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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

  2. Mine is RP and Non AD @ CA.
    This wait is killing me like anything.
    I don’t have any information from my employer/attorney till now.
    They are not even responding to my mails.

    Reply

  5. Hey guys,

    Received my approved case past friday. The email from my employer was in my job mail account, so I hadn’t access to it till today. Regular and I don’t know if premium or not (the fees are 2400 or something like this). EAC14146*****.

    Case under initial review. That was my first time appliying and the only employer I did it with.

    I was actively working in plan B,C,D and E with all the hopes losts when I received this news, so who knows if they’re still chances for others.

    Good luck

    Reply

  7. Any updates from cbe.. for RP/VT…

    Heard some of them got receipts on may 2 and also uscis confirmed data entry is over by thursday..

    Is that means everything over….

    Reply

  9. Anyone agree with me that CA hasn’t sent much receipts last week? Couldn’t hear more than a couple of CA receipt recently…I’m NON-AD/RP/CA, Can I expect mine this week? Very tensed, I was really hoping I would get it since Iam the only person for whom my employer (not consultancy) filed petition. Any thoughts on chances?

    Reply

    • Same is the case here but not heard anything yet (non-AD/RP/VT). Applied through a common friend, cleared 7 round of technical interviews, Presentations and others and now this lottery.

      Really worried and praying like anything I that should get it this week else no chance and had to continue with my current shit job…..

      Reply

  11. Regular case here.
    Since the data entry is completed and I haven’t received any receipt no yet, does it mean I haven’t been selected in the lottery? Is USCIS only returning rejected packages or sending the final receipts now?

    Reply

    • r u nuts… r u the only1 in igate….. plzz check with other branches … none of them have revealed anything…. same case is with Wipro also….. these companies are holding the results deliberately ……. run after the HR near u…. bug them frequently then only they might indicate anything……….

      Reply

      • You are right. Wipro, iGate, Syntel are holding results. Visa guys are giving vague answers. This is just frustrating.

        Reply

          • I am also from syntel.
            One ODC guys said like they will reveal the result to all one they got confirmation from USCIS.

            What the hell that means…

        • How can you forgot name of TCS… When I sent mail to Visa team last week they said they will give result on 1st Week of may now they are saying 1st week of June.

          Reply

          • Same thing here in wipro.
            In april they said will let u know by 1st week of May and now they say 1st week of June. Sucks!!

  13. Hi,
    I could see good number of updates in H1B Tracker, where people mentioned their application is selected in lottery and they are waiting for tracking number.

    My question here is, AFAIK USCIS updates selected people in mail along with the tracking number. Is there any way USCIS updates about lottery results first, and later with tracking/reference number?

    Reply

    • When USCIS sends an email/mail, they’ll send the receipt number too.
      Some guys heard from their attorney/employer that their check was cleared, so they know that they got selected in lottery. Some Regular processing AD guys checked with their school DSO about Sevis update and got to know that they’re in and waiting for their receipt number….

      Reply

    • I don’t think so, it’s too early for Regular Non-Ad. Even if anyone gets it, I would say it’s by luck.

      Reply

  19. Has anyone from Wipro got update on h1 lottery , in my friends no one got an update yet. Please reply if anyone gets an update. As per the concerned team, we may need to wait till may3 week for update.

    Reply

        • Seriously yaar……this is too much…..how can all the employees of only few companies be not notified by USCIC at all. I guess they are holding the result deliberately or its true that USCIC is generating the recpt company wise……one or the other is true….

          Reply

          • There is no such thing as company wise. some companies are holding the receipts for attrition related reaons. My compays visa people are giving vague answers to employess 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 month.

  20. My wife’s employer just told her that her application was picked in the lottery. She had applied in Non AD/RP/CA and the receipt no is WAC14142XXXXX. All the best to everyone who is still waiting for his/her petition number. This forum has been of immense help to us.

    Reply

    • What is the notice date? From the receipt number it looks like it took so long to reach ur wifes attorney or employer. Which state the employer is..when got receipt? Please respond as soon as possible. .im still waiting same category.

      Reply

  24. Syntel ODC is damn frustating. Feeling like thrashing these guys. Telling it may take 1 or 2 months to give update.. Idiots

    Reply

    • I am in the same boat … do you think we can expect anything ? I am working on a plan B. How safe is it to enroll in a university and take up CPT ?

      Reply

  28. Got Receipt number from Employer. Thank god.

    Notice Date mentioned on receipt is 25th April.

    So, still there are chances. Don’t loose hopes.

    Reply

  31. Mine is RP and Non AD @ CA.
    Is there any hope left for me. Till now i don’t have any information from employer or attorney. Anybody kindly reply. Any guys waiting for the same category?
    Is really USCIS done with generating and sending the receipts?

    Reply

  32. Hi Everyone!

    I’m PP/VT, and I never receive my receipt. I was soooo worried and already started to check for plan B.

    Until just a few mins ago, my HR forward an email from uscis said my case was approved! (I didn’t know uscis is working on sunday though) Well, the tracking number in the approve notice email, are still not able to check online, it’s EAC14133***** , the email date is May 4, 2014 at 7:34:29 PM

    Anyway, I think I have to tell everyone that never lose your hope until the last minute! (have plan B is good but really don’t lose hope.) And BEST LUCK TO ALL OF US!

    Reply

  33. I think I am going to write a letter to USCIS to tell them some people use multiple companies to apply for 1 person. And honest people with authentic job lose opportunities and suffer a lot. It is very unfair situation. They need to invest the issue and change the rules.

    Reply

    • I don’t see any dumbness in his comment. He/she is asking USCIS for more ‘fairness’ by saying them not to allow people apply more than once even if it is for different companies. It’s their opinion. You were crying over your girlfriend in this forum. I don’t think this dumber than that. No offence intended. Peace.

      Reply

    • Please do !!
      Hopefully, they would add something to the lottery algorithm to not pick multiple petitions for the same person and also disqualify if anyone applies for more than one.

      Reply

      • Guys,

        Do you all think USCIS doesn’t know what is going on with H-1 B lottery duplicate applications, fake applications from body shoppers and big number applications from TCS and Infosys….they keep track of everything but they are also helpless and they got no time to review each application. Why they have to bother about immigration whilst they have many number of issues like any other country…I am living in US for past seven years…I am also victim last year and I did good research on this……………..Realize and move on…

        Reply

  37. Last Year – Regular Processing

    Last year, USCIS sent notices for Regular Processing only in June 2013. That’s 3 months wait time to even know if H1B petitions was selected in the lottery.

    Reply

  38. Premium Processing – Advanced Degree – Notification complete or almost complete (email notification)
    Premium Processing – General Cap – Notification complete or almost complete (email notification)
    Regular Processing – Advanced Degree – Receipt coming via snail mail
    Regular Processing – General Cap – No Updates

    Reply

  41. are you sure there is no hope hereafter?

    my attorney told me to wait this week too.

    and I am willing but you know how hard it is to wait someone like this.

    I didn’t hear much about CA reg receipts.

    I am non AD/ CA/ Regular Process.
    still waiting with full of hopes in the name of Jesus Christ.
    Amen!

    Reply

    • There is still some hope early this week. I believe by next Friday the hope will be gone. Best of luck to us all!

      Reply

    • HI,

      Remember, You should receive the receipt by May 10th ( since lottery was on April 10th), after that date : call USCIS and ask for your case status.

      GB

      Reply

      • @ GB and N,

        Thank you for responding.

        I will wait till early next week starting tomorrow.

        My second doubt is that I read some postings saying that the USCIS has been sending their regular process / gen cap receipts even in the third week of May or even in June last year. I am not sure how accurate this information.

        So I will be positive till 10th May as per your suggestion.

        Thank you. Good Luck to all of us !

        Reply

    • @Tom,

      No, I didn’t get any rejected packets until last week – it is Sunday here ( May 4th).

      So I wonder my rejected packet will be soon with me by next week.

      Reply

    • are you sure there is no hope hereafter?

      my attorney told me to wait this week too.

      and I am willing but you know how hard it is to wait someone like this.

      I didn’t hear much about CA reg receipts.

      I am non AD/ CA/ Regular Process.
      still waiting with full of hopes in the name of Jesus Christ.
      Amen!

      Reply

  46. Hello

    I would like to do part time in MS ! At USA

    That can be considered ? Eligible for OPT

    I would like to do part time study ! Is it worth doing part time in MS?

    Please suggest

    Reply

    • What you trying to say……? Part time.? which part time.? …..

      Doing off campus outside the campus or un-authorized work is illegal here….

      Reply

    • @PARTTIME:

      Yes, for some majors , some schools accept OPT while studying ( part time).

      ( remember for some majors only, and not all majors).
      ( this is under OPT).

      Reply

  49. Today May 04th I got receipt from Employer for my wife… V Happy

    Non AD/RP/CA
    Recipet date: 23rd Apr
    WAC141435XXXX

    Reply

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