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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. My employer applied from Sam Shihab.
    I am not able to access my account online tracker.
    it’s saying, user id not found.If you have any information about this status, please let me know.
    Thanks

    Reply

  2. Hi All,
    Just now my wife’s employer said that her petition got picked in the lottery.
    for H4 to H1. Non-AD/RQ/EAC
    EAC-14-143-53XXX.

    All the best to all.

    Reply

  3. Wondering if it is safe to do this-

    “You can register for automatic case status updates by email and text message by creating an account. ”

    its ok if i register with my name?

    Reply

    • Yup it is a tool they have provided for our use. Just you should be able to fetch something when you enter the receipt no. 🙂

      Reply

  4. Passed another day of desperate wait. Wonder how many days I will have to wait like this. Have already waited for 3 weeks. AD/RP/VT 🙁

    Reply

  6. Vermont Guys,

    Is anyone able to track status online or still we all are in the same boat. They have started PP, shouldn’t they update the status at least now.
    Any info with anyone would be highly appreciable.
    All d best!!

    Reply

  7. Hi guys, I received my receipt number on April 21, but I cannot track my process at this moment. It says “Your case number has not been found in MY case status”. Does anyone know about this?

    Reply

  10. Just checked my H1B application status online. USCIS approved my H1B application at the very first day of premium processing. Good luck everyone!! Something will work for you very soon.

    Reply

  11. Looks like they started processing PP. I got RFE mailed today…Don’t know how long it will take to reach my employer!!!

    Reply

  13. I never thought getting to know that am selected in lottery would be so emotional. Just now received call. Am IN.
    keep ur hopes high. YOu will get it.

    Reply

  15. My school gave me receipt number saying my seives status shows ” Change of status” and when i look in USCIS it shows

    “On april 17 Your alien number was changed regarding your I129 for a non immigrant worker..

    Am confused, since noone has such mess and every ones shows april 10..

    Can someone let me know if u are in sample situation. i checked with my emplyer and he has not received anything yet.

    AD/RG

    WAC14138

    Reply

    • I am in the same boat a yours.

      My case is in initial review with same “On april 18th Your alien number was changed regarding your I129 for a non immigrant worker”. I am also AD/RP.

      Did you hear anything new from your attorney/employer on your case?

      Reply

  16. I just got my receipt Non-AD / Regular / California.
    Process – Initial Reviews
    Received 04/10
    Notice Date 4/24

    There are still hopes. Wish best luck for who still waiting.

    Reply

    • WooHoo … seems like we still hold a chance … it was a Regular processing receipt not sure SD or Non-AD but good news is they are still not done with all of them …

      Reply

  20. Neelima:

    “pp/Texas” I think, J-1 visa is for exchange students or scholars who wanted to study or work in a different country for atleast a year! I might be wrong..

    Reply

  24. I have nt saw anybody posted that they got approval but If I check random EAC number it shows ~20-25% of them got approval..Please let me know if I am wrong…

    Reply

  26. My employer just informed me that my application was picked up in the lottery.

    NON AD/RP/California
    Received Date: 04/10/2014
    Notice Date: 04/24/2014
    WAC # 141445****

    Reply

  31. Hi Guys,

    Please don’t loose hopes..all your efforts will not be wasted..
    I got my receipt today: Non-AD/RP/CA

    Reply

  32. Hey guys, serious back up plan question. My company is not big enough to transfer me oversea for a year but considering J-1 visa. Does anyone know how that works or what specific program/feasibility of that happening. CFO is communicating directly w/ attorney and I’m not informed on that progress at all. Thanks.

    Reply

      • Please google on the restrictions on home rule on j1..some cases it is mandatory stay of two years in home country before getting a h1 again.. it can be waived off as well……

        Reply

    • I have nt saw anybody posted that they got approval but If I check random EAC number it shows ~20-25% of them got approval..

      Reply

    • This number seems to be Regular Processing and I have below doubt’s,
      1. How come the date was different.
      2. For RP they use to mail. But for this they seem to email the receipt status… Hmmm

      Reply

        • Guys, keep in mind that the form I-129 is used for many many different types of non-immigrant visas, not just H-1B, including H-1B, H-1C, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, L-1, O-1, O-2, P-1, P-1S, P-2, P-2S, P-3, P-3S, Q-1 or R-1 nonimmigrant worker.

          This form can also be used for tto request an extension of stay in or change of status to E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B1 or TN (work authorization for Canadians and Mexicans).

          All of these visa types can request Premium Processing (with a similar emailed receipt), not just exclusive to H-1B.

          Reply

  37. I asked my attorney if AD/RP is done. He said it is not done! but who knows.
    He is kind of rude. I have been stressful since last Monday, can’t concentrate on anything. I decide not to think about it and concentrate on what I need to do.

    Reply

  38. I have received a notice for my wife change of status to H4 which has WAC XXXXX no in it. When i asked to my immigration department they say they are still waiting for my case. What does this mean , I have been selected ?

    Reply

  41. Hello guys,

    Thanks for the forum.
    I recently got my AD/RP receipt.
    Receipt date: Apr 10, Notice date: Apr 18

    I was informed by HR 2 days back.
    Receipt number: EAC141385****

    Thanks and good luck !

    Reply

  44. Received my H1B receipt notice today from my Attorney 🙂 My application didn’t go past lottery last year. Happy that it is selected this year..

    Reply

  45. My employer has filed my H1 on April 1st through Premium process, I haven’t got any update if it is even picked in lottery or not till today. What does that mean? Do I still have chances of getting considered for processing?

    Reply

  49. Guys.. those who have got it through.. request you to keep us updated as you progress with the approvals……. got a feeling as if the ones who got it through just left us here with wings folded.. just for data analysis purpose please update your approval dates and how long did it take..

    Reply

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