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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

  3. Got my receipt for AD-RP-CA (WAC-14-138-5XXXX). The lawyer probably received it earlier in the week. Good luck to everyone waiting.

    Reply

  4. Just wanted to let you guys know that I got my receipt today- EAC14136*****. I have been following this forum for a while now and would continue following. All the best to everyone who are still waiting.

    IK

    Reply

  5. Guys, Just to share what I discussed with my attorney just now.
    1: PP receipt came using both E-Mail and post, why and how it happened, they could not comment.
    2: They still received still some PP ( only AD , not from Non-AD) receipt via post this week. ( But count is really very low).
    3: As per them , we should until 28th ( For PP cases: Both Ad and Non-AD) and even after still there is a chance ,as receipt notice is no guaranty from USCIS. So I was suggested to wait for next full week at-least.
    I know all what I wrote above is mostly known to all, only point I am just trying to make here is still there is a fair chance, so lets be positive and hope for the best.

    Reply

  6. Hi All,

    2 employers had applied h1 for me and I n0w have got picked up in both. One says its in acceptance phase and the other is in initial review.

    I am worried which one will get approved now.
    @Saurabh, can you please suggest me on this.

    Thanks

    Reply

    • You could have applied 10 times…then I wonder you would be more confused…for you guys deserving people are not been selected
      Enjoy Your Confusion

      Reply

      • Multiple or Duplicative Filings
        To ensure fair and orderly distribution of available H-1Bs, USCIS will deny or revoke multiple or duplicative petitions filed by an employer for the same H-1B worker and will not refund the filing fees. On March 19, 2008, USCIS announced an interim final rule on H-1Bs to prohibit employers from filing multiple or duplicative H-1B petitions for the same employee.

        from USCIS.

        Good luck to everyone.

        Reply

        • This rule only applies to the SAME employer submitting multiple applications for the same employee. If there are two separate employers making two separate petitions for the same employee, it is completely legal.

          Reply

          • .@Mueller: yes you are 100% right on that.one can file as many as he/she finds sponsors to file.but all employer should be different.for example :one IT genius have good educational background with 10 year experience and he has got offer from Microsoft,wipro,Satyam,and 2 more company.so all those 5 company can file for that genius guy and it is legal.USCIS gives an option to select 1 among all filed petition after it’s been processed.

    • Correct ..
      As long as 2 different employers, its legal and should not affect approvals.
      So both can be approved..
      If both are approved, you have the luxury of choosing the employer.
      OR
      1 is approved and other denied
      Here you have no option but to work for the one thats approved
      OR
      Both are denied.
      Almost 0 chance of that happening as long as the employers are decent. I wont worry at all.

      Reply

    • Nikki,
      Both will get processed and all 4 combinations are possible – A and B approved, only A approved, only B approved, neither approved. Wait for them to complete the processing.

      Reply

  8. Hello Everyone,

    First of all, it can be anybody’s game till USCIS starts sending out rejected packages. That is my personal opinion.

    I have a question though. Are the selected applications processed in any particular order?

    Reply

        • Actually I am talking about the lot that got receipt number at the very beginning. For them it took some time get status check in USCIS tracker. After that it might have become more regular.
          Anyway anyone answer my question i.e. Are the selected applications processed in any particular order?

          Reply

    • Its trackable now…mine was also not trackable till this after noon but now it is trackble.even though I have not received my receipt yet.found out via SEVIS from my school.

      Reply

  11. Need help!

    I received a paper from Department of Homeland Security with a receipt number. When i put it in the USCIS case status tracker i get “Intial Review”. IS this being accepted in lottery? My HR doesn’t believe so and thinks this is only reciept that they got my application. But she is fairly new. Can i accept this as good news?

    Reply

  12. They are still in process of sending receipts for PP guys.
    More receipts are generated example CA from last 3 days there are generating receipts which are dated APRIL 10th mostly non-pp. So non-pp we should alteast wait till may 2 weeks to get receipts.
    So be positive and best of luck too all 🙂

    Reply

      • My case (AD/PP/CA) shows received on April 10th, the receipt number is WAC14138xxxxx, which looks like it was generated long time ago. But I got the news from my school just a few hours ago. I guess it’s just the news is being delivered to lawyer or employer late (or the lawyer/employer are being slow to tell you).

        Reply

      • I said they are sending receipts for pp today also some people received. I also said they are generating receipts for non-pp example you can see there are lot of receipt from CA from last 2 days generated with date April 10th. Just check randomly on uscis site you will know

        Reply

    • @Saisri,

      Exactly, it is the same news that I got from my employer when I inquired about my H1B application. Waiting another 2 weeks would make someone not only hopeful, but also a very stressful one.

      Reply

  13. Guys,
    I just found out i was PP/RQ and i havent recieved ay emails from lawyer or any update on SEVIS, This is my second time, Do i have any chances or game over for me??

    Reply

    • @NS

      Don’t loose hope until you receive your application packet back from USCIS.
      Just in case prepare for alternate option.

      Good Luck..

      Reply

  14. AD/RP/CSC

    lost all hopes in system it is flawed and needs to be fixed
    I worked so hard in my PhD about 20 publications/1 patent and everything boils down to a lottery ..i didn’t flip coin to get my PhD 🙂

    Good luck to all … i hope i don’t have to wait for h1b next year again and file for green card

    Reply

  15. Assuming both centers together are capable of processing around 12k total applications in two days, I would say they have sent all the receipts on April 17. If it’s not with your lawyer yet, it’s game obver. The only hope I have is that they might not have sent it for the masters students who were picked in regular lottery…it’s a hard truth that people refuse to accept. I’m not being rude…I’m in the same boat …but probably I’ve been the closest of followers of this entire process.

    Reply

    • Yes, I agree with Aa. It’s not a pleasant news, but it is the truth. The best use of our time right now (for AD/PP) folks is to start looking for transfer opportunities to international offices or other visa options. Start the conversation with your manager/HR. The earlier you start, the better you’ll feel, and the more prepared you’ll be.

      And if by some miracle we do end up getting the receipt after April 28th, then even better 🙂

      Reply

    • Aa, please stop doing this else you will be reported to the moderator and banned. You have been doing this for the past couple of days. We can relate to your anxiety but all this is unwarranted

      Reply

      • Yes I agree, Aa should be banned. You are not an official source and you can’t be certain. None of us can as a matter of fact. I have friends who last year received it much later than this date and the lottery was conducted even earlier then. I have spoken to several lawyers who are handling this (mine included) and they were still receiving receipts yesterday. How would you explain this then? My lawyer personally told me I should hold on at least until early next week. I have also lost hope, but that’s a personal choice, and a subjective opinion. Unless you have your rejection package in your hand don’t say it’s game over here. And if you do at least state it’s your personal opinion, stop stating things as facts.

        Reply

        • If you notice he has been saying this everyday for the past 4 days.
          i don’t think we need to share his paranoia.

          Reply

          • Well. I don’t think it’s paranoid. I think the rational thing to do is to at least have an alternative plan in case something goes wrong (which has high probability especially for PP/Non-AD guys at this point due to the high number of applications this year).

        • Yes but PP cases have come in today even. And my lawyer got one yesterday. He is stating his personal opinion as a fact over and over again. when you said it you made sure to say I think.

          Reply

          • Yes, I heard the similar message from my attorney. They are still getting receipts, both for PP and for RP. However, my attorney is also recommending that I start applying for other visa types, just to be safe. I think that is a responsible approach, instead of letting your clients wait and be unprepared. Just a thought 🙂

          • I agree 100%, but Aa has been saying it’s game over for several days and stating it as a matter of fact. He isn’t saying, guys prepare for alternatives just in case. Everyone will do that anyways if they are smart.

    • Yeah man,

      Literally no one has found out from VT Non-AD/RG yet. They started showing up online yesterday, and mail takes at least 3 days.

      Reply

    • Hi,
      I can’t agree with you for sure. 3k per day * 2 centers * 5 days will count 30k apps. There are 85k apps and it’ll take easily this whole week to generate/send all the receipt numbers. Considering the USPS 3-5 business days, you still have to wait till May 1st/2nd week to get your receipt number. so guys, please don’t lose hopes.

      Reply

      • For Regular Processing, I think it’s prudent to wait until the first or second week of May, as they are sent by mail and processed later than PP cases.

        As for Premium Processing, I think the latest should be April 25th (this Friday) or April 28th.

        Reply

      • you have to also consider additional processing time H4 dependent applicants. it not 85K it will be close to 120k applications.

        Reply

    • Aa, if you feel that way then OK. Kindly stop visiting this forum then and trying to get everyone to lose hope because you have decided to. Spend your time making your plan B’s etc instead of trying to draw up a crowd because you are feeling sorry for yourself! It’s annoying and pathetic…everyday you keep saying the same thing even when the contrary is being proven. We have to remember this is just a small sample size on this forum and if 2 people received PP receipts today on this forum that doesn’t mean that that’s the overall number that went out today. Please stop already!

      Reply

    • Aa, you need to stop spreading your baseless opinion again and again, people are still getting receipt no’s including PP and all. We are seriously waiting here and getting some hope when people post their receipt no’s and their experience.

      Reply

  17. Does anyone know why PP’s are being received by postal mail now. I thought PP is always per email, unless the lawyer maybe didn’t provide the email? Can some please explain?!

    Reply

    • A few of them are being sent out by Mail , but the majority of them have received through EMAIL Not sure if any of the process , but PP is normally in MAIL

      Reply

      • Some are getting through mail as attorney miss email address to fill in the application form or error in entering to meachine.

        Reply

  18. Hey guys … I am just curious that how many masters student still waiting ??? I would expect most masters would be picked … But certainly that’s not the case .Not being rude but since there were 20000 seats for it … Pls notify if u are one like me still waiting … Atleast it would give us some numbers …

    Reply

    • well we don’t know how many Masters ppl applied overall so hard to say what % would get picked. Also, this post and many others may not be representative of what’s happening overall since many people could be reading and never posting (and haven’t received receipts). The sample size here is very small. Still hoping for the best tho…

      Reply

      • Assuming both centers together are capable of processing around 12k total applications in two days, I would say they have sent all the receipts on April 17. If it’s not with your lawyer yet, it’s game obver. The only hope I have is that they might not have sent it for the masters students who were picked in regular lottery…it’s a hard truth that people refuse to accept. I’m not being rude…I’m in the same boat …but probably I’ve been the closest of followers of this entire process.

        Reply

    • Yea…I am a Master student, in page 33, there is even a post doc.

      Besides, I have extended my OPT, which will be expire next June, if I am not selected, can I apply the H1B again next year and if it’s selected and approved, may I leverage the Gap-cap and stay in the States between June and Oct next year?

      Thanks.

      Reply

    • I got my receipt notice from my attorney yesterday. AD/PP/ CA
      All PP need to wait at least till 28th April. Good luck to all whoa re still waiting.

      Reply

    • Still waiting.. But hopes are certainly going down each day. My hopes were high considering master’s case as well but looks like this year was very difficult for everybody irrespective of what category you applied for. I used to be a strong believer in ‘No news is good news’ but apparently not.. Perhaps it might be wise to move on..

      Reply

      • It’s sad . After spending so many dollars in fee, studying hard to get good gpa, waiting to get job, working hard so that employer would agree for sponsorship and what u get finally is luck based lottery …

        Reply

        • @AD,

          I totally agree with you. It is sad, and finally we have to wait for something like a “lottery” which is going to be something that we have no “control” of. We did every thing possible under the earth to get good GPAs, worked so hard to find a working place to sponsor, and we still have to face a “lottery” which is beyond our control.

          Reply

          • With few I meant 20,000$ for master and bachelors it’s lot more …. It’s university fee …. Please teach me how to get this amount confidence with this amount of ignorance ??? Clearly u don’t know what AD and GPA stands for, right ???

  19. I don’t think the SEVIS would show any change if you are going from F1 to H1B directly. It will only change if you are already on the OPT. Otherwise there is no sense in SEVIS changing if the H1B application got picked in the lottery.

    Reply

    • I am on OPT and my OPT expires on Sept 30th?? So will my sevis change or wat? Cz i just called my university they said no change as of yet.

      Reply

      • That one should change if your case is processed. The reason being that you OPT will be extended under CAP-GAP. Such change will be reflected on you SEVIS as OPT is part of SEVIS.

        BUT, if you are on F1 as student and are moving directly to H1B there is no reason for SEVIS to show any change.

        Reply

        • r u 100% sure. I hope you are….i m F1 doing my masters. I have applied through RP-NA. No news yet. Called international office today no update in sevis.

          Reply

        • I go from F1 to h1b. I don’t have OPT. The international office issued CPT for me today, they didn’t say anything about the SEVIS status.
          I didn’t ask the international office the SEVIS status.

          Reply

          • Mine is AD/RP/VT…..still waiting for reciept num, univ official said there is no update in sevis, my opt valid until dec 2014. Does any one know about sevis update??… do they update sevis only if OPT expires before Oct or for every student.

  21. Just received a scanned copy of the receipt from attorney. Good luck to all of you. Remember its not the end of the world. Just keep in mind that God has better plans for your future .

    Mine – AD/RP/California

    Reply

  22. General Quota/Regular Process

    I called my School to check the SEVIS and she told “I do not see any change to your SEVIS as of today”.
    Has anyone received GQ/RQ receipt yet?? This is my second time applying an if I don’t get it, I will be so mad!

    Reply

  24. Does anyone know why PP’s are being received by postal mail now. I thought PP is always per email, unless the lawyer maybe didn’t provide the email? Can some please explain?

    Reply

    • I saw 2 posts on PP ppl receiving their receipts by mail. Not sure what that is about but if it’s a reason for the delay then that’s great news:)
      AD/PP/VT

      Reply

  25. I got my receipt number on Monday EAC14134XXXXX , but I am still unable to track it, it says your case cannot be found at this time…

    Is there some one else in the same boat, who cannot track vermont receipt number?

    Reply

  26. Anybody from cognizant got receipt for Non AD Regular Vermont…

    The wait day by day literally killing me from inside..

    I was not able to concentrate on anything even at work place as well us home..

    Reply

    • CONGRATS!!! That gives me hope. I don’t understand however why PP’s are being received by postal mail. Is this normal?! Can someone please explain

      Reply

      • @Non AD/PP

        My speculation is all application received were on paper and none of them are electronic. There is probability that while scribbling email by attorney or by the clerk at USCIS while typing down email could go under mistake.

        Even if we consider that there is software to do this which scan emails from application could not be 100% sure about not making any mistakes.

        I hope this will help you.

        Good luck….

        Reply

  32. WAC1413252705…what happens when USCIS gets such cases? picked up in the lottery but submitted an incorrect fee…??!!??

    Reply

  34. Why don’t you guys check with your school’s ISSO office for the SEVIS status changing instead of just waiting? My wife checked with her school and even get the case number from her school. Her lawyer actually later only told her the fact of acceptance without a case number!

    Reply

    • AskYour School,

      All the schools are not willing to share the information (Specially if they have lot of masters degree students who are international)

      Reply

        • Don’t be confuse you are in 100%. I got receipt number from my DSO yesterday but I didn’t heard anything from employer or attorney till now but before few hours employer told that your fees cheque has been cashed so it’s confirm now…so don’t worry.yesterday I wasn’t able to track my application even but now it’s trackable.so leave tension and be happy and pray for others….best of luck guys who are waiting..don’t loose until you get something from USCIS

          Reply

        • I think you’re safe. My case is even track-able on USCIS website. You can ask your school to print you a new I-20 with OPT extension till September 30th.

          Reply

  36. I have been tracking this page to gather info as my wife’s employer had applied for a H1b.
    AD/RP/CA, she got her receipt notice with a WAC-14-XXX-XXXXX. USCIS case status shows its in ‘Initial Review’
    Received Date: 10/10/14
    Notice Date: 10/15/14
    Attorney: Littler

    Reply

  38. Guys, Couple of my friends just got notified by their lawyer with their receipt numbers for AD/Regular Proc … so keep the hopes high …

    People are still getting their AD/RP receipts from Vermont.

    I am waiting as well.

    Reply

  39. Hey guys.. I have been following this website for the past couple weeks, and am happy to report that I have been selected in the lottery this year!

    AD/RP/Vermont.

    So relieved!

    Reply

  42. There is always a hope until you get the rejection notice.. I heard there will be some percentage of applications that will be waitlisted to adjust for the rejections and withdrawals.. My wife got her lottery confirmation in June last year as probably that is one of the applications wait listed. Until you get the rejection , game is still on- its just that it will be more painful with endless wait.

    Did any one get any rejection notice… Have they started sending them out?

    Reply

  43. Sb,
    You said you would go to international office for CPT appointment. How is the status now? Please update it here. Thanks

    Reply

  44. Did Fragomen providing reply for AD/RP ? The said they would contact back in first week of May. Anyone in the same boat ?

    Reply

  46. Can we infer that 25th is the last date till that uscis will generate receipt? Also, Does it look like in VT mostly Ad applications are selected?

    Reply

  47. I have a question and I would be so thankful if you help me.
    I am getting my second master’s in the US and I used my OPT before. I am graduating on May 2014. The attorney said my H1b can’t be a “change of status” and I need to leave the country and get the visa stamp.
    I read somewhere that your F1 will be extended if you get H1b… I am confused here.

    Reply

    • I dont think what your lawyer is telling is true
      I am on f1 opt, and my application is for “change of status”.
      From what I know, if you are already in US, you should opt for change of status.
      2 years back, one of my friend wrongly applied it as a new visa, and had to ammend it later, since he was on opt.
      However, to get the visa stamped, you need to leave the country. Lemme just remind that the visa mentioned here is just a travel document. So, you can get your h1b approved, and stay here as long as you want without getting the visa stamped in your passport if you are not travelling out of the country. But, once you travel outside the country, you need to get the new h1b visa stamped in your passport to re-enter.
      Please feel to correct me if i am wrong somewhere

      Reply

    • PS,
      Your attorney in wrong. It can be filed w/ COS option. Your F-1 ends in May 2014 and you will receive cap-gap for the period until Oct 1. You can stay inside US during this period but cannot work.

      Your H-1 has already been filed by now. Did they file it w/o COS?

      Reply

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