Home » US Immigration - Visas » H1B Visa » H1B Visa 2015 – Frequently Asked Questions – Updates

H1B Visa 2015 – Frequently Asked Questions – Updates

| by | 23,888 Comments

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.

   

Other Articles

23,888 Comments

  2. My Petition got approved today (July 17)

    A warm thanks for all the members of this redbus community!!!, you guys are awesome!!! very informative!!!

    NON-AD/RP/EAC

    146 Series!!!

    Reply

  4. I just receive a receipt notice from Uscis. Never lose your hope! I’ll write my story in greater detail today. Thanks God!

    Reply

    • congratulations!!! it was just sent today or was it being held by your employer/attorney? and is this just a receipt or approval of ur petition?

      Reply

    • Alright people. Are you ready to hear the weirdest H1B case of mine ever happened in human history!

      Let’s start from the beginning.

      I applied H1B through the petitioner in Chicago with AD/PP/CA and started waiting for the lottery results as every body else after it was conducted on April 10th. Since I had not gotten any feedback from the employer and my lawyer I decided to contact my school’s DSO to learn if there was a status change on my SEVIs record and they said there is an automatic cap gap extension applied on my status along with a receipt number.(Even though when I check that receipt number’s status online, it’s still at the ‘acceptance’ stage)

      Then I asked my lawyer to confirm the receipt number with USCIS premium processing unit since its more convenient to reach and has fast response time. And guess what they said. My case was first selected(that’s why there was a status change on my SEVIs record) then it was rejected for somehow that they did not even know what the reason was. As you can see I went off by this fact and insisted my lawyer to call USCIS continuously to tell them that there should be no reason for my case to get rejected because it was filed properly, no duplicate entry and there is enough money to be cashed in the associated bank account for the check sent. We(I, employer, lawyer) believe that my case was voided erroneously by USCIS probably as a result of human interaction. After several phone calls we were shut out by the PP officers from USCIS said that my case was 100% rejected and waited for my package to be back. Since then I have been working on my other options like O-1 or E-2 but I was waiting for my package to be returned.

      It was this morning that I received an email from my lawyer. First I thought she notified me with the package return but it turned out a big favor to me. She has gotten a receipt notice email from USCIS saying they received my case and the approval time will take 15 business days. And the most interesting part is they assigned me a different receipt number. Here is the first few numbers: WAC141805….

      My whole world has changed since this morning as I already had lost my all hope whatsoever. I tasted what it feels like to be rejected as well as selected so I can pretty much understand the people’s feelings who still have not received anything from USCIS.
      My advise is never lose your hope until you receive something pos/neg. If you have any questions let me know people

      Reply

  5. My petition got approved!!!

    A very warm thanks for all the users of this forum!!! you guys r wonderful!!!

    NON-AD/RP/EAC

    146 series!!!

    Reply

  6. My H1B got approved from XYZ consultant and will be able to work from OCT on H1B, for that I have relocate from my current location. My question is can I transfer my H1B before Oct to some other employer?
    Any suggestions ? and If so when is the rite time to do the transfer? will my current consultant will get to know about transfer :O ?

    Reply

  7. It is like amazing! The frequency that I have to check my F***ing status on the USCIS web site is more than the frequency of a light beam traveling around the planet earth !

    like I left everything at my work and doing nothing but refreshing this shitty web site every 10 mins to see if there is any changes on my F**ing status !

    Screw USCIS !

    Reply

  10. I got my process back today! This website was so helpful, because i could prepare myself for this new. Today the wait is over! I Hope next year they rise the cap.

    Reply

  11. Hi all

    I AM RP/NA/VT
    EAC14140

    Picked in the lottery on 30th april n my application got approved on 11th june:)
    Thank you God!
    This forum hs olways kept my spirits up.
    Thank you people:)
    Good luck to all !

    Reply

    • Hi,

      I am also from CTS. My petition got approval this week. Do you know what will be the next steps from our side. As I am not getting any update from our H1B team.

      in myVisa site I can see I questionire is there which needs to be filled before december 2014.

      When can we go for stamping…..what else we need to complete before stamping.

      Regards,
      Partha

      Reply

  12. Guys,
    Received approval today 17th June.
    NonAD/RP/VT, EAC1414854***

    Thanks almighty for everything.
    Also thanks to this forum and all members who kept me motivated during all this time.

    Reply

  13. Anyone with EAC14146***** series got approval notice..I am currently in U.S and planning to travel to India in 2nd week of July..Are there any chances that my petition will get approved before that..Any idea?TIA

    Reply

  16. I know poeple are talking about the rejections package. Did you guyz hear anything about acceptance Since June 1st?

    Just to know at least 1% chance….

    Reply

  17. Got update from people mobility team that my application is selected in lottery. Wish you all guys who are waiting a very good luck.
    Cheers.

    Reply

  19. NON AD/RP/VT..my package returned y’day… I guess its not wise to keep any high hopes … move on with Plan B..Best of luck…

    Lets meet next year..Bye..

    Reply

  20. Any more hopes for lottary results, still we have not received any status from our employer as per empoyer still no lottary status avilable for my petition.

    Reply

    • Was it applied under PP or regular? If its PP then cant understand why USCIS is taking so much time for speed cases to confirm rejection

      Reply

    • There is a group in Knome called H1B VISA all the applicants will keep posting there. No point in searching here bro!!

      Reply

  22. just got update on BAL site about rjection lottery result…though it has reallu saddened me and it is my last update on this site..best of luck to those who are still waiting their result

    Reply

  23. Hi All,

    I lost hope for this year. Seeing next year now..
    I am seeing people have applied through different consultancies as well.
    Can somebody tell me any good consultancies, with good track record.

    Reply

  24. Hi All

    Got rejection update from my attorney.
    Good luck to those who got.
    For others, lets catch up next yr, same time, same place.

    Until then, Astalabista

    Reply

    • As per my understanding, if you have an approved petition, you are 99% sure of getting visa. There are hardly any rejections happens during stamping. Do you have an approved petition?

      Reply

          • Hi,

            I am also from CTS. My petition got approval this week. Do you know what will be the next steps from our side. As I am not getting any update from our H1B team.

            in myVisa site I can see I questionire is there which needs to be filled before december 2014.

            When can we go for stamping…..what else we need to complete before stamping.

            Regards,
            Partha

  26. Can some one tell me what is the meaning for below

    On April 28, 2014, your Alien Registration Number was changed relating to your I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. Please check our website at http://www.uscis.gov for further updates on your case. Please wait until the end of normal processing time before calling customer service at 1-800-375-5283 for live assistance

    Reply

    • My bad! Its not approval, its some kind of status I guess which appears after you/your employee responds to your RFE case. Nothing to worry about, just another step. All the best.

      Reply

      • My Petition is in same status for over a month, no clear answer as to what that status means. It is Not related to RFE
        Just continue waiting…

        Reply

  27. Out 18 applications 7 got through in the lottery , 9 got their package back. . 3 of us yet to receive. Do I have a chance or game over?

    Reply

    • As far as I heard from my lawyer, the game is over as uscis said data entry is completed on May 2nd. Even I am waiting for my receipt/return. But lawyer said don’t have any hopes. I want some miracle to happen.

      Reply

      • everyone who is still waiting want some miracle to happen….but now even attornys are saying don’t keep hope it means its over

        Reply

        • non AD/RP/VT..my package returned y’day… dont keep any high hopes ..Pls plan for B if you have’nt planed yet..Best of luck…

          Lets meet next year..Bye..

          Reply

  31. Company A and Company B just informed me that my petition was not selected.
    No updates on Company C yet. The company’s lawyer said they have received receipts for other applicants, so I think it is game over for me. Good luck to you all. I will try again next year.

    Reply

    • I am a loser. I applied through 3 different companies & still couldn’t get it. I guess this is what happens when you cheat.

      Reply

    • @Unlucky NO there is no cheating in it it is completely legal ..you can have multiple employer filing H1 for you. We Called Usics and confirmed.Multiple filing is okay until you don’t have duplicate LCA .
      you need not to be guilty.Its just that Sometimes stars are not aligned for thing to happen .

      I wish you luck next time.
      @Nonad/RP Dont be bad mouthed here.Its very sensitive matter for someone .May be not for you.

      Reply

  34. Dear Mates, Please raise your hand who applied under PP and still not heard about either rejection or selection… My case is NonAD/PP/WA..

    Reply

  38. Unfortunately, dint received any update from employer and somehow i have convinced myself maybe next year. Good Luck for those who made it.

    Here i have a q, should my employer return money for premium or some charge will be applied?

    Reply

    • That is right…. my colleagues never receive updates from RMS given the so many inquiries… They have a hunch that you will only know if you got selected and approved if you have a sure onshore assignment, that way either they give you the approved petition or inform you that you were not picked in the lottery.

      Reply

    • ACN will let you know about your petition selection/non-selection in lottery.
      They won’t share your petition number until you are going for VISA stamping.

      Although, by then there’s no point in sharing since you already know its approved if you’re going for stamping.

      Reply

  41. Can some one tell me what is the meaning for below

    On April 28, 2014, your Alien Registration Number was changed relating to your I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. Please check our website at www.uscis.gov for further updates on your case. Please wait until the end of normal processing time before calling customer service at 1-800-375-5283 for live assistance.

    Reply

    • My bad! Its not approval, its some kind of status I guess which appears after you/your employee responds to your RFE case. Nothing to worry about, just another step. All the best.

      Reply

  44. Hi Guys,

    I still didn’t received my petition back, nor i did receive a receipt notice. Anybody else in the same situation..

    Reply

  45. My God Damn RFE is under response review for about 12 days. Dose anybody know how much more I need to wait like a beggar so that this F**ing USCIS approves it ?

    Thanks

    Reply

      • Thanks bud.

        Paystubs !

        This whole H1B thing is just nothing but wait and wait and wait ! This is like a torture. USCIS dose whatever it wants and lets us taking it !

        Reply

    • It might take anytime in between 10 days to 6 months if it is RP. If its PP, you should be knowing an update in exactly 10 working days.
      If yours is RP, you can even convert now to PP to get a real quick approval.

      Reply

        • This is a bit much. First of all, you (like several other people on this forum) would like to chase the American dream by gaining legal immigration status in this country – better professional prospects (for what its worth) and higher standard of living. So it saddens me that you as an alien, who would like to come and live in another country accuses it’s citizens of indolence and some other unpleasantries. Its a shame.

          Reply

    • I was really frustrated, was constantly calling them and asking for the receipt no. as they said on May 6th that my check got encashed. Today when I called them again to share the receipt no. I was harsh, asked do you really have our receipts. He said we don’t simply inform ppl, we have all the receipts for those whose check got encashed. Then I was very furious and asked then why you are not sharing it. He said we have this procedure every year informing the people who don’t have any updates at all first and then inform the selected ppl. I asked what if we get any RFE. He said we have been doing H1 for long time and everyday we track everyone’s case status and we don’t leave it like that and he was angry and said, if you don’t believe and if you can’t wait, we can withdraw the application. I was like fine and said ok I will wait. He said in the end that not to worry,they will be sending the receipt no. soon after finishing informing others and also they will update if there is any change in the case status. Now I am relieved and I don’t want to bug them more. I got an explanation and I will wait for them to take care. Because it doesn’t make any difference even if we know the receipt no. So I will wait and don’t bug them too much as they are also frustrated with lots of calls. Hope this helps for other guys who are waiting for their receipt no.s from them whose check got encashed.

      Reply

      • Hmmm…still.. how can it take so long for them to inform the people not selected in the lottery..It has been week after week they have promised to send the receipts just by telling “This week you will get it” and that week has never arrived…

        Reply

      • Thanks lot AD/RP/VT for updating the very useful update!!!! Because none of us we really want to call regularly and bug them, only we are curious to know our receipt number and the status is being followed… That is it!!!!

        Reply

        • The reason they are giving us is so silly and I think this is not the actual reason. This is some stupid procedure they are following. But as there is nothing we can do than waiting, we have to accept whatever they are saying. Just as you guys, I am also tired and vexed with waiting just to know my status.
          I hope they send our receipts soon.

          Reply

  48. I work as sap consultant with 7 + yrs of exp and i did my bachelors in mechanical engg . So, i am expecting the RFE might be with regards to my education and profession ..

    Reply

  49. very lil chance for those like me who are stil waitinghttp://www.murthy.com/2014/06/03/final-h1b-cap-update-for-fy15/

    Reply

Leave a Comment