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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. I received a mail from USCIS containing the form I-797C for my wife’s H4 case.
    Does it mean my name is picked in lottery?
    thanks

    Reply

  7. Non AD/ RP – I know few of my colleagues got the receipt no yesterday early morning from HRs..

    I did not get it yet.. Has anyone got it today ?

    Reply

  9. Last year there were couple of them received their number on May 1st. And keep in mind that last year’s lottery was conducted earlier compared to this year.

    Reply

    • Buddy m in same boat here…….. din hear anything from any1 around… do share if u get to know something in iGATE around u…………

      Reply

  15. I would appreciate if you can answer my query on H1B cap exempt scenario.

    I was previously working with an Indian employer A and my H1B was stamped in December 2010. Due to my family commitments I had to relocate to some other city and I left that organization. Due to this urgency, I had to surrender my visa at the time of separation and it was canceled with “canceled without prejudice” status. Please note that on that H1b visa I didn’t travel to USA at all.

    My question is that now if I am applying for fresh h1b with my current Indian employer B then will I get the benefit of h1b cap exempt rule of 6 years? I still have the original copy of my h1b approved petition with me.

    I would really appreciate your reply on this case as it would help me a lot.

    Reply

    • IMHO, your current company can use 2010 H1-B petition and apply for transfer through cap exemption.

      Some experts can shed more light on it.

      Reply

    • First, you won’t be exempt from the H-1 quota since your prior H-1 approval notice has expired.

      But your question is really abt whether you can still get 6 years of H-1B (if you are selected for H-1 quota). Only actual H-1B status periods count against the 6 years of H-1B. Since you only had an H-1 visa and you never entered the U.S. with it, you were never in H-1B status. So you will have 6 full years if you get H-1 this year (3 years initially and you can renew for another 3 years.)

      Reply

      • You are eligible for a cap exempt H1B. You just need a copy of your approval notice from Company A. I have heard cases where receipt notice and screen shot from USCIS has worked.

        Reply

    • Hi Ash,

      You are eligible to file under H-1B Cap Ex since it is valid for 6 years starting from the Start date of your I-797 Approval Notice. Considering your H-1B VISA was Stamped in 2010 your are eligible till 2016 and your current employer can file your H-1B CAP EX petition. So no worries.

      I am an Immigration Specialist with US Masters in Law (Business Immigration)

      Reply

    • how do we get notification in ibm.. is it direct email or update on inszoom or what?

      also can u plz let me know what is ur current status on inszoom?

      Reply

        • could you plz let us know how to see status n inszoom…we have authcode to access the page…but don’t HV access to any other page except home page…plz help…..

          Reply

          • I believe first they will send email after that receipt number will be updated in INSZOOM also. Me too eagerly waiting for the result. Keeping my fingers crossed. Probably this is my first and last chance in IBM.

          • For inszoom you have to use ibm bluepages linked url to sign in thru ibm intranet id…
            if u have that link then use it otherwise tell me ur personal mail id then i will send u that link..

  23. Anyone heard from TCS?
    I wonder when they will start notifying us.
    Will there be a change in the status in VTS first or we will be notified by mail first?

    Reply

  26. FUK MAN…. DON KNOW IF I UD GET IT…….. I HAVEN’T HEARD ANY SOUND IN MY COMPANY ABOUT ANYBODY’S SELECTION….. ITS SHITTY ITS SHITTY ….

    Reply

  27. Hi Guys,

    NON AD/PP. EAC14134*****
    Received Confirmation that it is picked by Lottery on 14th.. I see that petitions before and after my petition EAC14134***** have status updated in USCIS site , few RFE , few with decision made. But my case is not found.. What does this mean, any one under same situation.

    Reply

  28. people received mails in cts that they are selected.does tthis mean game over for othrs in cts or stil any chance left to receive later…al responses are welcome

    Reply

  31. Guys, has is happened in past that someone had recieved the approval notice but had no clue ever on the lottery receipt for the same?

    Reply

  32. Checked with DSO today and no update on SEVIS. Again I don’t think the SEVIS would show any update if you are not on OPT. But anyways, already initiated Plan-B. hopefully can go through this sh*t 3 more times !

    Reply

  33. Hi Folks

    Any of the my Indian IT pals have received receipt # under Non- AD/RP. If yes – which Company ?

    Thanks and Besties !

    Reply

    • None of them should get the receipt. Because of the people like you so many people here who have graduated from top 10 universities with job in good companies can’t get there visa and have to go back to there home country. Why the f**k you don’t stay in India?

      Reply

      • Why the f**k those d**kheads who graduated from top 10 universities with job in good companies stay in India? Why don’t you stay in India?

        Reply

        • Relax Guys.
          There are many people in India who ranked top in IIT/AIEEE and studied in top 10 Govt Engineering colleges. After that they cracked intv in MNCs through college campus.But they might not study in US because of their family economic situation.

          So dont underestimate the power of common Indian IT Professiobal 🙂

          GRE is not big deal for them.But as I told they could not study because of money.

          So please try to honour every Indian.

          Be proud of the fact that we all are INDIAN .

          Regards,
          CSE GRAD – IIT, Working in IBM, Applied H1B this year with my own

          Reply

          • dear iitian,

            how would it have felt if 200,000 high school students were selected, and a random lottery is conducted to decide if they make it into IIT?

            In this pool of 20,000.. some are represented multiple times, some have no interest in joining your university ..

          • Hi ADPPCA,

            I understood your feelings. I am also not agreed with this unfair process.They should do something special for AD folks so that they can get permit to work in US until they get H1B. Their OPT should be extended indefinitely till their H1B is through.

            Regards,
            IIT – GRAD

          • Folks like you who call themselves as IIT grads should be first asked to write an exam that shows your eligibility to speak, write, read and listen English. Ielts or TOEFL scores should be made mandatory for h1b application. That is the one way in which we can help our folks in states to raise their visa probability. I remember being a kid I wasn’t allowed to enter pool as I didn’t knew swimming. Rest you can correlate.

          • Tell me a reason to honor? Are all those from body shop graduated from IIT/AIEEE? Surely not. The majority of them screwed up the H1B pool by unfair play and dirty tricks, whom further came to the U.S. and drag this country to a poor and cheap standard. This is Bad money drives out good. America will soon become a third world. Thank you body shops.

          • Patience,
            F**k*** people will let you get through the lottery?? How? explain?

            If its true…
            Then u better push off, else others ll f**k you to get their lottery through..

            chill man, everyone here is as nervous as you are.. have some patience and respect others.

        • Thats utter frustration nothin else I can say, visa for you is equally important as it is to us…rather than abusing others draining out your frustration, better figure out your plan B…and I guess not just B, plan out the C, D and E as well…after all you graduated from top 10 universities and you have a job in a good company…stop being selfish dude…

          Reply

      • Sir, any other commands I should follow?

        ROFL… ROFCL…

        you should not call it “Receipt#” – you should call it “Ownership#”.

        again… ROFL… ROFCL…

        I know – you are posting it to keep ppl busy on weekends 😉 good idea !

        Reply

      • i wish u could get ur receipt.. u r a shame to the nation which u belongs and currently in.. don’t come to home country and spoil it u selfish arrogant virus..

        Reply

      • You can have a certain arrogance, and I think that’s fine, but what you should never lose is the respect for the others.

        Reply

  34. Ladies and gents,
    I have a concern regarding packaged food, I usually try shaan masala for all my recepes, but lately I’ve been using MDH. My concern is the taste with Shaan masala comes out more spicier by 2 levels, which one do u recommend as most likely all of us have some experience in cooking, please keep in mind that I am a shaan masala fan and any comments against it might hurt my emotions. Please help as I plan on cooking chicken 65 tommorow.

    Reply

  36. Dear all,
    I wish very best to people who are waiting and congratulations to all who got through.

    Is there any report from any source mentioning what percentage of total has the multiple application from the same candidate. If that is significant in number, then before lottery they should be filltered and the candidate should be presented as one entry in the lottery system.

    And I wish, companies those are appling for h1 hoping they will get some project and infact the visa goes waste, should be audited and scrutinize for suh practices so that they become better in estimating their businesses. I think this practice can really jeopardize the tallent poll if the visa policy doesnt change.

    Reply

  37. Actually it is more like:
    Heads – You can keep your current job
    Tails – You have to give up everything you have and leave you current city

    BUT some of the applicants have three coins (two have heads on both sides)

    Reply

      • After so many years of hardwork our fate is left to lottery.. 🙁 🙁

        What a joke life is.. we have to participate in a lottery to keep our jobs and home..

        I hope no one has to ever go through this again..

        @guys who submitted multiple petitions..
        @employers who are “trying their luck” in case some “project” shows up
        How will you feel if you were made to go through a coin flip to keep your current job?

        Heads – You can keep your current job
        Tails – You have to give up everything you have and leave you current city..

        Please reply..

        Reply

        • Seriously, This is very sad. All because of those shitty Indian companies like TCS, Infosys. I feel you.

          All the best for your future.

          Reply

          • @ADPPCA – yes, playing a fair game makes some of us here with one petition losers on one instance, but we have that wisdom which not many have – hence, we shall thrive and get to better position in life! All the Best!

            @AD/RP/VT –
            I suggest you (for that matter anyone) should refrain from using “Indian” with derogatory adjectives.

            As far as I know, India/Indians was/were never shitty until loads of shit landed on our western shores and started shitting all around.

            Everyone is not privileged like some of the ADs here, who could pursue studies off-shores, due to economical/social reasons (remember, we were stolen in broad day light for hundreds of years from both outsiders & insiders).

            Why will Indian Companies apply for many H1Bs? – Because of the foreign companies who see certain kind of benefits in hiring those companies.

            Your statement should be rephrased to “Shitty <> Companies who ignore skilled locals for the sake of <> benefits”.

            Not Proud of lot of my country men, but “definitely” Proud of my India!

          • Yes, its the demand that drives it, all that is needed is allow more visa, that way companies can justify the request to the right tallent.

        • Who ever u are … I am impressed the way u can put up ur thoughts .. Please write to president … Or else pls write a nice short letter which is emotional sensible but at same time covers every point .., Google how to email president . May be they would increase number of seats for us.

          Reply

  40. Hi ..
    I got the receipt number WAC – 1413951***. I checked the case status in uscis site and it is saying the case is in intial review .. does it mean did i select for the lottory.?

    Regards,
    Gopi

    Reply

  41. Got it !!! Non AD & Regular Procession WAC-14-XXX-XXXXX…Notice Date 18th April..Got today afternoon !!! thanks to God and All the best to all of you !!!

    Reply

    • Hi I got the confirmation and receipt number. NON-AD/REGULAR processing WAC-14-XXX-XXXXX…Notice Date 21th April. All the best guys..

      Reply

        • Which company ? And whether they communicate at same time on receiving all packages or individually as and when they receive for non AD/reg

          Reply

  42. Guys,
    My employer called to inform me that my application had been selected in lottery on Thursday. The person did not inform me the receipt number however. On reading the comments from the page I can see that this does not seem to be the normal process. Should I press my employer to reveal my receipt number? What future benefits would I have by knowing the receipt number, other than being able to track my application progress on the USCIS website?
    Good luck to everyone who are waiting. I probably won’t be able to fully comprehend the pain some of you guys are in; those of whom who are in OPT and have put life savings in this. I myself have applied this year from my home country whilst having a stable job here and thus was not totally dependent on the lottery outcome. Being selected has indeed been a very pleasant surprise.

    Reply

  43. Hi Friends,

    I am the one who lost my hopes. As we have spent lot of time on hoping for good news,I understand the pain of every one on this blog. Unfortunately here our career is being shaped based on purely luck, instead of skills,talent or hard word etc. So this is not in our hands. I may be too philosophical. Be cool and accept whatever it is. Have a happy weekend.

    Reply

  46. Hi I am Non Ad/PP/VT got receipt on Apr 16. I am worried that I couldnt trace my case status in online. Please drop some suggestions . Anybody same case ?

    Reply

    • Same here , got receipt on 16th April from VT , I am also Non Masters/PP/VT , but not able to track the case till now.
      Does anyone has any clue on this?

      Reply

  47. Hi – Anybody filed from fragomen altanta got receipt from california service ?
    Mine is Non Ad/ Rp … not info yet ….. 🙁

    Reply

  49. Advanced Degree Premium Processing Vermont Still waiting.I think the game is over for AD/PP/VT? what say guys? I am waiting for some miracle to happen

    Reply

    • I am waiting for a miracle too .. I have some hopes

      But I am working on plan b too..

      Let us all AD people pray for a miracle for all of us..

      Good luck!

      Reply

    • Ad pp vt
      I wish Obama knows that there are people like us who are not picked. Once I get my packet back I want to write an email to mr president. Bcs I can not just sit n assume that mr president knows what’s going in here. People are filing multiple applications, hardly anyone is going to use it and rest have to suffer. I don’t know if he actually is going to read it or not. But what If he does? U never know. God helps those who help themselves. I would be satisfied that I tried to impart my msg atleast

      Reply

  50. Petitions started coming back. I did ask my attorney she told that they received few starting today. I didn’t make it this year AD /PP

    Reply

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