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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.

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

  1. My employer emailed me only today evening that I have been selected. I am regular processing/non AD . I strongly feel that receipt notices will be received next week also . Not even first week of May has passed yet. Please keep ur hopes alive.
    EAC141425xxxx

    Reply
  2. @SAISRI,
    I have seen multiple comments for RP & Non AD.
    Mine is @CA for the above category.

    Is it really over!! Can i have any hope still?

    Reply
    • I have seen series till WAC14145 the receipt number people got it till now .So still wac14146,wac141147 left but very few receipt are dated april 10th generated . So should hope we get out of those.So we can hope till next weekend.
      So best of luck . Me too waiting 🙂

      Reply
        • There are few receipts with 14150……alos. As per me, the last numbers are
          WAC1415051226 as of 2-5-2014
          EAC1415054736 also as of 2-5-2014.
          After these numbers- I think , as many say here, the GAME IS OVER.

          Nevertheless THE GAME continues as long as the life continues.
          Let us be more philosophic, since India has it in abundance.

          Wish you all Happy living- with or without RECEIPT/ H1B/ life in USA .
          SMK – a casual visitor to this blog.

          Reply
  3. Hello friends, Those who got selected in lottery and has receipt number series EAC 14 146xxxxx, EAC 14 147xxxxx Can you guys please ask your employer and confirm if you have your check encased? So we can see if reciept numbers with EAC 14 148xxxxx , EAC 14 149xxxxx which are yet to come -can assume if we still have chance. Since our employer still says check not encased. Thanks

    Reply
  4. Guys,

    Is it really over for RP and Non AD @ CA? Till now my employer has no information (cheque was not encashed, didn’t receive receipt or package back)
    Kindly reply. I lost hope and getting tensed like anybody who are still waiting.

    Reply
  5. Thank God!
    Today I got a phone from my employer that he got my receipt and I have also got H4 receipts for my wife via snail mail. I was really very tensioned but thank to almighty.
    Non-AD/RQ/VT
    EAC14147XXXXX
    Notice: 29 April
    Received: 10 April

    Reply
  6. Thank god!!!
    Got Picked in the Lottery. Last year I missed it.All the people who r waiting will soon hear a good news like me.
    Mine is
    Vermont Center
    EAC141425XXXXX
    Receive date: Apr 10th
    Notice date: Apr 25th
    All the Best!!!

    Reply
    • @ Ashok…
      Can you confirm if the notice date mentioned is 25th and the series u have got is EAC 14-142- ***** ???

      Reply
  7. Yes my jawans and jawanis,

    It’s Friday, and I am concerned and need some light shed to the current situation, after successfully making Chicken 65 I am now in a delema on wether I should have Glenfidich or Johny black tonight. I usually have 5 cubes of ice, double scotch and very little water and Im considering switching to 4 cubes of ice and increasing the water content by a drop. With this combination I believe I will have achieved the ultimate scotch flavor. Your opinion will be read and noted but not followed. Cheers

    Reply
    • I vud suggest to go for a toss and decide whether to have 5 or 4 ice cubes.

      After all our lives are dependent on stupid lotto by the great USCIS

      Reply
  8. since a month sleepless nights, checking emails each and every 5 mins calling the employer every day finally the game is over.
    Freaking lottery is deciding the fate of people. I don’t want to go back to India and at the same time don’t want to spend 30,000$ till next october for tuition fees. Even i don’t have any hope that my application will be picked in lottery next year. Since i did not have luck last year i spent 25,000$ on my school tuition fees and struggled hard to maintain the status and i had a little hope this time.

    But now everything is over…!!!Can’t swallow the truth but it is the reality.

    I am going through really hard times and struggling since 5 years in United States.

    Reply
    • Be strong playa, if u want a job as a stock broker, I’ll hire u, and we can keep on applying ur H till u get it. You don’t need a finance back ground, only solid training and a will to succeed which I will provide.

      Reply
    • Want to give you a hug. What is your next plan? Can you share?
      I cried this afternoon. Be strong. I know it is easily said than done.

      Reply
  9. Well, apart from venting the ****** frustratio, is ther we anything more I can do. Was in a damn abusive marriage and was NOT ALLOWED to go to work for 4 years while in India. Now finally convinced hubby, inlaws etc to restart my career and here am likely to fail in lottery. Well looks like am a complete loser.

    Oh yeah, bring it on. Thanks for everyone & everything around me to make me cynical about life.

    Reply
    • Not the end, 2 issues here, lottery and ur reject husband and in-laws, drop them like a bad habit and life will have atleast 1 wheel in place, the remaining 4 will find their place too. Good luck

      Reply
    • You have only one option sweety.
      ***** off.
      You knew that this would happen. Then why did u choose this path?? You better connect with similar guy named ‘AD’ Two ******* loosers can have unlimited fun

      Reply
      • Well, I don’t understand why you are even replying to my rant. I didn’t offend anyone or direct to anyone, if you wanna come voluntarily and catch all the mud that am throwing as a frustration, take it.

        Am done here.

        Reply
  10. Wassup people,

    Congrats to those who made the lottery, i however didn’t make the H1b lottery despite having a solid real job offer and companyk, my luck wasn’t with me. The company owners like my qualifications and personality as I have a stunning personalty. My question is are there other visa options available that I can explore to work with this company ? They might be willing to play ball if I give them a solution. It’s a perfect job for me since it’s not too far from my pad and the work profile and deniro is good aswell. Any help/advice/direction would be much appreciated. Any lastly, most of us in this forum are at a age where we haven’t lived even half our life. Let’s not have 1 screwed lottery system stop you from looking at the bigger picture. You may not not know what it is, but it’s out there, the world’s big, if we can’t play today, there’s always a way to score tomorrow. It’s all about perspective. But meanwhile before I go on and on, any options ideas for the above question will help me figure out my path. God speed every1.

    Reply
  11. USCIS lottery is the worst measurement of who is capable to work in the US. HOW COME A RANDOM SELECTION LOTTERY HAS THE ABILITY TO DECIDE THE FATE FOR MANY PEOPLE. I have spend all my time in the US trying to better myself, have the best GPA, participate in many ocassions, competitions just to advance myself-but that does not matter… lotary decides fate. A ***** lottery decides the fate. People wake up… lets do something? We have the power to decide for ourselves. We have the power to decide our own fate….Lets do something… Any suggestions? Lets create a youtube channel and share our stories-so USCIS will see our potential… will see the background of rejected applicants…. will feel our pain. Lets come up with something substantial.

    Reply
    • Totally agree with you. We need to unit to take action. Last year the lottery system hurts many people, no action was taken, it ends up worse this year.
      All guys who have a job in US and lost in the lottery take actions now, let us urge them to give more quota before Oct. 1.
      We need to make efforts together. Please someone organize it and make a petition to white house.

      Reply
    • Finance,
      Would you organize people here to do something to save our fate?
      Let us all work together to save us not just passively accept what it is.
      We need to fight for ourselves.

      Reply
  12. Hi Friend,

    I understand your feeling now. It’s really hard. But don’t be so passive. Try to enroll in a community college. You still have time to keep F1 status. Tow semesters later you can work on CPT. Try to figure out the solution. It’s not the end.

    Reply
  13. I see only freaking guy using abusive language here with name ‘AD’.

    Last year there was a lottery and this year too. On what basis you opted to do MS in US? You anticipated all of this, and venting out anger on some one else? Do u think its fair?

    Never bro. Go back to INDIA and try to come back on H1 or L1. You still have a chance. You know with just good communication skills you can reach heights in India with in less time.

    Reply
  14. Almost 87 days but my OPT still in initial review stage. I called and made service request 10 days ago but they even didn’t reply my request yet. Any experiences/suggestions? Thanks

    Reply
  15. I am sorry to hear its over. I really wish good luck to people who did not get selected this time hopefully you will find a way out and inshallah make it through next year. I can imagine how difficult it is for people who are in the US , for people in their home countries it is still not a catastrophe, they can apply next year but it won’t uproot their lives like the people who have studied here and are working now.

    I received my receipt on the 16th but I can’t see my case on uscis website. Is anybody else having the same issue.

    Reply
  16. I remember some people mention to apply for Green Card directly.
    Let us ask attorneys about this option and share the information here.
    We are in very tough time in our life. Let us support each other.

    Reply
    • I have already asked my employee…. If you are a citizen of India or China that is not a option for you because for both EB2 and EB3 categories wait time is almost 10 years until your priority date become available.

      It might be an option for folks from other countries….

      Reply
      • I know it will take a long time to get GC, but once you are approved, you can get EAD to work. So not sure about it. Need to get more information about it.

        Reply
        • Unfortunately for Indians and Chinese, you won’t get EAD under EB3 or EB3 category immediately. You need to wait about 6-10 years. You need to have some kind of work permit during this time (H1, L1, etc.,).

          Reply
  17. we are all angry, sad. Especially, we have invested a lot and finally got a job and work hard to get the employer to sponsor our visa. But sadly the lottery system was screw up by those India Consulting company. This is the root cause of our pain.

    Guys, we need to take some actions. We need to ask USCIS and White house to fix the system and let people who has studied and have a job here to have a visa not letting the consulting companies screw up next year again.

    For those who looking for CPT from day 1, my understanding is that CPT only allows to work part time 20 hours during fall and spring semesters.

    Reply
      • Thanks. I am thinking if last year those who were not picked by lottery took actions and USCIS fixed the system. It will not end up like this to hurt people who have a job here and it also hurts the employer. Actions need to take.
        We need to unite to do some meaningful thing. Thinking about applying 10 or 20 multiple application is not a solution. How can you find 10 employers to apply for h1b for you?

        Reply
        • My view is we can hire legal representative for us, who can defend our case. If we will act together, our voice might reach there. and also minimize the cost

          Reply
  18. I just check with my employee, and they told me the cheque has not been cashed.
    With the update from USCIS saying they are completed their process…

    should I take this as I am not selected…?

    or is there still hope that they might have made the receipt, but not cashed out my cheque …
    :/

    NON AD / RP / this is my second try

    Reply
      • looks that way!, USCIS also announced the data entry has been completed….so final receipts would have been sent today, no more receipts will be generated….

        Reply
  19. Guys i think we are done with the show those who are waiting for confirmation/Receipt as USCIS has announced that they are done sending the notification today to applications and starting week they start sending the packages back for those who are kicked out of this lottery.. I guess this is applicable for all..

    Reply
    • This has been a wonderful forum… But tough luck Guys…. Count me in among the unlucky ones.,.. But this is how it is…. Doesn’t stop me from achieving what I need… Anywaz Good Weekend to everyone !!

      Thanks Admin for providing an opportunity to share our views .

      Reply
  20. you dumbass indian consulting companies screwed up the H1B lottery, you dumbasses screwed us all. I love Indian people, but just hate those evil ICC.

    Reply
  21. Frickin S-Holes.. they think applying multiple petitions will increase the chance of selection in lottery. IT WILL NOT. Do some research on the most likely process behind lottery system of USCIS and you will enlighten yourself. They themselves dont publicize this because they are happy to collect fees for all multiple applications for the same candidate. Who wouldn’t want that.. Sell you stuff once.. but get paid 20 times 🙂

    Reply
    • Looks like you don’t know all the in’s and out’s of H-1B.

      20 different employers (consultants) can apply for the same candidate. Totally legal.

      Reply
  22. RG/RP/VT
    ————–
    Lost hope here. I guess the only mistake I made was I was too busy working and studying and didn’t marry an American citizen.

    Way to screw with legal immigrants here and reward the illegals with their anchor babies!!

    Reply
  23. Can any one have any idea how it shows in USCIS site case status for H4 TO H1B

    “received this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER”
    OR IT SHOWS
    “received this I539 APPLICATION TO EXTEND OR CHANGE NONIMMIGRANT STATUS”.

    Reply
    • Mine shows : “On April 10, 2014, we received this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER, and mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case. ” M also H4 to H1

      Reply
  24. NOW ITS AN END…………

    PEOPLE FROM

    IGATE GLOBAL SOLUTIONS….

    MUST SHARE ANY NEWS THEY HAVE………

    IN CHENNAI THEY JUST SAID OUR COMPANY’S LOT WILL COME IN MAY END..WHICH DEFINITELY IS A BULLSHIT…….

    ANYBODY ANY1 ???? ANY NEWS?????????????

    Reply
  25. Can any one have an idea how it is shows in USCIS web site for those who received receipts for H4 TO H1B.

    Will it shoews “we received this I539 APPLICATION TO EXTEND OR CHANGE NONIMMIGRANT STATUS, or it shows
    “we received this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER”.

    Reply
    • If you have applied for new H1B and selected in the lottery then the status would say
      ” we received this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER” though its a H4 to H1B conversion

      Reply
  26. GUYS! Stop copy pasting the same friggin email…everyone who follows this blog already knows the news….let’s discuss what’s next?

    1) Any hope for another week? Can pundits here do some analysis why we can still be hopeful for another week?
    2) Plan B. Which universities give CPT starting DAY 1?? Can people who are on L1/H4/ or other visas enroll in such universities for CPT??
    3) Plan C?? whats your plan ??

    Reply
    • The only hope is – the receipts which were generated on April 30th and May 1st – with series 148 and 149. They should be on the way which can be expected by next Monday or Tuesday. Universities which give CPT on day 1 – Goldey Beacom College – Wilmington, DE and Sullivan University, Louisville, KY.

      Reply
  27. I will apply at least 20 petitions next year.

    I have been genuine by going through my current employer with just 1 petition.

    In order to overcome the fraud Indian mentality, I have to apply at least 20.

    I care a foot for whoever whines seeing this. Go to hell!

    Reply
    • We all need to tell USCIS to fix the problem and won’t allow multiple applications next year. If everyone thinks about applying multiple companies, things will turn worse. It will hurt people MORE. You can’t let honest people suffer. The India screw up the USCIS system.

      Reply
        • good luck with that..would like to see you pull that off..
          even if you are that important, your arrogance is just repulsive..
          before you send out another witty reply, let me just say “i care a foot” for it..

          Reply
    • Like I said, I don’t care anymore….screw it!

      I have been honest and genuinely applied just with my current employer 1 petition.

      Last year, 1 petition on OPT
      This year, 1 petition on OPT-STEM

      I will apply 20 petitions next year. I saved up enough to apply.

      In order to get through this crap, I need to think and behave like an Indian.

      Reply
      • Firstly, am sorry mate your H1b did not go through lottery. I felt the same last year. Secondly, there is no use if you even apply 20 next year, if you are lucky then one is good enough. Last, hope for some change in the immigration next year.

        Good Luck.

        Reply
        • “if you are lucky then one is good enough” I just wonder what type of idiot employer has hired you ! This is simple probability dude. don’t talk nonsense. There will be no change next year.

          Reply
          • He is correct… 10 different petitions does not mean the probability will increase. It will still remain the same. Trust me… If you want.. do some research on how the lottery works. Read the different theories behind lottery system of USCIS. I agree those theories are just hypothetical, but logical too. USCIS system cant be foolish enough to miss that. And also I must tell you, if you apply from 20 different employers, and you get selected… so then you can still join just one employer, but other 19 employers will not get their fees back. They will either be after you to pay or may cause other issues. So basically if you are dumbass.. then go ahead apply 100 or 100000000 petitions.. no one gives a damn…. your probability stil remains the same. LMFAO ON YOU !!!!

  28. Thank god!!!
    Got Picked in the Lottery. Last year I missed it.All the people who r waiting will soon hear a good news like me.
    Mine is
    Vermont Center
    EAC14147XXXXX
    Receive date: Apr 10th
    Notice date: Apr 29th
    All the Best!!!

    Reply
  29. 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. U.S. businesses use the H-1B program to employ foreign workers in occupations that require highly specialized knowledge in fields such as science, engineering, and computer programming.

    Reply
  30. Newsletter from USCIS:
    “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”

    Wonder if this means game over for the ones who did not get notification yet? I am not sure, but I am getting even more frustrated now…

    Reply
    • These are fraud news.. Official news always they will post in web site…
      i just checked web site.. no updates.. these are fake news….
      let’s hope for the best.. JAI..SAI RAM

      Reply
      • Sorry to say mate. I thought it was fake too, but check USCIS verified Facebook and Twitter pages. The notice is there

        Reply
        • I got it via the official newsletter from USCIS.. I am subscribed to the official newsletter by email

          Reply
  31. I m following this page since 2nd week of Mar. It feels so bad to hear that my game is over if no updates in next 5 working days.

    Reply
  32. screw this!! i will go back to india, Save every penny and apply with 10 consultancies next year!! yes 10!!! i challenge how USCIS will not pick me then! Will make sure there is 5 in EAC/WAC ….why shouldn’t i?? this is no law for honest people!

    Reply
    • I’ll do same. I will apply at least 20 petitions next year.

      I have been genuine by going through my current employer with just 1 petition.

      In order to overcome the fraud Indian mentality, I have to apply at least 20.

      I care a foot for whoever whines seeing this. Go to hell!

      Reply
  33. 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. U.S. businesses use the H-1B program to employ foreign workers in occupations that require highly specialized knowledge in fields such as science, engineering, and computer programming.

    Reply
  34. Just got a call from my employer.. Got selected in lottery finally! RQ/RP/CA
    He hasnt sent me the receipt details yet.. will update as soon as I get it.
    Thanks for this blog and all the comments.. kept me sane to get through the last month!
    All the best!

    Reply
  35. Anyone in East coast, want to party one last time in USA?? time to party hard and leave!! such a sad day….god save my liver!!

    Reply
    • you can start looking for the colleges which can provide CPT from day one instead of drinking!!
      Don’t loose hope you can find a way around!!

      Reply
      • which colleges give CPT from Day 1? Can you please share?? i have gone thru the “honest route” now i lost hope!

        Looking for a “quick fix” now! Will get CPT soon and start working…

        Reply
  36. Last receipt generated at VT today I guess.
    EAC1415053319
    Probably some applications are belonging H1b’s . Hope for the best

    Reply
  37. IT’S ALL OVER 🙁

    IT’S ALL OVER 🙁

    IT’S ALL OVER 🙁

    IT’S ALL OVER 🙁

    IT’S ALL OVER 🙁

    IT’S ALL OVER 🙁

    IT’S ALL OVER 🙁

    Reply

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