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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.

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

  1. Even mine is also approved with the same series EAC14145XXXXX..just a few minutes ago… Best of luck guys. Thanks a lot to this forum for every thing.

    Reply
  2. I have seen one thread here where USCIS issues RFE requiring detailed experience letter. Could anyone shed some light on detailed experience letter? Detailed experience letter is really required or offer letter, relieving letter & experience letter all together from previous employer is sufficient for USCIS to approve petition? I believe most or all companies in India don’t give detailed experienced letter. Experience letter issued by these companies only includes department, designation, start date and end date. Please help!

    Reply
    • This year I have seen multiple RFE cases where USCIS is asking for detailed experience letter signed by the company HR. The experience letter should contain a brief profile of the candidate, information on projects that he has worked on during his current tenure, skills that he possesses and why he is the ONLY candidate eligible for the job. This is apart from the offer letter\relieving letter\resume and has got nothing to do with them. If you need a detailed experience letter from the company you have earlier worked with, I suggest you to document the whole thing (profile, experience, skill set etc) and get it signed by 1 or 2 (pref 2) of your ex-colleagues working in the same company and then notarize it. This should suffice.

      Reply
      • @Lannister – Thanks so much for the prompt response. Appreciate it! Detailed experience letter is mandatory document or it is asked for special cases?

        My status is still “Initial Review” and I have not submitted detailed experience letter. All I submitted was Offer letters, Relieving letter and Experience letters from all my previous employers and Offer letters and 3 month paystub from my current employer. So bit worried about detailed experience letter now! Even new employer didn’t ask me to submit detailed experience letter whiling filing a H1-B petition.

        Reply
        • I also have submitted the experience letter containing my job duties in bullet point ( one whole page for each position and signed by line manager ) and submitted to my petitioner . That also included my join / leave date signed by HR , promotion letters etc . My application is still under initial review and dont know how much detailed experience letter i may need to submit. This h1b waiting time is making me sick.

          Reply
        • Detailed experience letter is NOT mandatory, atleast for now. You need to provide only if USCIS gets back to you seeking for it.

          Reply
  3. If you have an approved petition but the employer decides not to pursue with the stamping later on. Can you use the approved petition (no visa stamping yet) to transfer to other employer?

    Reply
  4. Got my H1B approved today… EAC141455***. What a huge relief. All the best friends.. may you get to hear the good news soon, by the grace of God.

    Reply
  5. Hi,

    My stats dated april 29th is still initial review , any thing to be worried about as its past date(two months)?

    Reply
    • Nope thats absolutely normal. The first update (RFE or approval) for any RP petition takes about 2-3 months. I am sure you will get an update before this month end.

      Reply
  6. @Lannister – My petition is approved. So its through a consultant.
    I’m in India now. What are the percentage of chances that my stamping will be completed succesfully. I’m a little scared to go for stamping. Also that very recently I had my business visa stamping done. Will it have any chances of rejection towards my H1B.
    Is it good to go for stamping this month or do you suggest me to wait for somemore time for stamping just to maintain some gap for the 2 visa stampings.

    Kindly suggest..!!

    Reply
    • 1.) Your chances of getting a successful visa stamp purely depends on the profile of your employer\consultant. If the previous VISA stampings for other employees from the same consultant are all fine without any history of 221Gs then I do not see an issue. If at all there are any 221Gs (administrative processing etc) issued earlier, I suggest you to check what are those documents that the VO has asked and proactively carry them with you for stamping. On the flip side, I have seen cases where VO never asks for any doc, If the employer’s background is fine, your visa gets stamped on the spot else a 221G is inevitable. I dont mean to scare you but this is the hard truth. That is why experts always warn H1B seekers to select their employers with utmost care.
      2.) Your B1 visa has absolutely got nothing to do with your H1B. You need not maintain any gap. If you have all the docs ready go ahead for H1B VISA stamping without any delay.

      Reply
      • Thank you so much Lannister.

        This is the first time I’m applying for H1 and that’s the reason I’m scared.
        Yes, I do know a couple of ppl who are already in the US, had stamping in India itself without any 221G. They all were hardly asked any questions.

        So hopefully there should not be any chances of rejections in that case, Is it?

        Reply
        • If that is the case, there should most probably be no issues. However, I advise you to be cautious and double check your documentation and prepare well before you go for stamping. All the very best.

          Reply
  7. Hello Guys,

    Its 30th June and I am still waiting for the lottery result. Is there any hope left?
    My employer told me that they have not received any update (selected/ rejected ) on my case till date.

    Reply
  8. Please help me what we need to submit (EAC14146XXXX )

    On July 1, 2014, we mailed a notice requesting additional evidence or information in this case I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER.

    A request for evidence is made when an application/petition is lacking required documentation/evidence (initial evidence) or the officer needs more documentation/evidence (additional evidence) to determine an applicant’s eligibility for the benefit sought. ********

    Reply
    • Your consultant will get a hard copy with the detailed desc of RFE. You need to wait for that. Contact your employer in about 1 – 2 weeks from the day the online status has changed.

      Reply
  9. EAC14146XXXX please help me what we need to submit

    On July 1, 2014, we mailed a notice requesting additional evidence or information in this case I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER.

    A request for evidence is made when an application/petition is lacking required documentation/evidence (initial evidence) or the officer needs more documentation/evidence (additional evidence) to determine an applicant’s eligibility for the benefit sought. We may send you a request for evidence at any stage of our review. The request will indicate what evidence or information is needed for us to fully evaluate your application or petition. The notice will explain where to send the evidence and will give the deadline for your response. Your application or petition will be held in suspense during that time. If you receive a request for evidence and have questions about what you need to submit, you may call our National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.

    Reply
    • Your attorney and employer will receive notice from USCIS in 1 week mentioning about the evidence/document they need from your petitioner.

      It could be education, job role, pay stubs, experience detail etc. any thing.

      So wait at least 1 week to get the details from employer..

      Reply
      • @AK, Thanks,

        1) will it raise a query during interview
        2) how many days it will take to next status, any delay happens.

        Reply
        • Interview will happen only after petition is approved.

          The status after submitting evidence by your employer will change to Review stage or Intial review again…..

          Your employer usually have 60 days to reply to USCIS so as fast they reply back, its good. then USCIS will review and update final status.

          So obviously process of getting approval gets slow when we get RFE.

          Reply
          • @AK Thanks,
            after approving the petition, does it have impact and query chances during interview.

          • No.. Why will be there any issue.. If proper evidence will be submitted then only USCIS will review and approve..

            So if approved then no problem in interview if all is genuinely answered.

          • @AK, Thanks
            Just now I informed to HR this notification. May be they will follow up with required info.
            I need some info that how many months approximately/worst c
            ases the further statuses will be..
            RFE Response Review, Interview…etc

  10. Hi,

    Few got a mail today that RMS is still waiting for a few receipt numbers and they ll communicate once they receive. RMS have also informed many about their non selection in lottery.

    Reply
  11. Anyone got lottery selected mail from RMS today ? Most of my DU folks again got awaiting or reject mails….

    Reply
  12. 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
    • you will receive original i797 document, copy of i129 document from your employer….. then you can schedule your appointment for visa interview…

      Visa interview can be scheduled from 3rd july onwards..

      After you get visa stamping in your passport then You can travel on after 20th sept to US and can start working on 1st Oct onwards in US….

      Reply
      • Thank you AK for your response.

        I got the approval mail on 25th June. Do i need to do any thing to get i797 document or the employer will send after few days.

        Reply
        • Your employer will receive the I797 from USCIS in next 2-4 weeks of time. Employer will send that I797 to you unless they have any strategic compulsion to stop you from applying for stamping. But if you are working in Indian IT MNC’s normal process they follow is to send the I797 to all in batch and then issue bank receipt for DS-160 appointment. Please note that if your company doesn’t pay for your visa interview you will have to pay for that and in that case company will only provide you I797 and rest is your journey to get stamping. I will suggest you to go through DS-160/visa interview process on this website.

          Reply
  13. I got RFE …. Its about my Previous company Experience letter in details with roles and responcibility. ( currently i am working A company from last 8 months but USCIS is asking RFE about Previous company B, details letter…..)

    B company is not giving me such letter….
    any one give me valuable input to procede further….

    Reply
    • Try getting an affidavit from two colleagues (Preferably supervisor/manager) who worked along with you in Company B and notarize the same.

      Suggest you to talk to your Employer/attorney…

      Reply
  14. Hello Friends,

    Those who are going for visa Stamping, please share ur exp. Anyone going to US Consulate ( Delhi) this week.

    Reply
  15. I Got RFE on June 20th for my petition.

    My company requested me to provide the project details.

    Project End date is also there in the requested details. But the project i mentioned is already closed. So my company’s operation team is planning to provide another project details. If i give another proj details then is there any problem for my petition approval?

    TIA

    Reply
    • I am tired of applying for H1 yoy….score line is 0-2 in favour of USCIS. Despite having all valid docs and work-ex……now I am applying for Mars

      Reply
  16. Hi,

    I have been a silent follower in this forum. My visa petition got approved yesterday. This forum was really helpful to me all the way .
    Thanks a lot for all your support.

    Receipt number eac14141*****

    Reply
  17. Is there any infinite folks are here? Still haven’t received any update about h1 visa. What is the last date to know the h1 approval?

    Reply
    • There is no last date as such. However, your consultant should have received an update on the petition by now. Do bug him for update.

      Reply
      • Thank you.. But i have enquired with them. they said..they yet to get the update from the attorney. Its already July 1 st..Still i’m waiting for my lottery result..

        frustrated..!!

        Reply
        • You still got 3 months and all the processes(RFE response, review and decision) will most probably be done before that. Patience is the need of the hour 🙂

          Reply
  18. @Non Ad/RP/CA from 8KMiles

    Mine is under RFE, it is related to my degree, what is your degree and r u from bangalore or chennai?

    Reply
    • I am also from 8kMiles, still haven’t received either receipt or rejection notice. when did you receive your receipt ??? please reply, don’t know how long should i wait ??

      Reply
  19. Hi Guys,

    Just got notice that my application was denied and returned. Ive lost hope but my employer insists on trying again next year. I really cant be living on hold for year after year without knowing what my future holds.
    Thanks for the pyschological support given by the bloggers on the page!! better hopes for next year and congratulations for the ones that did recieve their H1b’s!

    Reply
  20. Hi,

    Is there anyone who got to know lottery result recently and his/her status changed to “Initial review” from “Awaiting lottery result”. Please share if there is 1 lucky soul.. 3 months over.. still I don’t know lottery result for me. 🙁

    Reply
    • I hate to say it but there is no point in having false hope. Please move on with your back up plans. If you do not have one, make it up soon. All the very best. Remeber “Everything that happens, happens for your own good”

      Reply
  21. Just got confirmation from my employer that my packet is returned…..
    I shall explore opportunities in Europe/Australia 😀 😀 😀

    See you guys next year… Tata 🙂

    Reply
  22. FINALLY I got the updates from Splendtek Inc.

    They have sent the Rejection letter in mail. And my waiting story came to an END. Thanks to everyone for sharing their views, updates and info.

    All the Best to Everyone!!

    I believe My Loving Lord Jesus will do better things to me in future.

    Bible verse : Isaiah 45 : 2,3
    2. I will go before you and will level the mountains;
    I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron.
    3. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places,
    so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.

    Reply
  23. My petition EAC14144***** is still in Initial Review. But today my manager has told that he received email from Immigration team and my petition is approved and asked when is the earliest date I can travel in the month of October. How come he can know that the petition is approved while in USCIS site it is still showing as Initial Review?? Can this be possible guys??

    Reply
    • No way. He might have received an email informing about you getting selected in lottery. And he might have thought that it is an approval (?).

      Reply
  24. Hi,

    I have a rather specific question. I am currently working for company A. Company A applied for an H1 on my behalf. My H1 status is Post-Decision-Activity. It has been approved. I need to get the Visa stamp now I guess.

    Now I have an offer from company B and they would like to transfer my H1 Visa.
    How soon can Company B transfer my H1 from Company A?
    What documents do I need from company A? Is it possible that the H1 can be transferred before October (when it starts)

    Thank You

    Reply
    • Dude don’t change employer before oct 1st. Uscis is issuing NOID for 2nd employer filling before oct 1st. If you’re in united states then wait another 3 months to change the job. If you’re outside of US, then go ahead and invite big trouble from USCIS. Don’t let your 1st employer to withdraw petition before oct 1st.

      Reply
      • Thank you. This helps a lot.
        I’m In the US so probably will change employers after october 1st.
        Last question, what alldocuments are needed from my 1st employer for the transfer ?

        Reply
    • Same Yaar. Hope EAC141475* series would move to next stage by next week or so. Enough waiting, been 2 months and no change from Initial Review. Wondering If USCIS have any hard feeling’s with this series {147*}, Just Kidding..Good Luck to all of us…

      Reply
    • Me too in EAC 1414653XXX series and waiting..I wish we can do a sample to understand the approval process if anyone is interested.

      Reply
    • Hi,
      I’m also from EAC1414653 series and got approved on June 17th. In that week I saw some good number of approvals in that series. There is no sequence how they’re working on the cases, just random picking.

      Don’t worry, you’ll see your approval news soon…all the best..!!!

      Reply
  25. Last Friday, Wipor had received few acceptance email.. But very less… Still 2 more weeks to know full result of Wipro

    Reply
  26. Updates till today

    ||count || Name || status ||
    || 0||, || Don’t Know ||
    || 4 ||Integral Guy, Integral Aspirant, Integral ,MAB|| Selected ||
    || 2|| Bob,XYZ || Rejected ||

    Any further updates guys on next steps???
    @MAB ne clue from your source about the delay in joining???

    Reply
  27. Hello Team,

    Mine is showing Post Decision acitivity in case status.

    How do you know that it is approved / denied ?

    Reply
    • First Line will have whether the petition was approved/deined. It will look something like this.

      On May XX, 2014, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER…..

      Reply
  28. Any idea what it means… status: initial review

    On June 27, 2014, your address was changed relating to the I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER that you filed

    Reply
  29. Hello,

    My status is RFE since June 13, but my employer said the lawyer didn’t update him so far, is it possible that he didn’t receive it yet??

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Do you mean that your Lawyer replied to RFE without telling employer..

      or

      Do you mean that employer has not got any information from Lawyer that he received RFE document or not

      Is your company a big one or small one…Because I guess big companies don’t inform employee about RFE and you cannot contact lawyer directly. They will take time to reply as they have 60 days.

      But if it is small company or attorney direct in touch with you then you can come to know when they receive it and in this case you can push them to reply faster and to provide you updates at each step by calling/emailing them.

      Reply
      • Thanks for your reply, my employer asked the attorney last week if he received anything, he said no, and he didn’t update him.

        Reply
    • I too got RFE on june 27th and when i called to consultancy they said like it will take 1 week to receive documents from USCIS to lawyer.

      Reply
      • I got RFE …. Its about my Previous company Experience letter in details with roles and responcibility. ( currently i am working A company from last 8 months but USCIS is asking RFE about Previous company B, details letter…..)

        B company is not giving me such letter….
        any one give me valuable input to procede further….

        Reply
  30. Hi,

    Anyone from HCL received Rejection emails from ISG team?
    I did not get selected / rejected email from ISG.
    Some of the collegues received selected email.

    Thanks

    Reply
  31. Hello Guys,

    Its 30th June and I am still waiting for the lottery result. Is there any hope left?
    My employer told me that they have not received any update (selected/ rejected ) on my case till date.

    Reply
    • They are just waiting for rejection package to update. Most probably your LCA has a work location that comes under Vermont Jurisdiction. VSC is very slow in doing any kind of work. Probably just overloaded.

      Reply

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