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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

  4. Mine for premium processing,still didn’t receive the receipt yet.This is my last chance…Waiting,fingers crossed,hoping for the best

    Reply

  5. As we all know that this time more petitions are Premium. Assume that out of 85 k , Minimum 30 k are belong to Premium category. I wonder, how the USCIS can finish the processing for all these petitions in the 10 working days.

    1)Will they start Exactly at 28th April or before itself?
    2)Will they throw Simply RFE to make the calender delay for the petition?
    3)What is the success rate for the premium applications?

    Really not sure how they plan and execute it.

    Reply

    • Jai,
      1. All PP receipt numbers will be generated by April 28. PP SLA has been extended until 15 calendar days from April 28. So they are required to approve or issue RFE for all those petitions by that day (May 12).
      2. They have enough time in hand and some people have already received their approvals (as evident from their online status).
      3. Data not available. Petitions success is not dependent on its filing status – regular vs premium.

      Reply

  6. Can some one explain me why its gonna take so much time for sending the receipt numbers of either PP or RP? What process does USCIS follow as part of their initial processing?

    Reply

  9. Does anybody has company wise success rate for H1b over the years.

    Like
    Infi: applied 5000, Selected in Lottery: 4000, Success Rate: 80%
    IBM: applied 2500, Selected in Lottery: 2200, Success Rate: 88%

    Reply

    • I was also searching for this sometime back. There are statistics available on various websites like myvisa , visajobs etc. But I doubt validity of data there. I don’t think USCIS will disclose that information. But my guess is maybe* there is better chances for fortune 100 companies than others.

      Reply

      • I tried searching. But couldn’t get any. Max I was able to find out was LCA accepted and rejected. If you know any such website please let me know.

        Reply

  11. Good morning !

    I am still waiting under AD/PP/VT. I will retain full hope until Apr 28 and little hope till May 12. Let’s see how many PP applicants are still here waiting for an answer. Reply below so that we can get some statistics.

    Reply

  12. I THINK THEY HAVE PREFERRED PICKING PREMIUM PROCESS APPLICATION ONLY IN THE LOTTERY ….. REGULAR PROCESS ARE REJECTED FOR THE SAKE OF PP MONEY………… GUYS ANY TAKE ?????

    Reply

      • It shouldn’t be the case. Given the volume of application and the nature of selection, USCIS has too much of work to do before they can send out all the notification. some 80K + other regular extensions on a daily basis adds up to a big number. They have limited employee to handle everything and last year the selection notification continue till June.
        They will have to give preference to PP because of the 15 business day time frame, that is the very reason why they are still sending PP notification. It could be very much possible that this year PP filing is much higher compared to previous years.

        Reply

  20. Seems like people now only getting notified with WAC1365XXXX… There are more series still left out like WAC1375XXXX, WAC1385XXXX, WAC1395XXXX… This includes both AD/PP, Non AD/PP applications as well, so guys keep your fingers crossed and be patient.. FYI, the latest # is WAC1413953904.

    I will try to keep you all posted with more updates during next week..

    Happy Weekend….

    Reply

    • There is no such thing as left out series. The WAC numbers are given in a standard way. The 14 stands for 2014 and the next 3 digits like 138 or 141 stand for the working day of the year, eg: Jan 2nd was the first working day of 2014 and so on.
      Do not lose hope. YOU HAVE A CHANCE UNTIL YOU RECEIVE A REJECTION NOTICE. All other permutations and combinations are just plain guesswork. If selected, you should be receiving the notice in 30 days time since the lottery ( applies to regular quotoa, PP should hopefully receive it in 15 days time) So, if selected in either, you should expect to receive one by May 10th. Thereafter, call USCIS and ask for a status update.

      I was selected in the cap last year fortunately and I know what boat you are sailing in. But keep your hopes alive always.

      Good luck.

      Reply

    • Not yet … they are still processing PP … RP will come out only after they are done with PP … so probably after 28th

      Reply

  23. Hi Guys, I got an email from Fragonmen yesterday morning saying that I got the receipt. A friend of mine got his receipt this morning. We are both Non-AD/PP/VT..thought I’d share the information. I know how hard it is to wait in anticipation. Stay positive and don’t lose hope! Good luck to everyone!!!

    Reply

  24. Hi Everyone,

    Please support this petition whether you have been selected in the lottery or still waiting to get picked up.

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

    Reply

  25. Hi All,

    Can anybody plz tell me whether the filing fee check will be cashed before getting the receipt no.? thanks!

    Reply

    • I think yes check will be cashed .It might take time to get your receipt no to your attorney though it might be generated

      Reply

  26. Hi Saurabh,

    My application is selected in lottery for AD/PP/VT. The status show following:

    Does this means my premium processing clock already started? Three days back, I have also received receipt saying that USCIS has received my application on 11th April.

    Acceptance

    On April 11, 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 VERMONT 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.

    Reply

  30. Just got an email from my attorney with the I-129 receipt notice attached. Mine is RP AD CA service center. WAC141365**** Notice date was April 15. I was so tensed did not get picked last year. Good luck for all of you guys.

    Reply

  32. Any AD/PP still waiting for your receipts? Just want to see how many people on here are in similar situation.

    I just checked with my attorney and my school advisor to see if there’s any SEVIS updates. None so far, though he did tell me to check again next week as more are coming in.

    As for now, I’m just going to take a break from this site and all this H-1B craziness and take my Easter long weekend with some friends. Did all I can, so time to enjoy life! 🙂

    Reply

    • count me in too
      AD/PP/VT
      its fire balls inside me now…i really hope i get picked in the lottery, since this is my last chance

      Reply

    • Great to hear from all the AD/PPeeps 🙂 Have a great weekend guys. And a friendly advice to us all – I think the best approach is to stay off this site and stop focusing on this issue until at least April 28th. After that, you can plan for your plan Bs, etc.

      Also, I think there’s always great alternative options out there, if you take the time to look and not force yourself into a corner. A lot of people on here have this vicious mentality that :it’s either H-1B or “my life is doomed.” I think we are all mature enough (we all have masters degree right?) to know that that’s not the case, that our life is not going to be “doomed” just because some random lottery didn’t pick us.

      For myself, I am also looking at job opportunities in my field in other countries (Canada and the UK specifically). I don’t want to change jobs or compromise my passion just to go back to school and do another OPT/H-1B – I’d rather relocate to another country if it can offer me similar of not better opportunities in the career field that I am in (technology merger and acquisitions). In the long run, if you are a really talented person and a high performer, coming back to the U.S. (or going anywhere) should be no problem.

      Just want to put this out here, especially for us AD folks, to calm down and broaden our options 🙂

      Reply

    • I talked to another new hire of my company and he told me that several friends of his from Google have received receipt # from BAL Global. No news for my company so far and the paralegal of my attorney is not very helpful in responding to my emails. She gives only very vague and generic answers :-/

      Reply

  35. My school says my SEVIS is “active”.
    My opt is valid beyond oct..
    Will my SEVIS ever change? to “change of status pending?”

    Hopeful and desperate ADPPCA – waiting for good news

    Reply

      • Just called my school. They pulled up my records and still no change. However, my advisor did mention that they are only gradually receiving notifications for CAP-GAP extensions. They received one on Tuesday and another one only this morning, so he told me to check back within the next week as there will be possible updates.

        Reply

  38. Guys

    Just received for my wife. DO NOT worry because some people received receipt number in email and some are receiving by mail like i got today.

    So you still have time to hope. I know how hard for all of us to wait !!!

    You will get it.

    Reply

  39. I was so nervous today when I heard that AD-RP-CA are coming out so I just checked with my School DSO. They said that my SEVIS is updated and I’m on Cap Gap.

    I’m so happy and I’m still crying like a 3 year-old baby.

    Thanks GOD and I hope everybody who is waiting be happy just like me.

    P.S. I checked with my attorney this morning and she said the below sentences which made me more nervous :

    We have not received a receipt for your case at this time. However, we do expect to receive receipts for the cap through the first week of May. We will let you know immediately if you were selected in the cap!

    Reply

  46. Can someone help explain why this is happening? Checked my SEVIS status, and it says “change of status pending.” My OPT automatically extended to 9/30/14. But I called Fragomen, and they said no receipt for me yet…
    Does anyone know what this means?

    Reply

  49. My receipt Number is WAC-14-136-52078
    AD/non-PP/CA-Center
    I am trying to reply to comment I got, but unfortunately I don’t see it in my machine. I hope this will get to you guys.

    Good Luck again and keep your hopes and stay positive.

    Reply

      • @BM

        I just called my School to check any updates in SEVIS. Adviser informed that there is some change in SEVIS status, but their record showing pedning.

        I hope this will help you..

        Good Luck my friend

        I hope everyone will get through…

        Reply

      • https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/allow-h1b-applicants-who-were-not-selected-fy2015-lottery-temporary-work-authorization/2VyMkNyr

        Allow H1B applicants who were not selected in the FY2015 lottery temporary work authorization .

        The USCIS received approximately 172,500 H1B applications for fiscal year 2015. However, there are only 85,000 visas available. This results in 87,500 applicants out of a job. Many applicants received a United States education and are already working here on either OPT or other forms of work authorization.

        Preference should be given to H1B applicants who are already here in the United States working . This could be in the form of temporary work authorization (~3years) until comprehensive immigration reform is passed. This will prevent the H1B lottery FY2015 from hurting companies and the American economy .

        Reply

  50. Hi All,

    The centers were processing application at an average of 4000 applications..
    so at the max including all 4 centers avg of 6000 applications will be getting processed.

    So the 85000/6000 = 14 days .. 9 days over by today.. 5 more days it will take to process the remaining receipts I.E..25 Apr
    That’s Y for the Premium processing clock is set to 28 Apr..

    By 28 all the 85000 applications will be processed… May be the Receipt through post will get delayed…

    Previous year it was delayed until may mid because they start processing premium processing by Apr 15 that’s the reason for the clock delay(Apr 28) to have a everything on track..

    Reply

    • You are assuming that the service centers are processing ONLY H-1B petitions, which is not the case. That total number includes applications such as OPT applications (which is very high at this time of the year), I-140 Permanent Residence, and many other types of Visas. H-1B is only a portion of that total number.

      Reply

      • Hi Jonathan,

        Yes its Calculated Guess..

        I am considering only 6000 applications per day including all the centers.. Normally CAL or VER or other two centers process around 4250,3750,1000,1000 min apps rite!

        So it counts to 10000 if other apps may be 4000 max so 6000 avg is reasonable in my point of view…

        Reply

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