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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

  1. Does the check get deposited even for Advanced Degree/regular processing people by now??..Did anyone know if their checks got deposited.I applied in AD/Regular.Please comment

    Reply

  2. People who got their email confirmations for PP AD from Vermont or CAlifornia centers, has money been siphoned off from the account? ( in case any of you paid)

    Reply

  4. Hi,

    Has anyone applied through Tarter Krinsky & Drogin ?

    Also, could anyone let me know if AD receipts are always issued before the regular cap ones (I applied for regular cap but PP)?

    Reply

  16. Hi,
    I have one doubt, with out LCA, any employer can prepare the petition?.
    As for as I remember Without LCA cant submit Petition, please correct me if wrong.

    also is it possible for employer to use the same LCA for more than one application?.
    Is any LCA type like Blanket LCA?

    Reply

    • 1. You need a approved LCA before you can apply for H1B.
      2. I have heard of bulk LCA’s being taken by big consulting firm for speicfic projects. But anyway you will be assigned 1 LCA from the bulk.

      I think above info is correct.

      Reply

    • Nick,
      I applied through EGAN Law firm but couldn’t hear anything yet.(PP and Master cap). Please let me know if you hear anything.

      Reply

      • Same here AD+PP, called them at lunch break they have not received anything yet. I’ll let you know If I get something back. Please do the same. Thanks

        Reply

  22. My wife got the receipt No. from HR. She applied AD by Premium Processing through Vermont Service Center. Good luck to all who are still waiting for results.

    Reply

  24. Hey Friends.. My employer is saying that they have applied H1B for me.. Could someone please let me know how I can check the lottery status to confirm.. Thanks in advance..

    Reply

    • Ask them for the tracking number of your application. Else, there is no other way apart from them giving you the Receipt number of your case (available only if you’re picked).

      Reply

  25. Hey guys,
    any one who received the receipt from Vermont Center, can you get the status of you application,
    I tried to look up the receipt number they sent but it doesn’t show anything (not in system)

    Reply

    • Both centers started issuing receipts yesterday (4/10). The lottery must have been done early in the morning (the lottery itself took only seconds and the delay had been on data entries.) They are issuing receipts at a rate of 2500-3000 per day and it will take more than 10 days for the 2 centers to finish issuing all receipts; so be hopeful and patient if you haven’t got your receipts.

      Reply

  29. All
    Do we have any kind of confirmation that either EAC or WAC has started sending receipt number notices for non-AD/PP yet?

    Thanks

    Reply

      • If your case was submitted premium processed, then your hope is over if no receipt by 4/28. If your case was submitted without premium processing, then your hope is over if no receipt by early June. This is the reason why a majority of cases were submitted PP (PP doesn’t improve lottery chances.)

        Reply

    • Premium processing officially starts no later than 4/28 (it started already, unofficially.) So if your employer or the attorney doesn’t get an email receipt by 4/28, then you know your case is not selected. It may take another few months for your employer to see the returned package.

      Reply

      • As you said, premium processing officially starts no later than 4/28 (it started already, unofficially.) Officially, one has to add 15 days to it. Hence, if your employer or the attorney doesn’t get an email receipt by 5/12, then most likely your case is not selected

        Reply

  32. I got confirmation from my laywer that my petition got selected in lottery.

    Vermont Center
    Received date: 4/10

    Mine was filed under Advanced Degree Premium Processing.
    The notice was issued by email for premium processing.

    Reply

  35. Any body got receipt no.

    Premium processing will get email ? Or post ?

    Why there is no receipt number received ? When they processing !

    Reply

    • On another forum, a member posted he got the below receipt # for Vermont, how ever its not showing up in the system yet ..
      EAC1413151187

      Reply

      • ‘131’ part implies April 9th and cannot be a new h1b, as uscis did the lottery and started issuing receipts from April 10th. The receipt should contain ‘132’. Either he is faking or messed up the receipt number

        Reply

    • Looks like the most recent valid receipt number at Vermont is –

      eac1490172246

      I’ve seen activity for 9th April. So, nothing regarding the H1B lottery picks.

      Reply

    • Vermont Center started issuing receipts but I guess they’re all PPs
      From: VermontPremium
      Sent: Friday, April 11, 2014 7:44 AM
      To: XXXXX@XXXXXXXX.XXX
      Subject: EAC1413151XXX- Premium Processing Receipt
      Importance: High

      The Vermont Service Center has received the following
      I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker
      that had been filed under the Premium Processing Service:

      Receipt Number: EAC1413151XXX
      Date Received: 04/10/2014
      Petitioner: XXXXXXXXXXXXX

      Beneficiary: XXXXXX XXXXXXXXX
      DOB: XX/XX/XX
      Classification sought: H1B

      The Form I-797 Receipt Notice will follow in the mail.

      The Vermont Service Center will adjudicate this case within
      15 calendar days of the “received date” set forth above.
      If approved, you will receive e-mail notification of such.
      If we require additional evidence, we will fax said request to the fax
      number provided on your completed I-907 Request for Premium Processing Form.

      Please do not reply directly to this message. The e-mail account used to
      send this message is used by the Service Center only to send messages
      notifying filers of premium processing case information.

      Thank you for using the USCIS Premium Processing Service.

      Reply

  37. Seems California centre started processing for April 11th today , WAC1413350145
    But no receipts in the Vermont even for April 9th or 10th .. any guys got receipts from Vermont pls update .

    Reply

  38. Hi Sourabh,
    Do you think if i go in a sexy dress by showing full cleavage my visa stamping will be smooth? Or if you have any other idea.. plz share.

    Thanks,
    lovely girl

    Reply

  40. From what I have seen so far in the forum’s discussion about H1B. It seems like USCIS is currently sending out receipt numbers for advanced degree only. Is there anyone hear about regular cap with PP process yet? Would the expectation be next week for regular cap/PP process?

    Reply

  42. On April 10, 2014, we received this I539 APPLICATION TO EXTEND OR CHANGE NONIMMIGRANT STATUS, and mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case. Please follow any instructions on this notice. You will be notified by mail when a decision is made, or if the office needs something from you. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address or contact our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.

    This mean these are the case for L1 to H1 or F1 to h1 etc…

    Reply

    • Does this mean that the petition was selected in the lottery?? It would mean that people with premium processing are starting to receive emails?

      Reply

  43. It was hard enough getting my MBA, and getting someone to even consider me for employment under the H1B, and now this!! a random lottery pick!! and once selected you have to go through an interview at the consulate/embassy!!! Im gonna consider Canada or some other country if im not selected. There are many good opportunities elsewhere around the world.

    Reply

    • Well said..when there’s a 40% chance of getting picked, one must be willing to accept the fact that a majority will not get through, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t the end of the world. Sure, people have their own personal reasons for staying, but there’s life outside of US, too, and I trust if we’ve all survived here until now, we will elsewhere too

      Reply

    • Same boat here. Graduated from top 10 B-School, working on OPT. lol, moving to Canada? I’m from Canada and I still need to go through this non sense…

      Reply

      • You can resort to TN1 though it doesn’t allow dual intent like H1B. However, that’s always a backup for you, which is a luxury many people here don’t have.

        Reply

        • Unfortunately, TN can only be applied for certain occupations (law, economics, architect, etc.). They are very strict when reviewing your occupation and job duties to match the NAFTA requirement…

          And not to be too picky, yes, TN does not allow dual-intent, but it also does not say that you cannot apply for PERM and I-140. In fact, I know several Canadians who got their GC via TN…

          Reply

  44. Will the reciept numbers of only premium processing petitions will be sent till April 28th 2014 and after that they will send for Normal Processing ?

    Reply

    • Mostly they send Premium first but there no time frame when they start sending the regular. You will hear some one will tell regular also get the receipt but such number are very less.

      Reply

  45. Hi Saurabh,

    Does USCIS keeps some application in ‘Waiting’ status to match the number in case any of the application picked in lottery in rejected later during scrutiny.

    Regards,
    Ashwini

    Reply

    • No, Its not a case. I though the same last year but in my experience its not. I believe for rejected cases they get the H1b application from other cases like non-profile organizations who can apply H1b any time of year.

      Reply

    • Ashwini,
      Based on the historical data for withdrawn and rejected petitions, they do select extra petitions to make-up for that number.

      Reply

  47. My attorney filed my petition with AD RP. It is kinda stressful to read all the stuff that people are writing here. To be honest with you guys I did not sleep in the last two nights. I also lost my focus at work and I almost do nothing but refreshing this page and read comments. I also lost my focus while I’m driving and absolutely not appetite for food ! If this whole process is going to last till April 28th for RP, I do not know what will happen to me!

    Reply

    • Hey, Relax and hope for best. Might be we have to take this for some time so do not frustrate from now. Last year mine was not selected and did file as AR ( advance regular) but this time I went for AP (advance premium). Because in my experience USCIS will send receipts first to selected Premium files so regular got frustrate and next people file as premium and USCIS will get more money. They got me like this.

      Reply

  48. Anyone who has received their receipts from Vermont, please post the first 9 digits of your receipt number, please. It will give us some idea on the number of receipts issued by VSC. Thank you.

    Reply

  49. On April 10, 2014, we received this I539 APPLICATION TO EXTEND OR CHANGE NONIMMIGRANT STATUS, and mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case. Please follow any instructions on this notice. You will be notified by mail when a decision is made, or if the office needs something from you. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address or contact our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.

    This mean these are the case for L1 to H1 or F1 to h1 etc…

    Reply

  50. Again guys, Keep an eye on your PP check $1225. If cashed it mean you got selected and will soon get the confirmation.

    Reply

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