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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. while adding account to pay online, it says account type (savings/current) and also domestic/NRE/NRO ??

    please let me know what to select

    Reply
  2. Anyone in RFE RR status waiting for more than 60days got approval. Is there any hope that it would be approved before 90 days. Anyway hardly one more week for 90 days

    Reply
    • waiting since Aug 06, nearing to 110 days and no update from California center, not sure what is happening. if we see the just recent blogs, there are so many people waiting for update crossing 90 days.

      Reply
  3. Hi Uma,
    I provided valid Receipt Number while doing payment, but it shows no valid record found.

    “No valid record can be found for the entered receipt number. Please validate that your receipt number is correct and that you have paid the correct amount for the visa which you are applying for.”

    Reply
  4. while booking appointment, will it asks two days one day for biometric finger tips, second day for interview ??
    please help urgent im booking now.

    Reply
  5. Hi Guys,
    How better is it to go for Premium Processing if ones waiting for RFE RR? Just that hate waiting.
    RFE date: July 30th
    RFE RR date: Oct 23rd.

    Thanks/Roy

    Reply
  6. My petition got denied on 10th Nov. My Employer is telling he hasn’t got denial letter from USCIS. How many days will it take to get letter from USCIS?

    Reply
  7. I finally got my passport with h1b stamped. I would like to share my experience with everyone here.
    Application number – WACXXXXXX
    RFE – 6-Jun-2014
    RFE Response- 27-APR-2014
    RFE Approval – 26-Sep-2014
    Interview – 10-Nov-2014
    Interview experience-
    VO – Good morning
    Myself – Good morning

    VO- Can I have your passport please?

    VO- Is this first time you are travelling to US?
    I- yes

    VO- What will be you doing in US?
    I – I will be working on XXX for XXX organization…
    (VO stops me in between)

    VO- What is your educational qualification?
    I – Engineering Graduate from XXXX

    VO – Do you have human trafficking pamphlets with you?
    I -Yes

    VO – I am approving your visa, you will be notified when to collect your passport.

    My interview was very short and straightforward. I think the key is to be honest, truthful, straightforward and confident. This forum has really helped me in my visa interview preparation and calm my nerves before interview. I am very thankful to site owners and my best wishes to those whose visa is yet to be stamped.

    Reply
  8. Hi ,
    My h1b was approved on oct 13 .but the status changed to acceptance on november 14 .I received the below mail . can anyone help me understand if they have rejected or why the status has changed ?
    “On November 14, 2014, we sent you an amended notice describing how we will process your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC14141XXXXX. It is being processed at our Vermont Service Center location. Please follow any instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your amended notice by December 14, 2014”

    Reply
  9. Hi All,

    MY h1b was approved on october 13 .but on november 14th the status got changed to acceptance and received below mail .Can anyone help me understand why the status has changed after approval . does this mean that the h1b will be rejected ?

    “On November 14, 2014, we sent you an amended notice describing how we will process your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC1414XXXXXX. It is being processed at our Vermont Service Center location. Please follow any instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your amended notice by December 14, 2014, please go to www.uscis.gov/e-request to request a copy of the notice. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.”

    Reply
  10. The below is the update in USCIS site for my case.

    “On September 18, 2014, we received your response to our Request for Evidence for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC1414xxxxxx. Our Vermont Service Center office will begin working on your case again. We will mail you a decision or notify you if we need something from you. You should receive a decision or case update by November 17, 2014.”

    Should I expect decision by Nov 17 2014?

    Reply
    • GKK, welcome to the party. Even we are in same boat. But from Aug11th. Its not mandate that you will get update with in 60days. We are waiting from 90+ days so far. You will find even few others in this page. Only thing thatz diffrent from your case is your case is handled by vermount center nd mine is california.. so you may get update with in that date. All the best.

      Reply
    • On July 16, 2014, we received your response to our Request for Evidence for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC14XXXXXXX. Our Vermont Service Center office will begin working on your case again.

      Its 4 months….and still waiting for the result…tired and frustrated as unable to plan anything. Any idea why it is taking so long at VSC…mine was an RFE regarding MCA degree equivalent with US masters.

      Reply
      • Yes even im MCA post grad. And my RFE was on education only. Not sure why so much delay. But my petitioner asked to wait till this month end for the approval.
        My case is processed at california center. Lets not lose our hope. Good news will be on our way. All the best.

        Reply
    • Hey krish. I guess sat/sun they dont work. We need to wait till monday for any updates. Even i am in same boat. Dont worry. Lets have our hope strong and wait for good news.

      Reply
  11. H1 B process
    Lottery result – 30May2014
    RFE – 10Aug2014
    RFE response – 25Aug2014
    Visa Approved – 16Oct2014
    Visa Interview dates – 12 and 13 Nov 2014
    Finally went for Visa interview at Chennai consulate with wife and US born kid.

    12 Nov 2014 – OFC
    Took DS160 form of wife and myself with passport and appointment letter..
    Our appointment was at 10:30 reached at 10:15..we had to stand in line for nearly one hour after which it was a smooth process of nearly 15 minutes…like security check,token,finger impression …
    Nothing required for the kid ,just took his passport and told he is us citizen..

    13 Nov 2014 – Interview
    Big day
    Appointment at 9:30
    Reached consulate at 8:30
    Standing in a queue and then security personal took us directly to the front gate where security check was performed seperatly for wife and kid and myself…

    You can take items for kid like water and eatables but they might ask you to taste it as it was done in my wife’s case…

    Next entered the main hall after all the verifications where thumb impressions were taken again to cross check and passports were scanned…after which tokens were given for interview….

    After half an hour wait finally our number came

    Said good morning to VO

    Questions asked to me
    How many Visas – 2
    Is your son a US citizen – yes
    Who is your employer in USA
    Who is your client
    Where are you going
    What is you salary in USA
    Do you know your right in US

    Questions asked to my wife
    What is your highest qualification
    Date of birth
    Do you like the city
    (As we are going back to the same city again)
    Are you aware about the recent updates about the city..

    Then the golden words came from VO
    Your visa is approved…

    Just be confident and answer smartly…they won’t ask much for big bep companies…

    Thanks to all redbus2us members for all the support in those tiring times during the rfe till the approval…we have also gone through many sleepless nights but just believe in God and do your best…
    Wishing all the best to all the candidates who are still waiting at some cycle of H1B process…

    Reply
  12. Hi,

    I got my RFE for H1B visa from USCIS on 14th July 2014
    RFE response on 23 July 2014
    I’ve not heard anything yet from them and it’s already Nov.
    I knew that it takes around 2 months to get the response; but it’s already past 2 months.

    Has anyone faced this kind of situation ?
    Or has got the petition yet ?
    And any idea how long it’s going to take ?

    Reply
    • Hey sowmya.. welcome to the team.. even i am waiting for approval. My case is RFE RR from Aug 11th. Still waiting to get the approval. If you go thru this forum, you will find even few others are waiting for rfe rr update. 60 days time is approx time given by uscis but that can extend. Btw what is your RFE query?

      Reply
      • I am sailing in same boat
        waiting since Aug 06. I employer infomed he would schedule an oppointment with USCIS sometime in next week. Based on that would then upgrade to premium processing

        Reply
      • Me in the same boat too and read somewhere the long time is because of the complex RFE and increases the chances of denial. Really nervous and unable to concentrate on anything. Hope this is not true

        Reply
  13. My H1B was denied. My emp has not told the reason for denial.
    Now my appeal is filed. Can any one tell me when I will see a change of status for the appeal. Will it change to initial review first ??? and if so is there a time line for this ??

    Reply
    • Hey sorry to hear about that. I’m really not sure abt how this goes. But what was your RFE about and when did the status change to RFERR?

      Reply
  14. im trying to book visa slots, before registering it asking current residence state, based on this the corresponding consulate will picked is it ??
    please let me know where exactly it asks visa consulate location.

    Reply
  15. Hi All,

    I have attended visa interview in chennai consulate on september 17,2014 and received 221g. Asked to submit employer details and project details thru one mail id.

    my employer sent those documents by september 18,2014 . After that there is no response in ceac site.

    have been waiting for 2 months.

    what shall i do now? waiting killing me…….

    Reply
    • Hi,
      I am also same boat, I have attended H1 interview in chennai on September 26. I didnt got any mail from USCIS, however I sent mail to support@ustraveldocs.com and they sent response “administrative processing is resolved within 120 days of the visa interview”. So we need to wait 120 days. If you have any queries send mail to “support@ustraveldocs.com”.

      Reply
    • Hi,
      I am also same boat, I have attended visa interview in Chennai on 26 Sep, still I didn’t got any response from USCIS. However, I sent mail to “support@ustraveldocs.com” and they sent mail “most of administrative processing is resolved within 120 days of the visa interview”. So we need to wait 60 to 120 days for 221g administrative process.

      Reply
  16. Check dates available for your location .

    https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/SiteLogin

    First Available Appointment Is Monday December 1, 2014.
    for Delhi

    check yours

    Reply
  17. Hi all,
    Need small info my H1 got approved and need to book appointment. Any one please help me in knowing current VISA slots available in Hyderabad. If possibles dates currently available in Hyderabad and Chennai.

    Reply
      • Does consultancies can help us to book dates in November in Hyderabad or this are final dates.
        I am from CMM level 5 company, do they have slots available from other than this pool. My joining date at client location is 24th Nov 🙁

        Reply
  18. I have hyderabad consulate in my I-797 but planning to schedule my appointment in chennai consulate is it ok or I need to go hyderabad consulate.If so do we need to get new I-797 or any document.

    I am based in chennai and having kids so I am planning chennai consulate.also where to mension chennai consulate while filling ds-160.

    Please help me on this.

    Reply
    • Hey Laxmi

      Firstly Congratulations and all the best!!!
      Secondly you can schedule visa interview in Chennai, you don’t need any new documents, go ahead and fill your DS-160 form while scheduling appointment you can choose any city as per your requirement.

      Reply
      • Thanks for your information XYZ,

        I selected hyderabad initially while opening ds-160.Will it be a problem in or do I need to start new ds-160 by chooseing chennai consulate and start from scratch.

        please help me on this.

        Reply
    • My H1 journey…
      April 10th – Application filed at California center
      July 1st – Got RFE
      Sept 23rd – status changed to RFE RR
      Nov 12th – Petition got approved
      Now need to book an appointment.

      Reply
      • Congratz keerthi. And all the best for your interview nd further.
        How did u came to know the status?
        Was it updated in site or your employer called you or any other mode?
        Now im feeling worried nd tensed..

        Reply
        • Got to know through USCIS online site. As of now my employer havent updated me anything. It may take 15 days for hardcopies to receive. Good luck to you. May be delay might be due to RFE reason. Mine was regarding the client letter from onsite and organization structure.

          Reply
          • Congrats, just small info – after seeing the timings you have posted in this site, wanted to ask what time you have checked the site ? if registered for an auto update mail, will we for sure get an update mail?

          • I registered for an auto update mail. Today at 9:20 AM I got a mail from USCIS stating that my case is approved. After which i check the site around 9:30 AM. Yup, you will get the mail for sure to your registered mail id.

  19. I am a silent follower of this forum and it helped me a lot to prepare myself for the interview.
    My petition was approved on June 15, without any RFE. Mine is EAC series.

    Yesterday i.e. Nov 12, I attended visa interview at Hyd consulate. It was issued :). Interview completed just in 2 mins.

    Questions asked to me:
    • How many employees you have in US and in India office?
    I answered around 240 in India and around 35 in US office.

    • What is your project?
    It is one of the product called VUE, designed and developed for insurance companies.

    • Can you please explain about VUE project and your role on it?
    Answered appropriately

    Questions asked to my wife:
    • Mam, are you a house wife or currently working ?
    Answered appropriately

    That’s it. The officer is cool and said to me ‘your visas are approved. Congrats’.

    If one is going to attend the interview with kids, a photo of the kid is mandatory in both VFC and in main interview. Visa officer asked my kid photo and scanned it.

    Reply
  20. Hi Folks, This waiting almost killed me. Here goes my h1b journey till now and further wish for successful stamping… 🙂

    H1b/Regular Processing/Vermont Center
    Initial Review – April 10th
    Rfe {Employer-Employee Relationship/Right to Control} – 21st July
    Rferr {Response docs reached USCIS on Sep 22nd, according to Courier Tracking No.}. Status changed to Rferr on – Sep 23rd
    Approved – Nov 12th
    Further: Employer asked to fill DS160 and get ready for stamping Interview, as approved packet would reach within 10 days. Hoping for this to happen soon…

    I know how hard this waiting is as I went through the same: sleepless nights, Couldn’t concentrate on current job, This might sound foolish: But Life has almost become like hell…Anyways, all I can say is to keep faith and try to avoid this waiting as much as u can…Approval update/surprise would definitely knock your mailbox soon… I wish u all get it soon…!:)

    Will post the interview experience soon, Once it is scheduled.
    A Very Big Thank You for the creator of this Forum and Folks commenting.

    Reply
    • Usually the approval emails or status change updates happen at some predefined intervals or Case by Case? Just wanted to know, till what time in a day we can hope for a change

      Reply
    • Just an observation that people who submitted Responses between July end and August are not moving forward, where as having submitted in Sept and Oct are moving. there might be different reasons for RFE, But just sharing my observation.

      Reply
      • Yeah even i observed the same. I think its working as “Last-in first-out” way. Not sure on that. But its only me feeling after looking at the post’s trends. So lets keeping our hopes high and wait for good news.

        Reply
  21. Anyone still with REF RR?? Im still waiting.
    RfeRR from Aug 11th. WAC14141xxxx series. I have seen few people got approval who is in my next series. Not sure what is happening at california center. Im worried.

    Reply
  22. I attended visa interview today (12th nov 9 :40) morning and my visa got approved.

    my appointment scheduled at 9 AM and reached 8.05 and 300 people standing outside Delhi US embassy of slot 8 and 8.30,

    I went in queue at 8:35
    visited 2 counter.
    first checked photograph
    second check biometrics-cross check with previous day .
    then another queue for interview.
    counter no 17.
    an aged man asked me to come and greeted
    Good morning. how are you today?
    Good morning.I am good . How are you doing?

    give me your passport
    asked my wife passport and

    question asked

    What you do for company (Roles/responsibility.
    I explained 2 mints approx.
    what is your US salary in $
    Answered. 67000 Annual.
    why your salary is so less?
    Explained 40 second.

    When did you joined CCCC Company
    Answered.

    asked to my wife
    what do you do?
    she replied I am a housewife

    waited almost 1 mint.
    then VO said I am approving your Visa .you will get sms. then collect your passport.

    Have a nice day.

    I thanked with smile and said Have a wonderful day sir.

    VO smiled back.

    California Center
    Timeline.
    9/30 H-1B petition approved.
    7/26 RFE response filed .
    6/26 Get RFE
    4/30 petition accepted in the lottery.
    11/10 biometrics
    11/12 interview

    Thanks everyone for your support.
    Wish you all the best to all the of you.

    I seen 3 more people whose H1 is approved today in Delhi

    please do carry 1 photograph of 2 inch by 2 inch i.e 50mm by 50 mm yours while going for visa interview.

    Regards,
    DG

    Reply
  23. after waiting over 7 months, finally i got H1B petition approved Today(11-Nov-2014)–WAC141455****. Thanks for this forum….Best of luck…

    Reply
  24. do we need to spend 2 days @consulate office
    one day for Photographs & biometrics
    2nd day for appointment is it ????

    if so how to book slots for 2days

    Reply
  25. I have been following this forum right from the first day of H1B filling, Now time has come to write my experience.
    Type: H1B
    Process Type: Regular
    Center: California
    Application selected Notification: 21-APRIL-2014
    RFE Notice: 10-Jul-2014
    RFE Response Give: 09-SEP-2014
    RFE RR (Status change
    d to RFE RR): 12-SEP-2014
    Approved on: 11-Nov-2014

    Thanks for your valuable information provided during that time.

    Reply
    • what is your petition status in USCIS new website? Mine is changed from ‘Initial Review’ to ‘Case Received’?

      Reply
  26. If any one is looking for a change of employer to go over US and work, please inbox me, I work as a freelance consultant, have some good consultancies who could place you in US with excellent opportunities. Inbox me in RRISHIRAJ AT HOTMAIL.

    Reply

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