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H1B Visa 2015 – Frequently Asked Questions – Updates

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Updated : Dec 9, 2014 (H1B 2016 FAQs )

H1B Visa 2015 season is over. Check below for H1B Visa 2016 Season.

Applying for H1B Visa 2016 ? Did you miss FY 2015 lottery ?

Check out -> H1B Visa 2016 – Start Info, Sponsos, Fees, News , FAQs 

Flash News Update  : 

  • May 5th : USCIS announced today that data entry of all FY15 H-1B cap petitions has been completed. USCIS will now begin returning all H-1B cap petitions that were not selected in the lottery. They have announced it on their twitter and facebook pages.
  • April 18th : USCIS announced that they will begin H1B FY 2015 premium processing from April 28th, 2014. Previously they announced that they will begin, ‘no later than April 28th’. They just clarified that. You can read on USCIS website  
  • April 11th : USCIS announced that it received about 172,500 petitions for the H1B Visa 2015 Quota. Read USCIS : 172,500 Received – H1B Lottery Summary 
  • April 7th :  USCIS H1B Visa 2015 Cap Reached on April 7th. 

H1B Visa 2015 – Latest News Updates , Articles 

Looking for H1B Cap Daily Updates ?  Check  H1B Visa 2015 Cap count Updates Page 

Frequently Asked Questions about H1B Visa FY 2015 

When will H1B Visa 2015 Season Begin ?

USCIS accepted H1B Visa 2015 applications from April 1st, 2014. They had the window open for 5 working days. USCIS stopped accepting H1B Petitions for FY 2015 from Monday April 7th as more applications were received than the required cap of 85,000 petitions.

What would be the Cap count for H1B Visa 2015 quota ?

No changes to the H1B Cap for FY15, the immigration reform discussions did not go through, the cap limit remained same as last year.

  • Regular H1B Quota : 65,000
  • Masters H1B Quota : 20,000
  • It is to be noted that 6,800 visas every year are set aside for Singapore and Chile Free trade agreement filings, which is called as H1B1 program.

Would there be lottery for H1B Visa 2015 ?

We had H1B visa Lottery for fiscal year 2014. USCIS received about 172,500 petitions for FY 2015 . Our predictions were right, you can read the article H1B Visa 2015 Lottery Prediction analysis 

How soon should I start planning for H1B Visa 2015 ?

[ Updated : H1B Sesaon is over for FY 15, plan for next year FY 2016 ] Well, there is nothing like too early… Getting a good H1B Sponsor can be a challenge these days. You need to find a job that fits your profile and find a sponsor that has a job for you.  Some employers want to test out the capabilities of the candidate before they plan to sponsor H1B Visa. Typically, they would like students with masters from US work for them on internship or co-op.  If they like the candidate then they will sponsor H1B visa.  If you are planning to land in US from overseas countries like India, it could be even challenging to find a good sponsor. Maybe you would need to work with global IT services companies and make your way up. It can involve lot of internal process to get the process initiated… You are never early…. Read Step by Step Plan to Apply for H1B 2015 

How do I find Sponsors for H1B visa 2015 ?

This is probably the most asked question.  It can be a challenge to find a good sponsor. We have written quite a few articles on this topic. The fundamental concept of finding a good employer does not change.  You can use our H1B Visa Sponsors Database  and search for sponsors in a city or zip code. Check out the above links under 2015 latest news and updates for the current year’s article to find sponsors. You can also, read our last year’s article :  How to find H1B Visa sponsors, avoid fraud 

What would be the H1B Filing fee for Fiscal year 2015 ? 

There has not been any changes in the filing fee for the past couple of years. It did not change for fiscal year 2014.  The  H1B Visa 2015 filing fee can range anywhere from  $1,575 to $4,325  based on the size of the company (number of employees ). Also, the attorney fee can range from $700 to $3000. If you go for premium processing again that is $1225.  You can check out the detail break up of fee at : H1B Visa Filing Fee Details – Who Pays for What ?  

H1B Visa Immigration Reform – CIR – Proposed Changes ? The comprehensive immigration reform has not passed yet.  But, lets say, if it gets passed, the below changes may happen.

  • Annual H1B Cap will be increased from 65,000 per year to 110,000. If exteme demand, it can go up to a maximum of 180,000.
  • The H1B quota for STEM degree holders from American Schools will increase from 20,000 to 25,000
  • H1B Visa fees can up to USD $10,000.
  • More stringent rules on H1B visa adjudication.
  • Mandatory LCA posting on DOL website for at least 30 days, before it is certified.

You can read Summary of CIR – Immigration reform – H1B Visa and Green Card  . We will keep you posted with updates on CIR and H1B visa changes for this year, if any. Did I miss anything ?  Do you have any other questions ?

Note :  Some of the below comments about H1B Sponsors are negative.  Please be aware that these are comments added by individuals of companies, competitors and many others that may hate such companies. We do NOT vouch for any of the comments made as they are not made by us.

Under federal law (Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act), our Blog RedBus2US.com is NOT legally liable or responsible for information posted by public, general users or third parties that contains remarks that are defamatory for a company or individual.

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

   

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23,888 Comments

    • They started processing non premium cases but since they are going to send it through regular mail, I would say we would start to hear back from them next week.

      Reply

  2. Guess it seems one guy of AD/PP not mentioned service center name. he got rejected package also it seems.
    Check this out.
    http://redbus2us.com/whats-after-h1b-2015-lottery-faqs-receipt-numbers-processing-times/#comment-158400

    there is a another series of conversation gng on the above page also.

    Reply

      • Did you try emailing them? How do you know they are slow? Another friend from work got the receipt on the tracker on Friday. Still no change for me.

        Also, I don’t see USCIS generating PP receipts today. Even yesterday I don’t know if any were generated. It looks to me that they are done with PP. So we either did not get it or the lawyers are really slow at updating us. Fearing the worse…

        Reply

        • It’s a continuous process. They don’t just stop generating receipts. It’s only been 3 full business days since the lottery so it’s very unlikely they can get through 85,000 receipts in just 3 days. People are still receiving PP receipts of last night and this morning.

          BAL is slow because it often takes them forever to respond to my email questions. I did ask them last Friday about any updates, and the legal assistant told me that she only received a “limited number” of receipts so far.

          Reply

    • They just started today receipts . WAC processed 5000 receipts yesterday.
      before that 3000 .so 4 days they generated max 20000 .so if we expect the same from VT. Total will be 40000 that’s it

      Reply

      • I would not trust this numbers too much. I don’t think they are only for h1b. For instance if you try a day way before the H1b lottery you would still see thousands of applications.

        Reply

          • yes.

            On April 14, 2014, we received this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER and we e-mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case. Please follow any instructions on this notice. This case is being processed at our CALIFORNIA SERVICE CENTER location. You will be notified by mail when a decision is made, or if the office needs something from you. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address or call our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.

  8. Fragomen told my boss they won’t let anyone in our firm know until they’ve received everyone’s receipts/rejections. Does that make sense to anyone? They wouldn’t pick up the phone when we call and it’s driving me insane

    Reply

    • Yea that’s a bit insane. If they want to do that, at least tell everyone a specific date that they will announce. Otherwise it will just cause anxiety, lack of transparency, and chaos…

      They’ll be losing lots of future clients…

      Reply

    • dont believe that. I know people from Fragomen who have received receipts. the case with us is that we have not received anything from USCIS.

      Reply

  10. Anyone who are getting their receipts today, would you kindly post your receipt number so we can track the receipts being generated today in USCIS?
    Thanks

    Reply

  11. Hi Guys,

    NOn-AD/PP people are receiving receipts .That means AD/PP people who did not get any info are not selected in lottery ? or can we still have a hope?

    Thanks!!

    Reply

  12. EGAN updated my tracker with the receipt number… NON AD/PP… CA service center… All the best guys… keep checking the tracker.. my receipt number is WAC14135XXXXX and the email says processed on April 14 and updated today… so i guess EGAN is a little slow in updating the tracker…

    Reply

  13. Glory be to the Lord. I just received email from the lawyer that my application is picked up in the lottery. I was so desperate since this is the last chance to apply. This site has been so helpful to get updates and a lot of information. Thanks every one and I wish you good luck.
    NON-AD/PP

    Reply

  14. Just got mail from Lawyer that I am picked up in lottery !!

    Non-AD/PP/Vermont

    EAC14135xxxx
    Good luck to all, who are still waiting.

    Reply

  20. Hi Guys,

    Just wanted to check
    we received this I539 APPLICATION TO EXTEND OR CHANGE NONIMMIGRANT STATUS is this message for only F1 TO H1 or it applies for L1b to h1b

    Thanks

    Reply

  21. Guys anyone from the Vermont(EAC) center got their H1B approved, I have a receipt for the H1B it still doesn’t show up in their system. I saw some guys from the CA center (WAC) getting approval notices in a day or two. Waiting for the last stage now. Vermont/AD/PP
    Best of luck for those waiting for the receipts.

    Reply

    • I am in the same situation. In current situation USCIS need some time in whole process so be patience and relax you got selected.

      Reply

    • Arbit Grad,

      Sometimes it takes a day or two to show up in the system. but if you have received your petition number and/or your check is encashed, then you are in, are your case is being processed.

      Reply

  22. Any NON-AD/NON-PP cases received receipts?

    I know these will take time to get it done, but curious to know any exceptional cases.

    Reply

  23. Hi, I still haven’t received any update, losing hope.

    If anyone in a similar situation -AD/PP, still receives notifications please update it would give some hope to the rest of us.

    Thanks

    Reply

  25. Got Mine _WAC1413 ,PP ,REGULAR Q,,,the recipt was issued in 10 th of april ,just ricived today , good luck for all , BYT please share this link to help the ones who will not selcted we may save them also
    https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/allow-h1b-applicants-who-were-not-selected-fy2015-lottery-temporary-work-authorization/2VyMkNyr

    Reply

  26. Got selected in lottery! AD/PP/VT.Got an email from lawyer last morning. I wonder how long they take to process. It seems they take 15 days after receipt of application. In my case they received on 4/10/14. But I guess everyone’s received date is the same because that is when they did the lottery. It’s hard to believe all PP cases will be processed by 25th Apr.
    To all PP applications, what are your received dates ???
    My email:

    The Vermont Service Center has received the following

    >I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker

    >that had been filed under the Premium Processing Service:

    >

    >Receipt Number: EAC1413******

    >Date Received: 04/10/2014

    >Petitioner: ****************

    >

    >Beneficiary: ***********

    >DOB: *********

    >Classification sought: H1B

    >

    >The Form I-797 Receipt Notice will follow in the mail.

    >

    >The Vermont Service Center will adjudicate this case within

    >15 calendar days of the “received date” set forth above.

    >If approved, you will receive e-mail notification of such.

    >If we require additional evidence, we will fax said request to the fax

    >number provided on your completed I-907 Request for Premium Processing

    >Form.

    Reply

  27. WAC1413654543 is the last case as of yesterday.

    California service center is in full swing!!! Hope NON-AD/NON-PP will start getting receipts by next week

    Reply

  28. I have seen lot of folks received receipts who applied through Non Masters, premium in Vermont. Any change for us to get it in next couple of days. My employer applied 5 H1B’s this year. In that 3 are Masters, 2 are Non Masaters. Fortunately all 3 are pickedup the lotteries and got receipt numbers. Rest 2 did not get any acknowledgement. In that that I am one of those. I lost little bit hope but still waiting.

    Reply

    • I’m in the same situation even calling the school official to check my sevis status and no updates! Good luck to you. Dont loose hope

      Reply

  31. Hi Saurabh

    Do you know when the check is cashed?

    is it cashed immiedialy after lottery?

    My check is cashed yet. Do you think it proves that I was not selected in the lottery?

    Reply

      • Yes you do!

        Why?

        Logically speaking ..

        1) If you are not selected in AD you maybe selected in non-AD, so you will get your email along with them.

        2) Your application got mixed up with Reg after you made through the lottery in AD. (it is not impossible since the process is so Manual!!)

        3) It has only been a few business days.

        4) PP doesn’t ensure that only PP will be processed first and then non-PP. Just take a look at the case numbers, not all PP’s are consecutive.

        5) You deserve it, especially if your OPT is over or will get over soon. (okay not so logically, but this is how it should have been!)

        Reply

        • I really don’t get it how all this works…You would think that they would do all PP then all RG, but that is definitely not the case.

          Reply

          • Ha , that would be possible if the processes was better!

            its too much of effort to sort it into Ad and non-Ad and then PP-Ad, PP-non-Ad, regular-Ad , reg-non-Ad ?

            If you read last years forums some PP guys got the receipt on april 25th too.

            So don’t loose hope!
            The worst to happen is you wont get it. There we will a lot of others like you how wont get it too.

    • Same boat here. AD/PP. No answer so far. Let’s wait till the end of this week or early next week. They will have to send out all the PP sooner or later before April 28th, so that is our definite deadline.

      Reply

  35. Hi does anyone know if rejection packages for PP cases arrive after the PP period of fifteen days? Or do they start sending them out at the same time as the ones that got selected?

    Reply

    • If anyone knows the answer to this please respond. Last year I had premium processing and I did not get my rejection until the first week of June…

      Reply

  36. Anyone received or know that ppl received
    receipt numbers for Non AD/Non PP/VT???
    Reading all previous comments I see that only AD or PP
    have got so far. mine is regular with no pp and am waiting.
    This is my second attempt.

    Congrats to all those who have been picked.

    Reply

  40. Hi,

    when will USCIS will cash our checks? will it be at the time of receipt generation once you picked in lottery or after H1B petition approval?

    please, suggest.

    Reply

  42. Hi,

    My H1B notice has a typo in my surname. How do I fix this and how long will this take?. Will this affect the processing or the fact that it was approved?

    Thanks and all the very best to those who are still to get the good news.

    Reply

  43. my petition is AD/PP and still I did not get anything from my lawyer.

    Does it mean I did not get pick from lottery? or still should I wait until end of next week?

    Reply

    • I am still waiting….. AD PP CA
      I dont think we have been picked…..
      People in General has already started getting
      receipts……
      Dont see much hope

      Reply

    • Also, people in General have started receiving receipts since Friday. I have a friend who got a Regular/AD receipt on Friday. Don’t be fooled by that.

      Reply

      • What ? your friend is of AD and NON PP and got an receipt?

        No way!!!!!

        Not a single NON PP case got receipt up to now for this year cap quota

        He might be cap exempt or some other. Check with him clearly and post back the results and his WAC/EAC receipt no.

        Ask him on what means he got this receipt …Through E-Mail? or package to attorney.

        If Email definitely premium processing . If package it is regular.

        Reply

  45. Should I be worried if I already called school official to check my Sevis status and informed no updates? Does it mean I did not get pick from lottery? I filed non ad/pp/vt.

    Reply

    • I don’t think you should be worried. I checked with my school and they replied me that there is no update on SEVIS.
      I received my receipt from lawyer before getting this update from school.

      Reply

      • IF your opt is ended before 10/1 and your h1b cap-case is PICKED up through lottery. So USCIS will send a change of status request also extend your opt until 10/1 effective.
        But if your opt is longer enough (after 10/1) you don’t event need cap-gap to stay to work. Then probably they will no need to generate request to your international office.
        You don’t know until you got notice from them or you get your application back. So keep hope
        Good luck everyone!

        Reply

  47. Hi

    why is it that some cases are in accept status while others are in initial review? Something to worry about?

    Reply

  49. Non AD/PP/VT got receipt today. My name starts with Alphabet ‘A’. Perhaps they are processing on alphabetical order not sure though. Thnx to this forum. Best of luck for all those waiting for an update

    Reply

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