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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

    • They might take 1-2 weeks to update the college …dont worry ..I checked with college they never shared any info finally employer let me know …AD/RP .you will come to know it before april 30 .

      Reply

    • Did you call your school and ask them about your status. SEVIS should have pending change of status and most probable a receipt number too. I know a few people who have received receipts but their SEVIS did not get updated yet and vice versa, So it is not 100% full proof way of knowing but still give it a try. I personally came to know about my selection through SEVIS. Hope that helps

      Reply

      • thank you both! That is relieving. I also tried to check with HR today to see if any of the checks have been cashed for all three applications our company did and was not able to see it. I am trying to be optimistic at this point. But! USCIS cash the checks right away for all the selected applications, right?

        Reply

  2. AD/PP/VT
    2 Masters (US) + 1PHD (US) + 2 years of post doc exp… didn’t get through in lottery…don’t know what to do…lost hopes

    Reply

      • I can only assume that with that kind of educational background, you must have published 4+ publications. O-1 visa is a good alternative for you, even faster than EB-1 as you can file premium processing. Also, O-1 can be used as a stepping stone for EB-1B/A.

        Reply

        • Thanks for the information on O-1 visa. Yes, I published 4+ publications. But I do not think that these are sufficient to get O1 Visa. Atleast 15+ publications and that too in very top journals with more citations…I might be wrong..I talked to attorney about this and she advised the same…

          Reply

    • @BS – same here. AD/PP/Vermont. I also agree with you that the chances for AD/PP are slim at this point (not impossible, just unlikely). We should wait until April 28th the latest.

      I agree with the other comments: ask your employer to start applying for PERM, I-140 ASAP. If you are not from India, processing times for GC is 12-18 months right now, from filing to Adjustment of Status (to permanent residency). I am asking my manager to do this right now. The longest part of the application is preparing for PERM (3-6 months). After that it’s very smooth.

      I am sorry that you have to go through this lottery. People like you with Ph.Ds and other advanced degrees should not be subjected to this lottery non-sense. Countries like Canada and the UK have red carpets welcoming people like you…

      Reply

    • Dont loose hope. Your qualifications are superb! Im sure other opportunities will arise with those credentials you have under your belt. There are many countries that are way better than the U.S. that will value you as an important asset!

      Reply

  5. Good morning !

    I am still waiting under AD/PP/VT category. It appears that PP applicants are still getting receipts. Let’s keep our hope alive for few more days (until Fri). PP applicants, please reply below.

    Another day…..another 10 hours of grueling wait….lets hope that this ends soon. Hopefully, today is our day !

    Reply

    • NAD/PP/CA

      The thing is my processing center is in CA (that’s where I’ll be working) but my immigration consulting firm (Fragomen) is located in Boston. That might explain the delay with the mail?

      Reply

      • USPS will deliver all the packages in 3 business days no matter what the destination is. The fact that you are PP and CA they should have sent that already. So by the end of the week you should receive it (April 28th). Many RP CAs received their mail by today. I was AD-RP-CA and I got mine on Monday afternoon. This means that they are done with PPs and started sending RPs.

        Reply

        • Mikeab,
          Why will USPS deliver everything in 3 days? I have dropped Netflix DVDs for a center 40 mi from my place and it didn’t reach there for 5 days. USPS is just slightly better than DMV and they have no SLA unless one signs-up for priority or express mail service.

          Reply

  7. AD/PP/VT – waiting.
    my employer filed for three people including me – AD/PP/VT. yesterday evening, two people heard from our employer that they were selected. but they dont know if it was emailed or mailed. i am still waiting and also was not selected last year.
    just dont loose hopes. waittttttttt

    Reply

  18. Can I apply for dependent VISA (DS-160) after my H1B approval or should be applied along with my H1B petition?

    Reply

  21. Just received a mail from the lawyer saying that I got selected in the lottery. Got a scan copy of the receipt which was generated on 13th April from Vermont. Guess the email didn’t happen and they sent a scanned copy of the receipt. Premium processing. Advance degree from texas.

    Reply

  22. Hi,

    I have no idea about the H1 process, I was hired as an intern from London and all I know is that my company has filed for my H1B so as to convert me into a full time employee, 0 communication with the lawyers. I’m pretty much assuming it is RP. Also, it would be Non-AD even though I have a british masters.

    As people here have been researching quite a bit on the processing times, if someone would be kind enough to drop an estimate timeframe when my miserable wait would end, I would be eternally grateful.

    Thank you.

    Reply

    • Hi,
      I think for non advance degree and regular process lottery process has not been started yet. My Lawyer also said same. It will start after 28th April hopefully. I have also applied with same criteria.

      Generally you will get your No. within second week of may but last year they gave receipt No. in June first week also so it’s not fix time frame.

      Just hoping for best and quick result 🙂

      Reply

      • Thank you hitesh.
        You are a true gentleman.

        Although I have to admit I was expecting some hate messages considering I read a few while surfing through.

        If you could guide me through one last situation. I am on a J1 visa, primarily because my company couldnt get me an H1 last august when i started my job. Hence the internship and low wages (hate this visa noise)

        How can this change of SEVIS thing be checked. Is it online (I’m assuming not)?
        If not, should I contact the person who sorted out my J1 visa for me last year?

        Thank you again.

        Reply

        • I’m not entirely sure about J-1 but if you take a look at your documents (DS- ) the officer designated to you will have their name and signature. on it. Since the J-1 is a scholar program, you probably have a SEVIS number.
          However, non advanced non premium processing is not going on all cylinders yet, so your SEVIS may not be updated yet.

          Reply

  23. Juz give me ur girl friend name and her number. I will take good care of her. U dont have to worryy dude!!!:) 🙂 🙂

    Reply

    • Can you tell me how to differentiate regular from PP by tracking number and info provided at tracking website. Please help…
      For example – WAC1414254876 in intial review now.

      Reply

      • On April 22, 2014, we received this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER, and mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case. Please follow any instructions on this notice

        Above is the description for that receipt.

        If you clearly check the description it says “mailed” so it confirms regular processing.

        If it says “E-Mailed” then it is premium Processing”.

        You have to check one more thing “On April 22, 2014” this resembles the date Petition receeived or actually taken in to consideration for processing.

        All this year H1b petitions whoa re going through lottery will be dated as “On April 10, 2014” as lottery held on that date.

        So take only those are date as April 10 for consideration who are under lottery system.

        Experts!!!!lease correct me if i am wrong.

        Reply

  25. Hi, I have been given this website to look up your SEVIS status

    https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/dhs/loadSearchPage.do

    However, I think it is just a website used to find if your i 901 fee has been paid when you first arrived in US for study. It doesn’t look like that it will show SEVIS status change once you have visa lottery receipt.
    Will someone who already know his SEVIS status changing be kind enough to try this website, too? Just to make sure that it also shows change in SEVIS status.
    Thanks!!!

    Reply

  26. Hi All,

    I have been reading all your comments since day 1. I wanted to contribute for what ever it’s worth.

    AD/RP – waiting. But that is not what I wanted to write about

    Graduated Master 2010 (Cal State)
    Job – Fortune 10 company
    OPT + STEM expired Nov 2012
    H1 2012 (April 2012 I mean)- First Attempt – Missed Quota
    Employer screwed up missed applying mine initially, by the time I realized it was late May. Application reached June 12. Missed quota by one day

    Went back to school in Fall and employer converted me to intern to continue working. School is ITU, offers CPT from first semester

    H1 2013 (April 2013 I mean)- Second Attempt – Did not get picked in lottery
    Employer filed on April 1st this time, but no luck in lottery
    Continued to go to school on the weekends, 100% attendance, just to be safe, try to get A’s, don’t always do though. and keep extending my CPT every semester.

    H1 2014 (April 2014 I mean)- Third Attempt – Waiting
    Will graduate end of Aug 2014. So this will be my last attempt.

    This is quite a personal to me, the reason I am sharing this with you guys, is because I share your pain and stress, I have for 2 years now. For the people who really need to stay here, you can if you put some time and effort into it. There are quite a few school like ITU. Someone posted them in the comments today.

    Hope my experience gives you some perspective on the work around, if in case you don’t get through lottery.

    Cheers
    Nick

    Reply

    • So you must be doing a second masters? cuz you would loose you OPT taking that much CPT… anyways, wish you luck. I am also AD/RP waiting, first time.

      Reply

      • Hi CPT,

        Yes I am doing an MBA now. As for the OPT, you only get one OPT for one degree level. For example Bachelors, Master’s, PHD
        SO it won’t matter how many CPT’s I do, I am not eligible for another OPT after this MBA

        Thank you
        Nick

        Reply

        • This needs more visibility. You get a 1-year OPT per degree level. Therefore, if you already have a masters you need to do phd to get another opt.

          Reply

    • Hey Nick,

      I couldn’t resist myself to reply to your comment. An inspiring story. I think I am ALMOST on the same track like you, but I think you are one step ahead of me. I wish BEST in your life.

      I am still waiting but at the same time planning(strategy) for next year’s H1B.

      This incident drives me to read couple books on LUCK
      1. The Luck Factor by Richard Wiseman
      2. Luck Factor by Max Gunther

      These are the incidents, which makes us stronger. One day when you will be a Leader, then these experiences will work.

      Reply

      • Hi R.K,

        Very considerate of you. I will look up the books. I hear USCIS is still sending PP receipts, don’t loose hope, good luck

        Thank you
        Nick

        Reply

    • Hi All,

      I couldn’t resist my self not to post my story here. This time I got selected in lottery, but this is not I want to talk about. I would like share my story which is lil bit resembles to @Nick and to give you idea how to look for other options.

      Last year my employer applied for my H1-B. Lawyer made mistake in LCA in first attempt and by the time my second LCA got prepared it was too late and my application reached there on April 7th.

      I talked to my employer about and we looked for other options. They were also ready for my Green card processing for which I was not agreed and my lawyer said that it will be too early to apply for Green card.

      Then I started to look for near by universities as lawyer suggested and I took admission in some Certification program. For that my employer is paying for my education expenses and sponsored me for living expenses (couple of months) till I got my CPT. Currently I am working for them. If I would not have selected this time, then I was ready to go back to my home country and start something like my own company there.

      I know this is not out of the world situation and not want to get overwhelmed, but just want to share my experience and how I got through from this.

      I will suggest to stay positive, keep faith, invest your current energy for plan B’s instead of worrying.

      Best of luck my friends. I hope everything good in our future endeavor.

      Thanks
      — Smith

      Reply

      • Hey Smith,

        What kind of certification course you did and from which university?

        I am also in a smilar situation, I have not received my receipt yet so thinking what can I plan

        Thanks,
        GB

        Reply

        • Hi GB

          I am in Santa Barbara CA, the course I took was GCBA (Certification for MBA) from CSUN. This school has some more courses. There are some more options like ITU.

          Before applying anywhere please make all inquiries.

          I hope this will help you.

          Good Luck my friend..

          Reply

    • Shaking hands Nick, same here doing CPT in ITU. Just got email from employer that I’m picked. AD/RP/VT.

      MS Graduate 2012 summer, worked in a top financial institution in NY, who screw me up last year by suddenly saying no sponsorship at the last minute (March..). OPT Exp in july 2013 no extension(B-school).
      Applied ITU with CPT and tried to change jobs, went throgh months of interviews with other top banks, and was told they can’t take risk with my CPT after 5+ rounds of interviews.
      Old employer didn’t accept CPT too and dismissed me after my opt expired. Had to go consulting firms, went through all the training,marketing,interviewt etc. for a few months and finally get placed in another bank.Now still working in East Coast, fly to CA once/twice a month for weekend classes. new employer filed for me this year, my first and last chance.

      There are a lot of folks in ITU like us. To those who still have OPT, this isn’t the end of the world. If you really want to stay here there are manys ways, you just need to try harder.

      Wish you all the best Nick.

      Reply

  28. I am AD/PP/VT, I tried finding out from my school DSO and according to them there has been no updates on my SEVIS record. Do you guys think if I still have a chance this year.

    Reply

  29. AD/PP/CA guys hang in there. There is still some hope.

    I checked a random receipt number WAC1414253689

    This is not my number. I am still waiting. But this number has a message that says your premium processing request was received on April 22. This means that there may still be some premium receipts that USCIS will generate between now and April 28. They also said they mailed the receipt.

    Reply

    • This is not correct. Who ever got selected in lottery this year must say April 10 date any other date means must be CAP EXEMPT Application.

      Reply

      • On April 22, 2014, we received this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER, and mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case. Please follow any instructions on this notice

        Above is the description for that receipt.

        If you clearly check the description it says “mailed” so it confirms regular processing.

        If it says “E-Mailed” then it is premium Processing”.

        You have to check one more thing “On April 22, 2014” this resembles the date Petition receeived or actually taken in to consideration for processing.

        All this year H1b petitions whoa re going through lottery will be dated as “On April 10, 2014” as lottery held on that date.

        So take only those are date as April 10 for consideration who are under lottery system.

        Experts!!!!Please correct me if i am wrong.

        Reply

  30. On April 28, 2014, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin premium processing for H-1B petitions subject to the fiscal year 2015 cap, including H-1B petitions seeking an exemption from the fiscal year cap for individuals who have earned a U.S. master’s degree or higher.

    Does it mean they will start processing AD/RP also?

    Reply

  31. Hi…
    I have receipt from my employer …
    How can I know itis PP or not PP…bcz here guys are telling non ad/non pp people didnt receive any update yet

    Reply

  32. I am AD/RP. My SEVIS has no update. Does that mean I am NOT selected? I see people with AD/RP have started receiving confirmation and update status in SEVIS. Are all RP applicants status update at the same time in SEVIS? Has any AD/RP got receipt but SEVIS not updated?

    Reply

  35. Hey man,

    If your love is strong enough, you will overcome this obstacle. I and my girlfriend graduated in the same year, same school. We tried really hard in the first year but we still didn’t get employer who will sponsor for us. We almost broke up and go back our country. But we decided to come back school and tried again. For a year, we struggled and fight for this hard choice. Now both of us got H1b and my employer will sponsor for Green card after 1 year.

    I recommend you, if you are not really sure about your love. You are better to give up or you will have to try hard and you will meet a lot of difficulty. During that time, I have some friends were couple and they met the same difficulty. They decided to change their plan and all of them already broke up.

    Be mature.

    Reply

  36. You WILL find another employer. And you WILL find another girlfriend if things do not work out with this one. Dude this is just a small obstacle you have to overcome. It will prepare you for much tougher situations you’ll have to deal with later on in your life.

    Try to remain optimistic and think about alternative plans. When is your OPT expiring? Can you get a STEM extension? Maybe plan to return to school? Good luck!

    Reply

    • I also have the same problem. Found a job here AGAINST ALL ODDS and now this. Have a wonderful boyfriend here and the idea of us separating kills us. But you know what. He has repeatedly said he will stay with me even if I leave, that we will find a solution together etc. I know it is a though time but as the others said this is only one small obstacle among many others that come in life. It’s so hard to stay optimistic but you have to! Maybe you’ll know find an even better job next year? Or you leave and find your dream job abroad? Or you can find an alternative in the US in the meantime and reapply next year? There is always plan B, C, D … And I also agree with everyone who has said if she leaves you because of this.. absolutely let her go! If she truly loves you, she would never condition leaving you upon a visa.

      Reply

    • Yeah the 8 month issue is a problem for me too. Can you stay here on another visa maybe meanwhile while waiting for those 8 month. A B2 or a J1? Maybe your future employer would hire you as an intern in the meantime.

      Reply

    • Aa,

      Firstly, like others mentioned, you should not lose hope, receipt might be on its way soon.
      Secondly, you can go back to school. There are quite a few schools that lets you take CPT from the first semester. You will need let your employer know your situation (worst case scenario if you don’t get picked) and continue working till you can apply for H1 next year.
      There is a list of schools someone posted in the comments here that offer full time CPT (20 or more hrs per week)
      As for your GF, hope it works out

      Cheers
      Nick

      Reply

  37. Dude,
    if the reason behind her leaving for another person is you’re missing the H1B coin flippin’, then let her go anyways because she is not worth it!

    Reply

  38. Site Admin – Lots of comments on previous pages not showing again… Can’t we get a more permanent fix? This problem seems to be occurring every hour throughout the day…

    Reply

  39. Hi,

    I called my University ISSO today to ask about my SEVIS status. I got response H1-pending and the receipt number #EAC1413########.
    But, I haven’t heard from my attorney yet, does it means my application is picked up in lottery?

    Also checked status at USCIS website- it says case not found at this time. Mine is Regular, AD. Good luck to everyone.

    Reply

  41. Is there any feel for how USCIS is mailing out receipts? Do they usually mail out a bunch of receipts for X company/law firm at once, egs., a bunch of PP receipts, then a bunch of RP receipts, or do they trickle in one-by-one over several days?

    Reply

  42. Have been following this website for a long time!

    Got a receipt number from Fragomen ppl. AD/RP. I think almost all AD ppl r getting picked! Congrats to ppl who got picked n good luck for the folks who are waiting!!

    Reply

  43. Hi all,

    I am new to this website. I don’t know somehow they deleted my questions. I got a scan receipt from my lawyer. I checked on the USCIS website, it just stated that “INITIAL REVIEW” which means my application is not approved yet right? I will still have to wait for the H1B visa granted??? Please help me explain.

    Thanks

    Reply

  44. Hi, I have question regarding PP notification. So far some people claimed they received via emails and some people said they received by mails. My question is that if two people of same company applied H1B as AD/PP/VT by same law firm. If one guy already received via email, does this mean the other guy should also receive via email if he get selected in the lottery?
    Thanks!

    Reply

    • depends on form filled by attorney .. there will be additional form need to be filled to get notifications .. if it is not attached to petition you will get via mail ..

      Reply

  45. Guys, just wanted to know if any1 has a recipe for chicken 65, please respond as it is very important and I am planning to cook it this weekend.

    Reply

  46. Got to know today that my application has been selected in the lottery. Status is under “Initial Review”. AD/RP/CA.

    All the Best to everyone waiting.

    Reply

  47. I can appreciate how stressful this whole process is and how many of us have a lot on the line here, but at the same time I’m somewhat surprised at the false sense of entitlement some people are displaying. We’re in this situation because we’re not American citizens. It’s not our birthright to have the ability to work and settle there. The fact that the US even has such a scheme that allows for this transfer of human capital is pretty remarkable.

    If you’re in a position to be sponsored for an H1, odds are you’re doing pretty well for yourself no matter where you are. There are people around the world that face much bigger adversities than this on a daily basis. Stay positive, appreciate what you have and be thankful for whatever opportunities present themselves. Having a negative outlook won’t serve any purpose.

    Reply

  48. Hi all,

    I am very new to this process. My lawyer just emailed me a receipt when I checked it on the USCIS website, it just stated that “initial review” which mean my H1B visa has not granted yet right? The receipt just indicated that they received the document??? Please help me to explain this!

    Reply

  49. Hi Guys,

    Do you have any idea when RG/NOD-AD will start getting receipts.
    But i see very few (i.e) around 3 got receipts from CA not from VA.

    Hope for the best!.You will hear good news soon.

    Reply

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