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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.

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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

  4. Hi everyone,

    I have a question and maybe someone here can help me out. So unfortunately I did not get picked up in the H1B process this year . Now, my OPT extension will end sometime next June (2015), so this means I will have another chance next year in the lottery but I want to start applying for universities to get my masters. My question is, can I apply for the fall semester of 2015 and assuming I get in, can I stay in the US legally even though my OPT expires in June? In other words, if I get my I-20 before my OPT expires, can I stay in the U.S until the classes begin?

    Thanks

    Reply

    • Clay, I am on the same boat as you. My OPT extension will expire May(2015) and I am also planning to apply a master degree. After the OPT expired, you have 60 days grace period. So if you haven’t use any of those time, you can stay in US since most school starts mid August.

      Reply

  5. Hi,
    WAC/PP case:
    My petition has been approved on Apr-28. On May 21, I got email from Fragomen that says “On Apr-28 we received from the USCIS {company name}’s I-797 H-1B approval notice authorizing you for employment…”, but nothing happened after it.

    Does anyone got approved I-797 to his home address from Fragomen?

    Reply

  7. Return package rec’ today 6/5/14
    notice date is 5/6/14
    It takes a month for FXXking USCIS to mail the package!
    And the 60 day grace period starts from 5/6/14 not 6/5/14
    They are rediculous!

    Reply

  9. I’m checking USCIS website every 15 mins ! Totally lost focus on my work !

    I’m sick and tired of this waiting ! F** USCIS 🙁

    Reply

  10. My Series is 14-142-XXXXX, Today it’s showing that “On June 5, 2014, we received your correspondence for your I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER”. But still the status is “Intial Review”. What’s this mean…? Any idea, please…. Thanks…

    Reply

  12. Hi

    My petition was picked up in lottery and got an RFE on June 3,2014. Anybody in similar boat. I have not yet received the RFE document from USCIS, wanted to know if anybody had received the communication from USCISs and what are they asking for. I know it depends on case by case basis, but wanted more information on what are they looking for

    Thanks

    Reply

    • Me too got an RFE on Jun3. Still not sure what it is about.. I have informed my employer.. They said they will update me once they receive the notice..

      Reply

      • If you don’t mind, please post your question once you receive from USCIS. My petition is also from CA and starts with WAC1414*

        Thanks

        Reply

    • Did you just heard that you got picked on June 3rd?

      And also what’s an RFE if you guys don’t mind me asking?

      Reply

      • RFE is “Request for Further Evidence”. The petition reviewer requires further information to process the petition. My petition was picked in lottery on April 22, 2014

        Reply

    • it may be for degree not matching with h1b profession , not a speciality occupation, employer employee relation etc.. only your employer may have the answer

      Reply

      • Amit

        I have Bacherlors Degree in Electronics and Communication with 14 years of experience in Industry. I hope my degree would be matching H1 requirements

        My position is a full time position and as you mentioned it may be question to my employer on how he would justify my position

        Thanks

        Reply

        • best of luck bro.. I have seen someone in Electrical and Electronic engineering degree applied for web programmer position and received an RFE.

          Reply

  14. How can it take so long to get the receipt number(check deducted in first week May).I really dont know how this is possible.

    Reply

      • I was worried since so many people have got their packages back. Hence now are there really any chances of getting receipt?

        Reply

    • Wait for one more week. My friend who is working for them said, they reveal the receipts no. to everyone at the same time after getting receipts for all of their selected petitions. So they may be waiting for more receipts for applications whose check got encashed. They have this policy every year and so no need to worry if your check got encashed. You will get the receipt no. by next week. I am also waiting. Will update here if I get any more info from my friend who is working already.

      Reply

  16. Anyone received their application package back?

    I don’t think there is much left.. Refer to the link below:

    http://www.murthy.com/2014/06/03/final-h1b-cap-update-for-fy15/

    Reply

  18. Finally ……
    Today I got mail giving my application num linked to uscis status checking portal.
    Case status = Initial Review

    All the best guys and never loose hope.

    Reply

    • No nothing.
      They are not giving any info … They are not listening to any query even..
      So mean and rude people they are. Must say.
      Dont know what they are doing as many of my coleeagues have got it..

      Reply

  23. My H1 petition got approved in 2008 quota and validity till 2011. Can I go for cap exempt now and go for stamping ?

    I did not went for stamping in 2008 because of no projects for my consultancy during that time. Now I got good employer for job in USA.

    Reply

    • You cannot use an approved petition for cap exemption, you should show valid H1 status to be considered for Cap Exemption.

      Reply

    • I think you can go for Cap Gap as long as your petition is not revoked. Please consult an immigration lawyer for more detail.

      Reply

    • You can go ahead with Approved Petition. It doesnt need any H1 activation or Entering US with H1.
      My H1 got approved in CAP exempt , with Previous unused H1 from 2011.

      Just check approval date on your 2008 h1b , that +6 years is the time when you are cap exempt.
      this is 2014, so might be running outta time, so hurry. 🙂

      Reply

  25. Anybody with receipt number EAC141415**** series.

    I have received receipt long back but still shows as “Initial Review”. It is Non-AD/Reg with Notice date April 22.

    Approximately how much time it should take ?

    Reply

    • My petition got approved today WAC14142539xx. Thank you so much Lord….

      Receipt date is 4/10, notice date is 4/22 and received the notice last 4/28 and approved after 37 days… I think they are doing it in random… From initial review it jumped to Post Decision activity…. All the best….

      Reply

    • Mine too is from same series but still in “Initial Review”, I think have to wait for another 10-12 days.

      Reply

  26. Anyone stamping interview scheduled, can you please update? I am sure some of the PP guys would have already received their approval package and lined up for stamping interview. Please update guys..

    Reply

  28. Hi All,
    any one from Millennium Info Tech Inc. still waiting for receipt?
    did any one from Millennium Info Tech Inc. got information about their rejection packages ?
    please update
    Millennium Info ask me to wait till package returns.

    Reply

      • As you can see, many people replied that they got their packages back. We should start thinking on plan bcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz. To my understanding, we should hope for the best, but work on other plans instead. As per USCIS, it has the worst lottery system ever. How come a lottery decides the fate for many people who have already jobs in the US.

        Reply

    • How did you hear that they received the last set? Did you call them? I am also waiting for the update. Thanks

      Reply

    • Not heard…:(
      How did you know it was the last set?
      Also, If check was deducted,it means I am going to get receipt number for sure?

      Thanks

      Reply

    • Not heard…:(
      How did you know it was the last set?
      Also, If check was deducted,it means I am going to get receipt number for sure?

      Thanks

      Reply

    • If they have received the recipts wht they are not sharing!! If any one received the recipt number, plz update here.

      Reply

    • They informed us that the check was cashed a month back. Not sure why they are not providing the receipt numbers yet.

      Reply

        • Same here..Splendtek Inc. people are not sharing the receipt numbers even though the check was cashed a month back.

          Splendtek guys..Lets share all information we get from them

          Reply

          • Did anybody tried to call them? As they are not responding to email, I called them, they informed need to wait till next weekend!!!

          • Yeah they said to wait till next weekend. We will be getting it by next week. This wait is killing.

          • A month ago, I was said my cheque has been encashed..but still have’nt got my receipt numbers. They asked me for the cheque clearance date 2 days back..I wonder why…

  36. Wac1417151049(RP), Wac1417151051(RP), Wac1417151051(PP), Wac1417151053(RP),Wac1417151056(PP),Wac1417151057(RP),Wac1417151058(PP),Wac1417151059(PP) ….. & many more. All of the above got generated on 3rd June’14. So, u know what i mean to say….

    Reply

  37. Ok…. Finally got some news… The Attorneys have got the package back.. and sent a mail to my employer stating that am not selected….
    Feeling sad.. But no one to be blamed….Its my Fate… Probably god has planned better things for me …..
    Thanks to everyone on this forum and it has been really encouraging being on this..
    All the best to everyone who selected and the ones waiting to be.. For the ones who arent selected…Yes this is not the end of the world for us.. Lets get more stronger and hopefully as said earlier, GOD HAS PLANNED BETTER THINGS FOR US.

    Reply

    • You have such a great attitude and outlook in life. I wish I had your thoughts regarding this process. I am very frustrated with the USCIS lottery. Overall, Not fair at all.

      Reply

  38. H1B: Wac1417151048
    On June 3, 2014, we received this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER, and mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case. Please follow any instructions on this notice. You will be notified by mail when a decision is made, or if the office needs something from you. ”

    So receipts are still being delivered. ???

    Reply

  40. Applied for Non-AD /RP /Vermont Center

    Today I got news not selected in the lottery… Thanks for this website giving valuable information past 2 months…

    Better Luck Next time for me ….

    All the best those got selected and those who are not selected it not end of life…

    Bye Folks

    Reply

  42. Hi

    Please provide inputs, if you know credible info –

    a. Is there any possibility for USCIS to send rejection along with receipts ?
    Asking this, as last yr, many folks got in June also (when rejections also came in may end).

    If this is true, then, we all can keep some hopes.
    To add credence, just noticed one message in this page, where someone got receipt iin last 2 day

    b. What are you hearing from other links / sources ?

    Reply

    • My lawyer told me on May 19 the following,

      Hi XXX,

      It might happen. In past years, we have received receipts for a few straggler cases many weeks after the majority of receipts were issued, so USCIS does sometimes find a few extra visa numbers to send out.

      Reply

    • H1B: Wac1417151048
      On June 3, 2014, we received this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER, and mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case. Please follow any instructions on this notice. You will be notified by mail when a decision is made, or if the office needs something from you. ”

      So receipts are still being delivered. ???

      Reply

    • I am PP and haven’t heard back about lottery results still. This is what I got from Fragomen this morning when I emailed them to check on my case status:

      “At this time, we have not received any updates from the USCIS in connection with your H-1B filing. We should be receiving a final decision within the next 1-2 weeks.”

      Reply

  45. I got my visa approved in premium processing on 1st of May, but I am still to receive the package. It has not yet been shipeed to my lawyer. Anybody like that?

    AD/PP/CA

    Reply

  46. on one hand as i keep my hopes still up as you have mentioned 🙂 i am also putting in place my plan B, C…. Z so that whichever direction i end up in, I will have a choice in the matter. It sucks to uproot life and go back / move to another country at such short notice, but such is life

    Reply

    • What are the first five digits of your receipt # and when you got the information that you were selected in the lottery?

      Reply

    • Selected in lottery doesn’t mean that your petition has approved. Its just that your application has been picked up in lottery. Petition approval will take another couple of months. So you can expect your petition copy somewhere in between Aug to September. And i’d suggest don’t go with VTS, they don’t update that on regular basis.
      Hope it clears your confusion.

      Reply

      • Hi,
        I m also working in Tcs but yet did not get any update on my visa. Is still there a hope that my visa got selected in lottery? From whom you got lottery email?please help

        Reply

        • Couple of more lists will come in another 2-3 weeks time. Don’t loose hope your name could be there in any of that list.. :). You can drop an email to FDFU next monday and they will tell your status.

          Reply

          • Why on earth is TCS releasing the selected candidates lists on a phased manner. And its been more than a month and a half since the lottery has been taken. Do they want to kill people with hypertension or wht ??I’ve spent countless sleepless nights so far in the wake of this. Why dont they jus tell me selected/rejected so that I can plan accordingly rather than dwelling in HOPE for more than 2 mnths now…. grrr :@

  48. Hi Friends,

    My game is over. My employer received my return packet on monday.

    Non AD/RP/VT

    Thanks for supporting to all upto this.

    we will meet next year.

    Thansk

    Reply

    • Hi

      HCL ISG sent mails to employees who are selected in lottery. receipt numbers are not shared. No rejection emails still. For my case no status update. waiting for some news – selected or rejected.

      Reply

  50. Guys,
    Are there any futhur updates from . Last update I received from GIMS on 2nd June is as below. Not sure what’s going on :O

    Dear Employee,

    Greetings from GIMS!!

    This communication is pertaining to your application for current year’s H1B Cap.

    Kindly note that your application is still pending with the USCIS and USCIS has not taken any decision on the same. As per the latest communication with the authorities, they require additional two weeks to act on all pending applications. Accordingly, until 15th of June we will not receive any updates from the authorities on our applications. This delay is due to the huge volume of applications which got filed at USCIS. We anticipate updates in batches commencing from 15th June 2014 till month end.

    In the meantime, we request you not to do any follow ups with GIMS team, Service Connect, or Support Centre as there would be no update beyond this on your application. Appreciate your support.
    Thanks and Regards
    GIMS TEAM

    Reply

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