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H1B Visa 2015 – Frequently Asked Questions – Updates

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. Got my receipt a few minutes back from the HR.
    Mine is Bachelor Degree (RQ), regular processing, Vermont center.
    Received date: 04/10/2014
    Notice date: 04/28/2014
    EAC-14-146-53xxx
    First name: Prxxx
    Last name: Naxxx
    mine is change of status from L2 to H1 within USA

    Thank God
    Hope all the deserving candidates get through.

    Reply
  2. Anyone here who got selected, and their OPT expires after Oct 1st also got SEVIS updated?

    I’ve seen people saying the SEVIS update shows their receipt number, so I guess OPT expiration date won’t matter. Am I wrong?

    Technically, if my OPT expires in Nov, there still should be an update, if my visa lottery was selected… right?

    Reply
  3. Can any one comment how we can say that our case if selected is in Vermont or CA.
    Is it based on Lawyer firm or the employer. My employer is at TX.

    Reply
  4. Jst heard from my employer- received my receipt – EAC14145-
    All the very best to all you guys !! Nope its definitely not over yet… Attorney mentioned few more expected tomorrow as checks were encashed… So i kno atleast few more ppl are going to be ecstatic tomorrow…god bless

    Reply
  5. All AD guys…..it’s all OVER!!! OVER!!!! and OVER!!!!!!

    I am exhausted to the extreme level…
    was never this restless even when getting my IIT entrance results….

    Reply
    • I called USCIS this morning and pretended to be the petitioner. They said they don’t have me name in system. So I assumed that I wasn’t picked up in lottery…….

      Reply
    • Dont Worry..!! Prayers.. and Prayers.. Also If you are really from IIT , I am sure you are not bothered about this. If not H1b visa you will make it with other visa to US.

      So dont say that you are from IIT .

      Reply
  6. Vermont , Regular processing , H1B for my wife. Employer just called me to tell application is selected in lottery 🙂 :). But he said he is yet to get a receipt number. How is that possible?How did employer come to know that application is selected if he doesnt have receipt number? Shall I celebrate or wait?

    Reply
  7. got RFE in my case .. so worried .. suggest me what should I do from my end.
    thanks for your help in advance !!

    Reply
      • Will these rejected applications be replaced and given a chance for anyone in the waitlist (if there is any such waitlist to begin with)

        Reply
    • wrong place for the question… USCIS will send list of documents required by them to process your application to attorney..attorney will send it to Employer..so check with them….

      Reply
    • I have heard from my colleague. Receipt received today, and it is for non-AD/RP/CA. So, CA center is still sending out receipts. I am waiting as well. Let’s hope for the best.

      Reply
  8. Guys…i work for a big public company and I’m the only one that they filed h1b this year. Non-ad/rp/ca. I haven’t gotten anything yet. Why CA generate receipts way less than VT? Does this mean there is not many people got selected in CA side?

    Reply
    • They are already generated receipts. They were updating in the system i guess that over now . So only thing we waiting from them sending receipts. So almost 50to 60% is done. So with next 2 week we have chance. So best of luck 🙂

      Reply
    • Just heard from my employer….I started looking for alternates…gods grace….WAC1414553320…. employer says receipt # received today…

      Good Luck….

      Reply
  9. Will USCIS give us real time update if I have my employer or lawyer call and ask about the status of my petition? I just thought this because now its more than 30 days since I applied on April 1st.

    Reply
  10. Is there a forum for AD? I would like to keep track of who all get approved. For statistics sake so that we can at least tell people realistically what happens here after you get a US degree.

    Reply
    • No point guys….

      You are much better off applying from your home country via consultancies or MNCs.

      Screw the damn stupid H-1B lottery system.

      Reply
    • Straight answer is you will get screwed with this lottery system.

      Why spend tons of money and time for a US degree when your fate is left to a computer lottery?

      Reply
      • i hope engineering students in india are aware of this risk before committing to take a large loan and coming to USA to work.

        it’s a sad state of affairs….but nothing much we can do about it 🙁

        Someone needs to stop companies such as Infy/TCS/CTS !! what they do is outright fraud!

        Reply
  11. Thank god, I was really cribbing till today morning myself for this. Got my receipt today just few mins back:WAC1414…… I am Non AD/ RP…

    Reply
  12. Just got a call from my employer saying that my wife’s application i picked. But he said receipt number is not received yet. How much time will it take to get that?

    Reply
  13. Hi Folks

    Did any one received receipt number for non AD/PP today?. I am keeping my hope still but i dont know the end result 🙁

    Reply
  14. Guys how long USCIS takes to send the approval notice via email to the attorney after the decision is made.
    Any inputs would be appreciable.

    Reply
  15. Guys Any hopes for Non AD/RP…One of my got the confirmation on last monday…are we out of this game??? Please reply..really worried!!!!

    Reply
  16. Just curious,
    USCIS send the recipient number who they are selected in lottery. Of course yes…
    My question is, they send any alphabetic order? Like last name or first name…
    Selected guys, please send ur receipt number details along with your FIRST & LAST name STARTING LETTERS
    (ex : FN: M*****
    LN: G*****)

    SURELY IT WILL HELP THOSE WHO ARE STILL WAITING….THANKS & Congrats.

    Reply
  17. I checked today and its 11.45am in CA and CA center has generated just 1 receipt with today’s date and too, its not for H1b. Does this mean, CA has finished generating H1B visa receipts ?
    I am non-AD/RP/CA/CTS and didnt hear anything yet….waiting to see some miracle happening…god please help..

    Reply
  18. Hi,
    I have received a receipt number from my employer, as per them the receipt date is 10th April that is the same day when the lottery happened. The receipt number is WAC14139XXXXX.

    How is it possible that they processed it on the same day when lottery happened? Is it a premium processing petition they filed for me or they are simply doing a mistake with the receipt date.
    Thanks.
    Saunny

    Reply
    • Congrats!!!!. Did your employer/attorney received it today?. There are 2 dates
      one receipt date which date when lottery took place and notice date when they send you notice.

      Reply
      • Hi SaiSri,
        Not sure when my employer received it, I got the email regarding it from my employer on 25th which means mine was processed well within the PP timelines i.e. 28th April.

        So had a doubt if they have paid for PP processing for me. What is your guess by looking at my receipt number above. Is there a way to differentiate between regular and PP by looking at the receipt number? How can I know about it?

        Thanks,
        Sunny.

        Reply
        • You can just put your receipt number and can check case status . if its show premium processing then it will PP.But i think you said you got it from employer on 25th .so it might be RP

          Reply
    • your FIRST & LAST name STARTING LETTERS
      (ex : FN: M*****
      LN: G*****)

      SURELY IT WILL HELP THOSE WHO ARE STILL WAITING….THANKS & Congrats.

      Reply
  19. Is there any hope of receiving Non-AD/RP/VT receipt numbers, I am still waiting for my Husband’s receipt number to come?

    I saw people got receipts generated on 22,23 and 24 April, are the receipts still getting generated, Any chance for my Husband to get receipt number?

    Reply
    • i am waiting too 🙁 as someone else pointed out…i think if it doesn’t arrive by May 9th, you should make Plan b

      Plan B sucks(for me)! pack up and good bye ‘merricaaa

      Reply
  20. Hello Everyone,
    Just got the reciept no for h1b petition.!!!
    Good look to ppl who are still waiting!!!!
    Non AD/RP

    Reply
  21. Hi,
    I don’t see many AD/RP/CA posting. I have still not heard anything from my employer. My school DSO told that she will check again only by May end. Are there any hopes?

    Reply
  22. So I just heard a friend’s friend who was AD/RP , got a receipt today and two hours later got an approval notice! STRANGE! I received my receipt on April 12th and it’s still under the acceptance stage!

    Reply
  23. Hi guys,

    I know it sounds crazy for you guys but anyone can tell me what’s that mean AD or RP ? (I am newbies)
    Thanks,

    Reply
    • AD – Advanced Degree
      RP – Regular Processing
      PP – Premium Processing
      VT – Vermont Center
      CA – California Center

      Reply
    • Hi Panda,

      Good question! It took me a day to figure those out.
      AD=Advanced Degree
      RP=Regular Processing

      Please correct me if I am wrong.

      Reply
  24. Finally… I received a call from my employer that I’m picked through lottery…!!
    So, what are the chances from here after picked though the lottery.?

    Reply
  25. Seems like people have started receiving receipts for the series EAC14144, as far as I know they did generate 1000s of receipts with series EAC14145,146,147,148 …

    since 144 was 24th April if I am not wrong it took almost 4 business days + 2 weekend days to have the receipt delivered … so on an average it takes at least 5 business days for the snail mail.

    on that basis
    EAC14145 – Estimated delivery May 2nd
    EAC14146 – Estimated delivery May 5th
    EAC14147 – Estimated delivery May 6th
    EAC14148 – Estimated delivery May 7th

    So by next week Friday May9th all receipts should be delivered … and people who did not get any until them I would say its high time to start working on PlanB

    Again these are just random calculations.

    Good luck everyone, FYI I am waiting as well.

    Reply
    • But the one`s who are receiving with that series are Non AD/RP guys. So I really wonder are we still in the game

      Reply
    • Thanks Man.
      It really helps us a lot to understand the future days update.

      for RP: So USCIS sending receipt through snail mail, which takes around 3-5 working days or may be sometime more, right?

      Reply
    • Think your guess may be right.

      Today,I got the receipt from my employer . This is the second time i applied for the visa.I know the pain. USCIS should take steps to publish the results .

      Receipt # WAC_141_45 ******

      Good Luck to everyone..

      Reply
    • I am aware these are the approx calculations. I believe it a good info. We all can keep our fingers crossed till may 9th or 12th

      Reply
  26. Finally……… Got my case approved.

    Applicatoin : AD/PP/CA
    Reciept Date : April 11th
    Acceptance Date : May 1st
    Case # : WAC132*****

    Reply
  27. I already got my receipt but my petition was not approved. I am just curious. what happen if someone is refused, they give the spot for the next one in the lottery?

    Reply
  28. Does USCIS send receipt through Email or postal mail for RegularProcessing/Non-AD.

    How much it will take to deliver if it is postal mail.

    is Postal mail is snail mail?

    Please anyone who is sure, reply me……

    Reply
  29. Silent reader to this blog, really helps alot.. I just got the conformation from my employer and I recieved recipt. Be positive..

    EAC_14_144_5****

    Reply
  30. MS/PHD struggling for h1b from 2012. I agree with lot of guys here to ban multiple applications and play a fair game. Mine got approved today, till afternoon it was not trackable and went to post descision saying mailed the approved notice (1413350XXX). I wish this pain of struggling for status ends soon so people can concentrate on their careers rather than status.

    Reply

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