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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. Hi, My employer told me that they received receipts for most of their petitions, but no update on my petition yet. Game over for me?

    Is it not like USCIS dispatches the receipts selected in lottery at one go for a company? I am tensed.

    Reply
  2. all i saw here is non-AD in India got receipts. What the hell is going on with the AD people with a real job in US? What did AD guys do to deserve like this? because we are honest? Since when society honors fraudulent ones and destroy honest people?

    Reply
  3. AD/RP/VT

    I just can’t believe it!!! All non-ADs are getting receipts and soooooooo many ADs are left out.

    I can feel the pain of all ADs.

    Reply
    • If you run into anyone in person who applied more than one petition,
      give them a huge fuc**** smack on their face….

      Reply
      • All worthless piece of craps applying for H-1B through multiple consultancies, useless MNCs like Infy, TCS etc…

        Reply
        • Arun – 70% of IT professionals in US are ‘Sheer Fools’ and that 70% population comprises of AD holders.
          AD holders keep on singing their PG all the time and there knowledge and skills are less than a tyro. So just don’t consider yourself as superior on H1B thing. You did AD coz it’s an easy entry key to US.

          Reply
        • We should turn all these fraudulant consultancies who file thousands of fraudulant H1 every year. We should male them pay for our sufferings!

          Reply
          • Wish I could say anything. I am waiting for my reject package eagerly as my company cannot start the process for my other visa for any other country until that happens. I was very sad initially as I didn’t hear back by 28th April (deadline for PP packages) but when I read that many people will end up losing their jobs, I felt that may be I should not be that sad after all as my company is willing to back me up for any other location. Also, if that doesn’t happen, I have to look for other options. I do realize that may be sometimes it is just better to not worry than keep worrying and making ourselves feel worse!

            All the best to everyone still waiting!

    • Hi There,
      I can understand the AD applicants feelings at the moment, USCIS have reserved 20000 visas for AD holders, and they stand another chance at RP lottery, they odds are already in their favor. But lottery in any sense is a hard to believe thing, let it be for AD’s or other talented people aspiring for better future.

      I have heard that US considering Green cards for all Masters and Ph.D students in the US, I hope this comes to reality… Can’t blame on anyone for their luck mate, USCIS might be looking for lucky people rather than talented people, whatever don’t lose hope friends… wait for your turn. Meanwhile always work hard for your professional growth, or if possible to realize your dreams. Get knocked out by your work end of the day, Everyday! and just enjoy life at home after work… Good luck to you all…

      Reply
    • Even people apply with multiple petition it will be considered as 1 and then lottery will be conducted. So you will have equal chances as who applied multiple petition.

      I have only applied one petition and not selected in lottery. But this is the fact

      Reply
    • Really, you guys think because you have AD you are special and the only ones with “real jobs”? It’s my second time through this lottery crap. It sucks for both AD and non AD. It is what it is. Grow up

      Reply
  4. Hi,

    I hardly see any wac california reciepts generated since friday. Have they completed their process.

    In case anyone has got reciept numbers after friday, please post the first five digits.

    Thanks

    Reply
    • @hinfi,

      I have been waiting just like others, and I have lost all my hopes just waiting for this. I feel that I don’t do anything else after work. Thankfully I have a full time job in the USA, and hoping to win lottery like anyone else.

      Anything is possible in the name of Jesus!

      Reply
  5. Hi,
    Is there any hope left for me ? Checked with my employer and the check has not been cashed yet. This is the second year I am applying. Getting depressed now.

    Reply
  6. I am very disappointed with the US government right now. The USCIS system is the most inefficient system on earth. How come a guy from a fake company, with a fake resume, who applied 10 times gets the visa. How come they do not research these fake companies? It is a shame on what they are doing to honest people who are talented. Its a shame… However, they will see the impact on the near future… all the fake applicants will show their colors – and the development will diminish… I am very disappointed with every action from USCIS. Research guys… Research these fake companies and fake resumes…Companies are paying numerous dollars on the visa fees, lawyer fees, and are doing everything just to keep the real talent, therefore, they deserve a fair treatment for all the people. How come a random lottery is able to distinguish who is good and who is bad.

    I am very disappointed with USCIS… I achieved to have the best GPA in my major, got first place in many competitions, did summer research, president of many organizations at my university, got the job before i graduated, and now my dream is getting turned down because of a random lottery how come?

    I am very disappointed…. I and many people do not deserve such treatment.

    Reply
    • We should just turn in any consultancies that you see are fraudulent. Lets turn them in and make some space for genuine people with real jobs.

      Reply
      • If you came on F1 visa then you need to go to your home country after completing your education. That’s what you told in your visa interview right? Then why are you still here. You need to apply H1 from your home country. Do your work correct and then talk about fair and unfair.

        Reply
    • Please stop complaining and start praying. No one can give you H1 B now a days except GOD. Not Even USCIS…ITs a Random Lottery. As a AD you already got 2 chance to select in lottery one in AD and one Non AD. If you still not picked then start praying and do some good work to shine your luck in future.

      Reply
    • You are not understanding the point.. The quota of 65K set by USCIS is to do the “research” and approve.. They want to process or do the so called “research” only for 65K applications a year.. So, if they receive more than that they don’t any other option but to just do lottery and then scrutinize the 65K applications on whatever you call it as “research”… Agreed, a few might just go through with fake data.. But can’t do much about that.. Cold hard fact.. But yeah…

      Reply
  7. Finally received good news, NonAD/RP/VT, in India currently applied with single employer in field of supply chain.

    Lot of prayers, finally helped…..

    Best of luck guys……

    Reply
  8. Finally got the news I was waiting forever,
    RECEIPT# EAC14144*****
    FIRST NAME: A
    LAST NAME : J

    NON AD/RP/VT

    Reply
  9. Yeah!!!
    I just got an email from the lawyers office
    and they told me I got selected in the lottery!
    NonAD/RP/Vermont

    best luck to you all

    Reply
  10. Guys,
    Seriously whats going on here?
    Dont u guys think that there are way more AD folks left in the dark this time compared to Non-AD and even worse H4 ??.
    Geez !.. since when did having a graduate degree and applying to one company honestly prove to be disastrous and regretful !

    Reply
    • So it seems that you are honest and then get punished.
      Can’t believe they let this people having a job and the companies suddenly have to deal with this situation.

      Reply
    • This is the most regretful situation. I haven’t seen AD guys getting H1Bs atall for lady few days. Everything is unfair. . Here as well as it was in India. Seriously there is no justice. . It just destroy my belief in god. This world turned me into an atheist.

      Reply
      • Not to blame those in India who are getting h1b’s , but this is utterly disappointing considering the state where graduates like us are denied a legal way of working. This pathetic system needs fix. Be it 20k or 40k, masters students should be given first preference and all of them!

        Reply
      • What is unfair? They are doing their best. We ourselves are taking the advantage of the system. Tell me honestly how many of your friends got jobs through body shoppers?

        Reply
  11. I m afraid now…..I dont think any more receipts now.

    GOD please help me gain my confidence.
    I hope if not this something else good must be on its way

    Reply
  12. In the same boat… if needed can get 10 employers to file H1B. But I chose the right way I chose to file it with one to be fair. And here I am. … Waiting for more than a month. Applied to school today. All hopes dead. Only non ads are getting receipt notices. Nothing s fair. Should have just chosen to be fraudulent and should have files with atleast 3 employers.. Probably I think that could have dabbed me from a migrane attack for a month.

    Reply
  13. Unfortunately,
    u do have some company.
    Its sad that so many AD folks are left out without H1 this time.
    The bigger problem is, the situation would end up being worser next year !
    There would be many more AD folks along with the new grads and along with that, a ton of those fraud Indian service based companies and those unethical applicants who apply for 6 or 7 applications with different “clients”.
    my guess, next year is >200k applications.

    Reply
  14. I was quietly following this forum and also doing lot of research on interent. I too have not received any updates on my H1B lottary, and this is my last chance to get it (5 yrs on L1 is about to over).
    Anyways, i don’t want to give anyone a false hope but i found this document from USCIS with the count of total cap H1B applications received and processed in past years.

    http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/Resources/Reports%20and%20Studies/Immigration%20Forms%20Data/Employment-based/H1BFY09-12.pdf

    Based on this data each year USCIS generates receipts for around 10% extra applications (accounting the rejection rate of 10%). This data is my only hope, as i’m hoping that USCIS will pick around 93-95K applications instead of 85K.

    Reply
    • Hi,
      Just out of curiosity , if u have completed 5 years in L1 and u get a H1B u can continue the stay for next 3 years? Or the total number of years in US under visa can only be 6 years and then u gotta take a break for 1 year and return?

      Reply
    • Hi,

      Thanks for sharing the document.
      One piece of information as per my knowledge –
      Even if you get the H1 this year, you would be eligible to work only for one more year as you are already been working from last 5 years in L1.
      To get 6 years benefit of H1B, you have to stay out of country for one year or enroll yourself for college degree.

      Thanks

      Reply
    • So there is no such thing of wait list? From the data you shared looks like they already picked the extra 10%. Alright, I’m so ready to move on.

      Reply
  15. dying to hear from my employer abt the gud news.. i don’t event knw if guys like me still have chance its all over… man i need this badly to strt my new lyf and to reach my goal..!!!

    Guys if any1 knw if guys like me still have chances… pls let us knw… it would be very helpfull!!!

    Reply
  16. Thank God!!

    My employer just called me..Finally got my receipt # EAC141485…
    Dont lose hope… My prayers for everyone
    Good luck too others waiting…

    Reply
  17. Hi

    I have been following the updates on this site from April 1st. I got update from my friend that mine is picked in the lottery. My Employer’s Immigration Team is consolidating the received receipts and will send it later.

    Wishing Good Luck for the ones who are still waiting for their lottery results.

    Thank You

    Reply
  18. Hi,

    I applied H1b visa through a consultancy for my wife last year and after 13 months it got approved today. She is in India right now and hold a valid H4 visa.

    – Is it risk to go to h1b stamping in India. Instead, travel to US using her valid h4 visa and later request to change of status from H1b to H4

    – Is there any other possible risk if we do COS, like request getting rejected, delay in getting SSN, difficulties in job hunt etc.

    Please let us know your thoughts.

    Appreciate your time.

    Thanks,

    Reply
    • H4 to h1 is always difficult.
      I honestly dono how can they give a h4 preference over a master grad here.
      none the less, it could be risky at the consulate. Especially since a consultancy is involved.
      wouldnt it be better, if she choose the right path ? . come over, study and get the job directly from a company ?. why a consultancy ?
      just my opinion

      Reply
      • This is such a pity. . That people with real jobs do not get H1. And people from such fraudulant consultancies get it.. I wish I could just turn all these consultancies in and get them arrested for visa fraud. There would be plenty of H1 for the genuine people then.

        Reply
    • Dude!! You are wasting your time by waiting. Pull up your socks and push you plans a little forward, you gotta get ready with plan B as this is high time.

      Reply
    • Dude!! You are wasting your time by waiting. Pull up your socks and push your plans a little forward, you gotta get ready with plan B as this is high time.

      Reply
  19. Hi,
    i was on h4 and recently my h1b visa got picked in lottery and approved. . 🙂 🙂 So its valid from oct 2014. My husband’s h1b and my h4 will be expiring on sept 30th. I hav 2 queries.
    -Can i travel to india on h4 now and come back before oct ?
    -Also,as my husband’s h1b is expiring,is it fine if he applies only his visa extension now and not mine.
    Do anyone have any idea about my queries .?

    Reply
    • Probably it is not advised to travel now….. Not sure, but it is better to post this query to an Attorney… Try Murthy’s and see what they say….Folks here like Gaurav and a couple others are good But havent seen them on this blog for sometime… Probably coz of the MAd rush of comments w.r.t to H1 …

      Reply
  20. Finally my employer mailed me that I have been picked in the lottery :D..
    Non Ad/Regular

    EAC14147*****

    Praying for all

    Reply
  21. Finally i got good news from my employer
    My petition got picked ….
    i was almost lost hope and looking for options to enroll for MS
    EAC 14 147 5****
    Received Date: April 10
    Notice Date: April 29
    All the best guys….

    Reply
  22. Hello All,

    I’m one of the silent follower of this Blog. Just now i got my Non- AD/RP Recepit # EAC-14-147-xxxxx from my employer. Thank You!!

    All the best Guys!!

    Reply
  23. Can anyone help in giving the list of college provide CPT ASAP and with less fees?you response will be appreciated

    Reply
  24. Actually no – a fortune 2 company and for a non coding job. But nice try. Your racist stereotypes are pathetic and I have no intention of wasting any more of my time on worthless individuals. Please go crawl under your rock and refrain from trolling. You clearly have zero argumentative skills and just take pleasure from being a racist pig.

    Reply
    • Exactly. Just being “better” at a language does not make one superior. Time and again, I notice comments where people try to degrade someone with a bad grammar/sentence.

      Reply
    • Hi ,
      I am too Waiting for them last mail on March 31 from HR and it’s say that last year they will get receiept till May 20 … Finger cross mine is NON AD/REG wat’s urs ….

      Reply
  25. Finally got my receipt number under Non-AD/ RR/VT

    Thanks to this forum and everyone who keeps me updated day in, day out. Wishing everyone a luck 🙂

    Does anybody know that, if H1B 2015 applicant schedule visa interview before Oct? I read in some comment that approved application candidate can schedule interview from and after 1st july 2014? Is this true?

    Reply
  26. JAI GURU DATTA

    Finally after all prayings i got my receipt number RP/vermont . Today Morning i heard a good news from my employer that i was selected in the lottery . From the first day onwards i am following the updates from this site . This site helped me lot to know the H1 process . Thanks to red bus us .com , and thanks to all of my friends who posted their ideas in this site.

    i am praying for god every one should get who were in this site……..

    Jai guru datta.

    Reply
  27. Praise the lord! I just received my receipt. I was literally frustrated and even started loosing my hope checking my inbox every now and then but it’s god’s miracle that I finally received it. I wish all those who are waiting to get it soon. My prayers. My H1B was filed in Vermont and notice date is April 30.

    Thank you.

    Reply
  28. Just heard from employer that my application got picked in the lottery .
    Non ad/reg/vt
    I dont have receipt num …will update once I get
    I wish everyone will hear good news from their employer.om sai ram

    Reply
  29. Got to know from my employer on 2nd may that I got picked in the lottery,this is known through check clearance,but didn’t get the receipt number yet.

    Reply
  30. Guys,
    Do you think I should inform my employer about the lottery and not received a receipt number or ask my attorney to explain the lottery to them?
    I am using CPT to work now.

    Reply
      • I waited for 2 semesters to get CPT. That is for most of college.
        Summer is full time. Fall and Spring is part time.
        I don’t know how to explain this to my employer. They just bought the new special powerful computer for me .

        Reply
  31. Just heard the good news. Got picked in the lottery-

    RP/RQ/VT. — EAC14148*****

    I really wish each of you will get through!! All the very best!!

    Reply
          • Kittu bhai, Any logic in receipt issue date and last / first names?

            I’m still waiting for my turn.

          • First name and last name logic is total shit. What they do it they do lottery in one day and as per lottery they sent first PP-AD with number sequence of they picked then after PP-Non AD, then RP AD and finally RP Non AD all in sequence number where they picked.

      • Thanks a lot!!
        Good luck to everyone who is waiting!!

        Reply
  32. Hi,

    I came to know from my employer that my cheque is not been encashed yet.

    Mine is NonAD/RP.

    Does it mean I am not picked in the lottery?

    Reply
  33. Hi Everyone,

    I am silent reader of this website. Finally heard from my employer few minutes back that my application was picked in the lottery…Non-AD/ RR/VT

    Hope to listen that all of you get yours too!!!
    Please don’t lose hopes…

    Reply
  34. Hi Friends,

    I just heard from my employer that my H1 is picked.
    ( NON-AD/REGULAR/VERMONT).

    I still don’t have my receipt #, will post once I get.
    Don’t lose hopes. Good luck Friends!

    Regards,
    YPT

    Reply
    • RIP ENGLISH !

      Is” der ”
      “didn’t get encashed”
      “to get receipts”

      You officially created a new language ! I guess it is Indglish !!!!

      Reply
        • These peoples are pooped in the English language and they wanted to come to U.S. on H1-B visa ! This is the result of letting shitty Indian companies file for their cousins, uncles, grandfathers and etc. !

          Reply
          • And you personally attacking an individual here will fix the issue?

            Not trying to pick up an argument but you degrading people here is just not right.Especially, when lot is being based on assumptions.

          • Just an FYI, the forum that you are using to attack Indians and Indian companies, is built by Indians. 🙂

            And no I am not an Indian.

          • Mike, if you’re going to start commenting on the English of people on this forum, make sure you know how to speak/write it yourself. “These peoples” “and etc.” – give up being a useless troll and stop bothering people when they are waiting for a decision that will impact their lives. And yes, I’m Indian – so you can take your theory and shove it.

          • Hi ,

            Technically Mike is right: people is the usual plural. Peoples has a very specialized use only– when we are speaking ethnographically of various races, tribes, populations, etc. E.g:

            The peoples of South America include the Jivaro, the Wayana and the Inca.

            But ethically his argument has fallacies: Mike is attempting an “ad hominem” attack (where the debater is attacked, rather than their logic).

          • Who filed for you ? Another consultancy ?? The one that runs by your uncle or the one that your brother works for ?? 😀

            Mine is Fortune 19th and guess what I do not write C++/JAVA codes !

          • Hey, Mike, that’s a Red herring attack: Attacking a side-issue unrelated to the actual issue being discussed.

            Red herrings are typically used by people who either have poor analytical skills (i.e. they don’t really know how to properly attack an argument), or by people attacking an argument that is otherwise sound.

          • Actually no – a fortune 2 company and for a non coding job. But nice try. Your racist stereotypes are pathetic and I have no intention of wasting any more of my time on worthless individuals. Please go crawl under your rock and refrain from trolling. You clearly have zero argumentative skills and just take pleasure from being a racist pig.

  35. Did any one happen to check with USCIS/Employers/Attorneys on why some of the PP’s are not trackable yet? Esp. Vermont 132,133,134,135.
    If so, can you share the details on the same?

    Reply
  36. Hi Everyone,

    I have been reading all the comments everyday and was waiting for my receipt number.
    Finally heard from my employer few minutes back that my application was picked in the lottery…Non-AD/ RR/VT

    Hope to listen that all of you get yours too!!!
    Please dont lose hopes…

    Reply

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