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H1B Visa 2015 – Frequently Asked Questions – Updates

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Updated : Dec 9, 2014 (H1B 2016 FAQs )

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

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

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

Flash News Update  : 

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

H1B Visa 2015 – Latest News Updates , Articles 

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

Frequently Asked Questions about H1B Visa FY 2015 

When will H1B Visa 2015 Season Begin ?

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

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

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

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

Would there be lottery for H1B Visa 2015 ?

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

How soon should I start planning for H1B Visa 2015 ?

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

How do I find Sponsors for H1B visa 2015 ?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   

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23,888 Comments

    • I’m still waiting… Theoretically, we should wait till 28-April. But I also heard that they receipt pp cases before rp cases. Now they are receipting rp cases.

      Reply

        • Congrats, Karry. I hope I hear good news soon..

          My employer is processing through Fragomen. Anybody waiting on an answer from Fragomen Non-AD PP and I am in Illinois so I guess its CA?

          Thanks
          Rahul

          Reply

  2. Hi all,

    i recieved my reciept today from employer. EAC14132-xxxxx. AD/PP/VT
    The lawyer never recieved any email or simply missed it. He did send emails for other candidates of my company and just missed me! 🙁

    The employer received the actual copy in mail yesterday as I assume and send it to me only today.

    But the thing is I still cannot see my case updates on USCIS website, wonder why as it was picked quite early. Anybody knows why?

    For people still waiting, I pray for the best of all of you.. Dont lose hope and I know how tough the situation is and how tough it is to stay calm. You all will soon hear some good news.

    Reply

  6. Just check if anyone in VSC received paper-based notice or any updates from USCIS.

    The EAC case number (I tried from EAC14311 to EAC14318, none of them shows online) cannot be found in the Case Status website…Not sure if anyone has the same or different experience.

    Good Luck to All Good People!

    Reply

  7. If school responds no update in sevis status…does that means i am not selected in lottery this time?

    my case is AD/RP/VT

    thanks for your responses!

    Reply

    • I think its too early to check the SEVIS. AD/Non-PP have still plenty of time to receive the mail and to check the SEVIS.

      Reply

    • I am in the same boat … SEVIS update can sometimes take a long time … so my bet would be to get the receipt first or cashed check … which again is too soon to tell …

      Vermont is slow so be positive and wait … we all should see RP receipts after 25th

      Reply

  10. sign this guys! https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/allow-h1b-applicants-who-were-not-selected-fy2015-lottery-temporary-work-authorization/2VyMkNyr

    Reply

  11. What if I leave the current job before getting H1B reciept number what will be process then. Will my H1B get rejected/Canceled?

    Reply

    • If you leave your current job before getting H1B receipt number, chances our your employer will withdraw the H1B petition. If they don’t withdraw, then you will get a RFE or it will be eventually rejected since you are no longer working for the employer who petitioned your case in the first place. So, get the receipt, come into H1B status and then transfer your H1B to another employer.

      Reply

        • Correct there is no need to having a H1b stamp .. but you will have to file 2 amendments
          1) Change of employer on LCA
          2) H1b Transfer which can be done only after the new LCA has been approved.

          Hope this helps.

          Reply

  12. So there is this guy/gal who his/her lawyer was in CA and was AD-RP-CA and wrote that the lawyer received the mail yesterday. The mail (i.e. the notice) was issued on April 15th and it took 2 days for them to receive the mail on the 17th.

    Usually USPS delivers in 3 business days at most. so If I did the math in a right way all the AD-RP-CAs should receive the mails starting from today ! Right ?

    Reply

    • That’s not entirely true. USCIS is sending receipts through USPS first class mail. The transit time for that is 3-8 days, according to my attorney.

      Also, it depends on how far your attorney is located from USCIS service center. My petition was filed in Vermont but my attorney is located in California. So, for me it will definitely take more than 3 business days.

      Reply

      • I guess no matter where the destination is USPS has a service level which is around that 3 days. at most I guess it is 5 days.

        But my assumption is that CA is already started printing on the 15th.

        Reply

        • In last year’s forum, some people posted that they got receipts with a notice date of April 26 on May 9 or so. So, I am not hoping for anything to come by soon.

          Reply

  13. My H1B case is files by MNC, may eb regular and not premium, can someone please let me know if USCIS started notifying regular cases as well?

    Reply

    • No its not a long weekend. Asper federal Holidays list, neither Good friday nor Easter is a holiday.

      Hence, USCIS will work both today and on monday.

      Reply

      • You are right but all these lazy Americans will use their paid time offs and go to visit their parents ! at least in my company there is like 50% of the employees already on PTO. So nobody works 🙁

        Reply

        • Mikeab – If you spill any more arrogant or stereotypical labeling on this forum, I’m going to suggest to the admin to ban you and your IP address from further posting.

          As per Easter holiday, tell me what is wrong with taking a day off to see your parents? In fact, most people on here would appreciate a culture that values work-life balance, not a culture filled with over-worked slave labor like where you came from.

          I really don’t understand what your point is, constantly throwing arrogant remarks about “Americans” – YOU ARE TRYING TO WORK AND LIVE IN THIS COUNTRY. Try to show some appreciation.

          Reply

        • you sound too bitter .. so why do you want to get a visa so eagerly in a country made/built by the same people, whose work ethic you despise so much ?

          Reply

        • Why do we need to call “Americans” Lazy, They are not!!. We need to respect their culture & land. If they were/are lazy we will not be here looking for job opportunities. — No offense, just my opinion.

          Reply

        • I second the above comments. If you are turely waiting to be selected and approved, please show respect to the place you’ll be work at for at leaset 3 more years and to your own choice.

          Reply

  15. Guys compared to last year, we are (Non-AD/PP/Vermont) still not that desperate. My friend (Non-AD/PP/Vermont) got receipt last year on 15th April which is 8 days after the lottery. So this year we have 3 days delay. Please correct me if i am wrong.

    Wish good luck to everyone!

    Reply

  16. Hi,

    Anyone hear for regular processing for H1B till now from Vermont Center.
    Even, any update how sooner we will be getting the update.

    Thank you!

    Reply

  18. Hi ,
    I am also one of the person who desperately waiting for my H1B status, In fact tracking the status for every 60 mins and we see that the receipts are generating in sequential, How do we know if it is for AD or RP..because for PP they have clearly motioned and rest not like that.Is that mean they started generating for RP as well?

    Sample PP: WAC1413854614 & General : WAC1413854616
    Thanks,

    Reply

  25. Hi, I had completed Masters degree,USA in 2008. However, later I left USA after opt completion and started working in australia. Am I eligible to file for h1b visa 2016 on April 1 2015?

    Reply

    • Sorry, am I eligible under h1b visa advance degree (masters quota) for future i.e.., 2016 as I had my masters in 2008?

      Reply

        • Thanks Boston..I had forgotten all rules about USA visa now .. But is there any thing like sevis expiry or any thing which denies me coming under masters quota of h1b in future

          Reply

          • No, there is no rule. Then you have master degree, you application can be filed under advance cap. Only rule is that your university must be nonprofit.

  26. I am on stem OPT and I renewed my passport here in the US after visiting india…so I have I-94 documented on old passport number… now that I have a new one do I need to do anything about it…also I got picked up in the lottery for H1…anything related to I-94 that I should be concerned about? I have submitted photocopies of both the passports….

    let me know if you guys can help me here…
    thanks

    Reply

    • Cal/PP/AD,
      Usually I-94 is issued only until passport expiration date if it is expiring in near future. When is your I-94 expiring?

      Reply

  31. USCIS H-1B Premium Processing to Begin April 28
    http://www.uscis.gov/news/uscis-h-1b-premium-processing-begin-april-28

    So PP clock will official start from April 28. I guess if we don’t hear anything by then, we’re done :-/

    Reply

    • That seems to be the logical assumption. One more week of waiting for all PP cases. After April 25th, it would be safe to assume that you did not get selected (PP cases).

      Reply

  32. USCIS H-1B Premium Processing to Begin April 28:
    http://www.uscis.gov/news/uscis-h-1b-premium-processing-begin-april-28

    According to the latest new release, PP will begin on April 28, much later than last year. So I guess we should wait until then to see if we get the receipt or not.

    Reply

  36. Fragoman got my receipt number (Non-AD/PP) on 4/17: WAC 1413753XXX
    I received confirmation email one hour ago, so exciting!
    Good luck for everyone who is still waiting

    Reply

        • I am Regular processing, AD, Vermont .. .per my employer he has applied for many employees approx 25 all for regular processing and none of their checks are cashed … I guess they are still processing PP and get to RP probably later next week.

          Reply

      • Youngman,
        Check cashed means selected in lottery.
        Check not cashed doesn’t mean not selected in lottery. It means selection unknown. They are still processing RP petitions.

        Reply

          • Sevis,
            H-1 selection doesn’t cause any SEVIS change for those whose OPT extends beyond Oct 1. However, once their H-1 is approved, their SEVIS record will be updated to show F-1 status ending on Sep 30.

  40. Does anyone know as to why the case status is not available for Vermont , also 15 days timeline , does it start from the “Date Recieved” (10th Apr) or will it start from 28th?

    Reply

  45. Is anyone still getting notifications from California side for Premium application. I haven’t got one still waiting. is anyone there or its done.?

    Reply

    • I think all PP should wait at-least till end of next week..

      If your application was not selected in AD, may be it got selected in regular.

      Reply

    • Unfortunately with Sunday being Easter as per the rules they get the following Monday off which would be Apr 21st … though I am not 100% sure on this as these were the rules that I read for US Consulates might be they have different rules for USCIS offices …. thought of sharing anyways ….

      Lets keep our hopes high its still not over … 🙂

      Reply

  50. one more day ends and I am going home now.
    See you guys back on Monday!!
    I hope I have some beer and relax this weekend and assume that I am the king of the world!!!

    Reply

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