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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

  1. questions to those who have both received an official notice and confirmed with their DSO that they were picked;

    Is the receipt number from your DSO same with the official receipt#?

    Reply

  2. Someone in my office got a confirmation email from our attorney stating he was selected in the lottery. His case is AD/RP/CA. I did not hear back as yet, I am Non-AD/RP/CA. My question is would AD/RP folks come to know before Non-AD/RP folks from the same company/attorney?

    Reply

  3. Does this mean I am not selected?

    RQ/RP

    I checked your record, and USCIS has not made any indication of your H1B application on your SEVIS record. Currently it shows that your employment will end on 11/30/2014.

    Good luck everyone!

    Reply

  4. I asked my isso about sevis status

    Does this mean I am not selected?
    I am regulat quota regular processing…
    I didn’t get it last year. I hope everyone good luck.

    I checked your record, and USCIS has not made any indication of your H1B application on your SEVIS record. Currently it shows that your employment will end on 11/30/2014.

    Reply

    • @ Goodluckthisyear

      you wont see any changes in your Sevis.

      the reason being, your OPT extension (im assuming based on date) is after September 30th. Therefore, Sevis wont change your records since if you dont get selected in lottery(im positive you will) they would only be affecting your employment date till november.

      hope thatr makes sense. good luck

      Reply

    • don’t lose your hope. There is always good news for all of us.
      I’m AD/PP/CA and not received anything yet from my lawyer or HR yet!
      so I decided to call my DSO and they said my SEVIS record is updated with a pending change of status case plus an automatic cap gap extension on my OPT.
      So I guess thats a sign to be selected in lotery but again I’ve have NOT received anything official yet!

      Reply

      • Could you check the receipt # when you get your official receipt notice? I was wondering if the receipt # from your SEVIS is the same with your receipt notice. Thank you very much.

        Reply

  12. Hi Guys,

    I did not get any receipt from my employer but When I called my collage they said my SEVIS has been changed and it is in pending status ..and they also gave me the receipt number.

    I also called my employer he said the cheque is not deducted yet
    so am confused with this situation .
    Can any one help me !!:((

    Thanks,
    Sai Charan.

    Reply

  14. When was the last time someone heard from Fragomen on AD-PP or non-ad-pp.
    Some one told me that these guys send updates once at the beginning of processing window and once in the end of the window

    Reply

  16. When was the last time someone received AD PP or non-AD PP reciept-update from Fragomen.
    As per my knowledge it was around 17-Apr.

    Some one told me that they may be sending the updates once at the beginning and once at the end of the processing window

    Reply

    • Hmmm..I’m not sure about that or it may be employer specific because the Partner at Fragomen who replied to my first email said that I haven’t heard back because they haven’t received any updates for me, meaning they would let me know as soon they heard back. The paralegal confirmed the same.
      Perhaps for different employers they hold back till the end. I don’t know.

      Reply

  17. US grads,
    This is little bit off topic question. I applied my OPT and case is in initial review more than 78 days. How long it will take to get that? My start date is approaching within one week. Any suggestions? Thanks

    Reply

    • I have waited for 88 days. I applied it on Dec, 24, 2013, it turned to initial review on Jan 10, 2014. However, it didn’t turned to Card Production until March 26, and I got the card right on March 31, right before the start date of H1-B application.

      Reply

    • I graduated May of 2013. my OPT took 90 days flat till i got my EAD card. Remember you need the EAD card in order to start working not OPT approval. I know its frustrating and a really long wait but it will come im sure.

      I would suggest talking to your employer, explain the situation and im sure they will understand.

      Reply

    • I received my opt exactly on time….i.e. just the end of CPT. My CPT ended on December 31st. I received my OPT card in December itself. It took 4-6 weeks(cannot remember accurate duration). If you have applied on time you will get in time in hand.

      Reply

  20. Hi, I found from my Univ’s International Student advisor that my Sevis Status was updated and I got the I20 for Cap Gap extension. There has been no update from my company’s attorney though. Does this mean that my case was picked in lottery or do all the applicants get the new I20 before the lottery when they apply for the H1B? My petition is AD/PP/VT.

    Reply

  21. Employer applied for H1b through the Advanced Degree cap … Haven’t received a notification from attorney yet but called the university and had them check the status of my SEVIS …. reported back saying the “status is pending with EAC14138******” …. Good luck to the rest that are still waiting … this site has been source of support … keep up the good work

    Reply

  22. Hi … any hopes left for AD/RP ??

    My employer had applied for several applications .. he called me yesterday to inform me that he has receieved receoipt notices for everyone that he had applied for EXCEPT MINE 🙁 …. at this time I am assuming I was not picked up in the lottery …. my OPT Stem Ext is expiring on July 1st 2014 ….

    Are there any hopes left … as many people that I spoke to said its game up for me …

    Any input to this or anyone in the same situation please share … would really appreciate it …

    Reply

    • I applied under AD/PP/VT and still waiting for an answer.

      PP applicants can have hope until Apr 28 and some hope until May 12. Most likely we (PP) are on waiting list or not selected.

      I don’t know about RP. But, you can keep hope until May 12. Just hope that your application packet does not get returned.

      Try these in the mean time:
      – Contact DSO and ask about your SEVIS status.
      – Ask your employer whether the check issued for you was en-cashed or not ?

      Reply

      • DSO says not update for SEVIS and surprisingly my employer says none of his checks are cashed even though he received receipts for other guys …

        Reply

  23. Hi, Few of the guys who applied alongwith me got their receipts. I want to know in the order of the application number

    Reply

  29. First of all vermont center seem to process max applications,but it is dead slow now.
    Second premium guys have to wait till this weekend to know their fate.

    Regular non-ad guys should have some common sense.there are around 59k slots whereas applied ones are 1.5lakh appli (exclusing AD applic approx).

    For all non-ad chances r very slight,its like 1:3 ratio.so dont completely rely on this stupid lottery which is not in our hands.i myself nonad-rp, reading all the comments feel embarrassed, mostly indians doing this.
    Have some patience, dont completely push ur life on h1b, those who hav any brains try any other diff countries.
    Sry if this is hurting but i wanted to say this to all.
    Thanks. By the way most of my Freinds who applied under AD already got it,both rp,pp.so cheers

    Reply

  30. any one who applied for Non AD/RP got reciepts.
    I am waiting for the results.
    does USCIS inform when all reciepts are sent out or is their any last date for sending out reciepts…
    wait is killing me please reply.

    Reply

  32. How come I did not see any NonAD-PP here talking about their receipt number ?

    I know it is difficult in that category but I was expecting some people to inform by now ! any thoughts ?

    Reply

  33. Hi..

    I am totally new in this H1 b process. My company filed H1 b for me this year. They told me if I got selected in the lottery then only they will let me know my receipt number. In between I was wondering what’s this non ad/ cp / vp…..kindly help….

    thanks
    Sai

    Reply

    • Please go through all comments/pages. You will come to know the answer waht you have asked.

      Are you really eligible for H1B? Sorry if i hurt you, but you should atleast do some research before rely on someone else. World is tough dude , you should be tougher to go through the world.

      Instead of saying all this i can answer your answer in a single line.

      If you say that you are not eligible for H1B, then any one will answer for you.

      If you really feel you are eligible for H1B , post back the answers yourself.

      All friends , please don’t answer to this question. He has to learn how the world is.

      SAI M, i am just giving bringing out the confidence which is under deep in your heart/mind.

      Reply

      • Everyone is not so desperate about H1B. It has nothing to do with how tough the world is. It is no use worrying about it and counting figures since you can not do anything to change the outcome. Sai’s company has applied and probably they will let her/him know about the outcome. If someone is not much worried about H1B doesnt mean that they dont deserve it. Maybe be they are very much capable that they dont need to worry.

        Reply

    • AD= advanced degree in US (20,000 quota)
      PP= Priority processing (two weeks) (more costly)
      RP= Regular Processing

      Once you get selected in the lottery only then a receipt number will be generated and your lawyer will give you that. You should expect it before Mid of May if you are non AD and RP.

      Reply

    • Unless USCIS send out the last receipt, hope will be alive for AD/RP and Non-AD/RP because AD’s that were not selected as part of 20k are clubbed with rest of 65k. So, just hang in there. All the best and have patience.

      Reply

  41. NonAD/PP/CA here… still waiting…

    is there any hope left, or they are only sending out RPs now?

    this wait is killing me.

    Reply

  43. Anyone through “Sidley” attorney? 🙂 None of the threads mention about this firm.

    Reply

  44. So guys, when can we expect Non-AD/RP/Vermont receipt number?? Have seen few of them have already updated that they have received receipt numbers for the same category??? How far this is true??? I am waiting for this 🙁

    Reply

    • Hi,
      please read all comments. you will get idea. for NON AD/RP I think process is just started so hopefully you also get within a 10 days.

      Reply

  46. I have applied for Non AD/Non PP from India. My Application picked up in the lottery. Got the case number. Wish you Good Luck everyone waiting still…!!!

    Reply

  47. I am from India. Being not confident on my employer, I verified the attorney’s case document page and found that my employer had not submitted the detailed job description for me. Can I assume that my employer had not filed a petition for my H1B. As a backup plan, I was concurrently seeking to get a better job and have got an offer now. So I am in a confusion as whether to submit my resignation to my employer or not. Your kind advises please.

    Reply

    • Hey,
      Very hard to know whether ur application submitted or not. For me i saw my application in the DHL courier (a box having all H1 applications) that was sent to US to my company office and then to USCIS.
      But HR will not tell you immediately and this is in most of the indian IT company.
      So better take the offer and resign after 2-3 weeks as all receipts will be received at that time and you can bargain that all processing has been done so tell me about my H1 or else i am going.
      I am thinking the same way !!!

      Reply

  49. Hi,

    Congrats who got selected and All the Best who are waiting..!!

    Any one got reciept for Non AD/ RP from VT (EAC).

    Thanks

    Reply

  50. Hi All,

    I got the Receipt from my employer today.
    Non AD/RP/WAC – WAC14139XXXXX from vermont .. all best for everyone in this forum ..

    Reply

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