan’s range sound about right for consulting firms. Also if you work at any big bay area tech firms like Google, Facebook, Apple,etc, you will get at least 90k base.

          • How about the grads who go to bulge bracket investment banks? Strategy consulting? BCG? McKinsey? Bain Capital? My friend at Barclays can easily take in 30k in bonus alone in the first year. Dude, don’t make generalizations. All I’m saying is, everybody’s situation is different.

            FYI, the average salary in our master graduate class of 2013 is indeed above 85k… in fact quite a bit higher.

          • I have doubts if that is gonna happen ! McKinsey ??? Do they even recruit fresh graduates to be consultants ? I’m a consultant myself and a minimum requirement for being a consultant is work experience ! If you think that a VP with 25 years if work experiences is going to listen to a 23-26 year old college kid as of his consultant you are damn wrong !

            These numbers are artificial. In reality the first job wont pay you more than 60K if you have a Masters and alien. Also his case is Undergraduate degree not an Advanced degree.

          • Mikeab – When I first received my BA degree, my starting compensation package as a fresh graduate at a New York investment bank is 90k (70k base, 20k bonus).

            McKinsey, BCG, Goldman, JPMorgan all recruit at top 10 undergraduate institutions in the United States. In fact, most of their incoming employees undergo a summer analyst program in the 3rd year of college, followed by a full-time position after receiving their BA/BS.

            Again, I don’t see what you are trying to say? Everyone’s situation is different.

          • Age 29, Not Us Citizen, 6yrs work ex, top 15 US Bschool MBA, starting salary 125K with a major consulting firm. Not sure where you are getting your numbers

          • From my W2 and pay stubs. That’s where I’m getting my information. Just because you make a certain number does NOT mean everyone else has to make the same level or worse than you. Investment banking, M&A is very different from consulting. Totally different industry.

          • The salary I was offered is above 100k. That doesn’t include other bonuses.

            I just got my Master’s (sadly non-US) and do not have any professional experience yet. I know a good number of people who are in this salary range in the US, and they’re no MBA holder.

      • You were a little quick to jump out then!! Yes, I do not have any loans to pay. I was recruited to play a sport over here, so I do not have any loans and I was admitted to the country on that fact. You get rewarded for having abilities. I met my girlfriend when I was in college, we lived together in college and then moved into a house (which we rent) after we both graduated. So we have TWO people paying the bills, and yes I do have a car payment and yes I have a good credit score because I was smart about my money and what I was spending. I have health insurance through my employer, and a 401k savings plan set up which I use to invest my money wisely.

        So to answer your question, yes I have built a life, been with my girlfriend for 3 years, have a car payment and house rent pay. Why so you find that so difficult to believe?

        Reply

    • UK Applicant – do you have work authorization/EU citizenship to work in the UK? If so, it could be a great alternative to H-1B…

      Reply

      • Jonathon,

        I am a citizen of the UK. I moved out to the US when I was 19 for my education and did a couple of internships which lead to my full time employment. As I previously mentioned, I have started to build my life here so it seems such a shame to go back home after what I have started to build. Let along the opportunity here in the USA compared to the UK… Also, it would involve my girlfriend moving with me too, which is another visa issue we would than have to go through. I hope everything works out for you!!

        Reply

  40. My employer charged me for the attorney fees. Is it legal? Also, I do not have any update as of now. They said they will be doing a standard processing, I checked on company, it seems quite legit and I googled alot and found there are various companies in US, who charge for attorney fees and charging attorney fees is not illegal. Any comments?

    Reply

    • Absolutely illegal. You employer could potentially be fined if USCIS decides perform an audit.

      According to the Immigration and Nationality Act and federal regulations, each of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) fees associated with an H-1B filing must be paid by the employer and cannot be borne by the H-1B employee. If 15-day premium processing is desired, however, this optional fee may be paid by either party depending on the circumstances. If premium processing is requested for the benefit of the employer, the employer must pay this expense. If the employee is the party requesting premium processing for his or her own benefit, then the employee may pay for premium processing.

      Reply

      • @Jonathan: Like I said, they are not going for premium processing, they made it clear that they will file my petition under regular processing. Is it still illegal?They have given me every detail on email, I have documented proof of everything. I am not very sure whether this is legitimate or not but I googled alot and asked many people already in US on H1b, they all said it is the risk worth taking, because no one would cheat you for 1500$ or so, especially for an employer who files one or two H1 petition in a year Do you think its still illegal?

        Reply

        • It is certainly a risk, and it’s your own decision to make. You need to weight to cost vs. benefits.

          From a legal standpoint, what your employer is doing is absolutely illegal under the Immigration and Nationality Act, which strictly forbid employers from charging the attorney fees to their H-1B employees. The only exception is when the individual employee requests for Premium Processing, in which case the employee can pay the additional $1225. All other attorney and application must be borne by the employer.

          Reply

      • Employer charging the employee for attorney fees – I don’t think it is illegal.
        Employer charging the employee for petition fees – Illegal
        Employer charging the employee for premium processing fee: I don’t think it is illegal, if the employee needs to know the result for his personal benefit.

        Others can confirm.

        Reply

    • Guys, please do some research before announcing your own personal opinions on this issue. Below is the official regulation as stipulated by the Department of Labor, word for word:

      “Illegal Deductions: Your employer may not require you to pay, either directly or indirectly, any part of the petition filing fee; or to pay a financial penalty for leaving employment before a date set in the employment contract; or to pay employer business expenses (such as attorneys fees for preparation and filing of the H-1B Labor Condition Application).”

      Citation: dol [dot] gov/wecanhelp/h1bworkers.htm (U.S. Department of Labor)

      Reply

        • Ummm, out of curiousity, why couldn’t they just pay the $3,000+ attorney fees themselves? I don’t know any employer that’s this stingy… not to mention a direction violation of Department of Labor regulations.

          Reply

          • They told me this is only to ensure that in case if you screw up your visa interview or by any chance do not decide to come, we are not the only one suffering the loss.

          • AK – if you want to verify if they actually filed for your H-1B, ask for two things:

            1. LCA Receipt Number
            2. UPS/Fedex or mail tracking number for your application (your employer or their attorney should have it)

            All employers should have those two items by this time

  41. Just a note to the Site Admin – It has been very difficult to view comments on previous pages, as the comments fill up very quickly. Once you click on Pages 9, 8, or lower, it results in a blank comment section.

    We’d appreciate you addressing this issue as there are lots of valuable information on previous pages especially for new members on this forum.

    Reply

  42. Has anyone who made the lottery checked with their International Student Office at University to see for updates in their SEVIS? How long does it take after the application is selected in the lottery to get reflected in the SEVIS? When is the best time to check with the Universities? #AD

    Reply

    • I spoke with my ISO today and told me that nothing had been updated in SEVIS. It may be worth an email or a phone call to get them to check. No harm done and you may find out if you have been selected!

      Reply

    • Same here, received receipt No. on Friday. I guess there is no need to worry, most likely they are still putting info into the online system.

      Reply

  44. hi, just now i realized that i made a big mistake. I sent my application at CL which should sent at VT. Now, what will happen ? any idea ? what should i do ? please advice guys … i am in pain. 🙁

    Reply

    • This is from the USCIS website… So sorry for you…

      You must file your petition with the correct service center depending on the H-1B beneficiary’s work location(s) as specified in the petition. We have specific mailing addresses for cases that are subject to the H-1B cap. To determine which jurisdiction you are in, see our Web page Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker.
      Note: We have a separate mailing address for certain types of educational or nonprofit organizations that file H-1B petitions for beneficiaries who are exempt from the cap.
      Please read the filing instructions very carefully. If you file your petition incorrectly, we will reject it. Rejected petitions will not retain a filing date and will not be counted toward the H-1B cap.

      Reply

      • Just now, i have talked with USCIS customer service & they informed me that, either they will send the application in proper address or they can return it to the employer. Anything could happen. Do you think this information is right ?

        Reply

  46. Nice to see that few ppl got the receipts over the weekend and also early this morning. We’re still waiting for it and this wait sucks. Anyone from non-AD/PP/VT got receipt so far?

    Thanks

    Reply

  48. Got great news from my attorney today morning. AD / PP / Vermont. Keep praying guys. God will never let you down. Going to temple right now.

    Reply

    • Congrats, buddy!

      I hope I hear the same thing happen to me today too. I am also PP AD Vermont. This wait is killing me. This is my second time.

      Do you know when they got the email? Was it today?

      Reply

  50. Mine is AD/PP Vermont center. I have received any confirmation email yet. Should I lose hope or wait for a couple of days more to reach to any conclusion?

    Reply

      • Don’t loose hope until you will get your package returned to your attorney saying rejected.

        All the best. Hope you through the lottery!!!

        Reply

      • Game is just started and we are playing power play. Do no loose hope from now. We have to play whole 50 over bro. People received receipt till July last year. Stay hopeful Stay strong.

        Reply

    • Dont loose hope buddy. I know how you are feeling now but believe me. There is still time to hear good news. It is just a day until now. Be calm and patient.

      Reply

    • The comment by Phoenix (see below) is probably the most realistic expectation for all AD/PP. I also applied AD/PP.

      Judging from previous years’ trends, USCIS typically sends out receipts in the following order: AD/PP, RD/PP, AD/RP, RD/RP. Of course, there’s always exceptions but it seems that they have followed this trend in the past.

      Most AD/PPs should expect their receipts within the next 5 business days (roughly by April 21 or 22). The latest PP for both AD and RD would be sent out around April 28, when USCIS formally initiates its guaranteed 15-day processing of all Premium Processing dates.

      Like Phoenix sad earlier, the most pragmatic approach is to set realistic expectations. If you applied AD/PP, you should not wait longer than April 28 (I’m sure there are a few rare PP receipts in May but they are the exception). Having realistic expectations about the timeline will save you a lot of anxiety and waiting time, so that you can promptly prepare for your “Plan Bs” instead of waiting indefinitely for your illusive lottery ticket…

      Reply

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