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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

  1. Did any one from wipro received email today, if so can you let us know the notice date and time you received the email?

    Reply

  4. Hi All

    Did any corporate applicants (Non AD Non PP) based out of India get the receipts today ?

    I have 2 qn..

    a. we know this yr, win % is just over 40%. Does this imply, that
    our chances are literally nil, as of today ?

    b. Is there any point to wait till may 30th ? (given the high speed of processing at USCIS).

    c. What are you hearing from your peers ? We should assume, a corporate must be applying say 5k applicatations. Do you think, they have got receipts for atleast half of it ? If not, do you think, there is enough reason for folks to wait till month end ?

    Reply

  5. MK Gandhi’s Confession:

    I, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi confess to all the peoples of India that I did a terrible and grave mistake by fighting for the freedom of all you slave minded morons. It took me almost 40 years to mobilize your lazy grand fathers to struggle for independence which they never were really concerned about.

    And you took less than 40 years to spoil the country and prove to the world how unproductive, opportunistic, dishonest and useless you all are. There is no sense of responsibility or self respect alive in you any more, you all rot and die for a H1B visa and ready to lick a female dog’s a$$ for a Green Card.

    Wish Godse did his duty in 1920…!! RIP all you H1 addicts.

    Reply

  10. Guys, I have been a silent follower of this forum and waited right from April 1st and atlast i lost my hope and thereaft decided I should never think of h1b again. But the day has come today.. Yes, received an email from my employer. My petition is selected in the lottery and I am very much relieved now. Receipt no is “EAC14144xxxxx”. I dont know why my employer has not informed me earlier even though my application is picked on 144th processing day 🙂 Anyway, Thank you so much guys for your updates in this forum. Congrats for those who received receipt numbers and Best of Luck for those who are eagerly waiting.. Dont lose hope as I did.. Be an optimist :):)

    Reply

  13. I got my receipt on 5th May, it was regular/VT. How much time it should take for visa interview? Though this is my 2nd H1b, the first was around 2006. Can I transfer to another company even before visa interview?

    Reply

  15. Can some-body tell me the latest number “WAC1415251217” does this related to H1B or some-other cap?
    As these numbers were not there by 6-May morning, so these RN are created yesterday postlunch.
    My point is does these RNs are related to H1B or alteast partial count?
    also does USCIS create an entry for rejection case as-well?

    Reply

    • Dude, don’t consider any receipt which is not dated as April10.(as lottery conducted on april10, we need to consider them only).

      They won’t create receipts for rejections.

      Reply

    • I hope that receipt number is not related to H1… that is related to green card process holders

      Reply

      • Does any-body know the last entry of H1 from CA center then?
        I mean, may I know the first 8 digits details, so that I can decide, whether I need to wait or not.
        Seems my employer declared receipts upto WAC14143*****…does there any more receipts from CA center?

        Reply

    • please elaborate your lottery result.

      Which center it went to WAC/EAC.

      paste back the receipt number with out last 4 digits. When your fiancee received that.

      Reply

      • i am in US.. he is back there in India.. he was informed today by his emoloyer that he is selected in lottery.. he is yet to recieve the reciept number.. i will update it as soon as he gets it.. Thanks

        Reply

  18. Anybody here knows when will the visa interview will start for PP nonAD.
    USCIS has asked for additional documents for my case and my employer told me they will send the document by this week and my visa shud be approved in couple days.
    regards

    Reply

      • Yes, on 22nd April itself as per Visa cell. they are holding the result for no reason…… this wait is killing me.. its either yes or no .. not sure why they are not sharing..

        Reply

  23. Many Wiproites got the confirmation mail from GIMS (OOC) yesterday. Is that all over? or they are releasing the results in lots? on what basis? any idea guys ?

    Reply

  24. I am still in acceptance since april 11th. Is anyone else in the same boat? Any clue what to expect.

    Reply

  30. Will USCIS send regection package to every one or we have to just assume that we are not selected after a certain date.

    And another thing y have they not updated their site
    http://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations-and-fashion-models/h-1b-fiscal-year-fy-2015-cap-season

    Reply

  36. This is already the 76th page…
    when I entered this company, HR promise me the working visa is a piece of cake, but actually it’s a pain caused by waite

    Reply

  37. guys,
    I didn’t get picked last year. Started green card process. Here is my case details. Hope you guys can find the ways out.
    I WAS AD/RP/VT/OPT last year
    go back to school for another master.
    04/2013 started PERM process EB2 ROW
    07/2013 submitted PERM
    03/2014 PERM got approval
    04/2014 applied H1b for back up plan. Don’t get picked this year
    04/2014 applied I-140 PP process
    5/2014 I-140 got approval
    5/ 2014 applied I-485 change of status. applied I-824 for husband over sea.

    hope this might help you all. it never hurts to ask for green card.

    Reply

  38. Have worked 4 years in US in top banks on L1…didn’t get lottery last year n waiting this time also..crap system..sitting on h4..so sad

    Reply

    • Have you guys applied L1 to H1 here? If you really did it here then you guy deserve it to be not selected in lottery.

      This Lottery concept only comes because of miss use of L1 visa. I L1 visa consume 2 H1 visa and who came on L1 don’t want to go back to india again they want their and spouse visa convert to H1 here in USA that’s not the way L1 visa designed.

      Reply

  39. I got info frm my employer. I m not selected in lottery.
    Completly frustated….No plan B.Its painful after applying lot o companies.

    Reply

  41. https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/allow-h1b-applicants-who-were-not-selected-fy2015-lottery-temporary-work-authorization/2VyMkNyr

    Please sign this everyone.

    Reply

  45. Can anyone explain this?
    EAC1413850058

    When I track the above receipt number it says following:
    “On May 6, 2014, we received this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER and we e-mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case. Please follow any instructions on this notice. This case is being processed at our VERMONT SERVICE CENTER location. 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 call our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.”

    Reply

  46. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada and Sri Radha Krishna Chandra!

    My application got picked up in the Lottery.

    Residence : US

    Notice date: April 30 2014

    Category: Non – US Master’s / Regular Processing / Vermont

    Receipt Number : EAC-14-148XXXXX

    Reply

    • Hi ,

      Congratulations on your VISA picking in the Lottery.

      I have also applied through Vermont Attorney.

      I am still waiting for the update. Did you get the email from USICS or from your employer ?

      Once again , Congratulations.

      Regards
      Raghu

      Reply

    • same here.. my employer applied through PP and Advanced Degree. Haven’t gotten a receipt number yet.. waiting..

      Reply

  48. For all H4s, Today, Department of Homeland Security proposed EAD for H1B spouses(if I-140 is approved), it does not even require Congress/Senate/President approval so it is very likely that it will be implemented in 3-6 months. Just got to DHS website or google “DHS Announces Proposals to Attract and Retain Highly Skilled Immigrants”.

    Reply

      • I wish I had some news of hope for you as well, So true I can only understand your situation but can never be close to feeling it, I am sorry bro. Keep your hopes alive, all the best.

        Reply

      • WASHINGTON — As part of the Administration’s continuing commitment to attract and retain highly skilled immigrants, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced the publication of two proposed rules, including a rule to extend employment authorization to spouses of certain H-1B workers, and a proposal to enhance opportunities for certain groups of highly-skilled workers by removing obstacles to their remaining in the United States.

        The second proposal is for single. Don loss hope. Keep calm and make a plan B ASAP.

        Reply

    • WoW.. That’s really Good . Thanks for sharing

      http://www.dhs.gov/news/2014/05/06/dhs-announces-proposals-attract-and-retain-highly-skilled-immigrants

      Reply

    • I don’t know whether this is good news for those are still waiting for receipts?
      H4 will get EAD, then they will apply for H1B new year. More people, more applications next year. Why not give these people who have a job and lost in the lottery EAD, they all have a job and they desperately need EAD to be able to continue the work.

      Reply

      • If you read the proposal carefully, its not for all the h4s.. this is restricted to h4s whose husband/wife on h1 has already applied for green card and received I140

        Reply

      • I understand your pain buddy but it is good in a way, just imagine, if it is implemented atleast these H4s will not apply for H1B lottery and that will improve the chance for others, I wish they would have done it earlier.

        Reply

        • The problem is L1 apply for h1b, H4 with EDA will apply for h1b too.
          The consulting companies apply multiple petitions for single person.
          It increase the total application. How can 172.5k?
          They don’t say if you are h4 with EAD, you can’t apply for h1b. In this way, it will not decrease the h1b applications

          Reply

          • Why are they(h4-EAD people) going to apply H1. They can have more flexibility in EAD than maintaining H1.

    • That makes me feel better.. that atleast now these H4 ladies will stop hogging on H1 through fraudulant consultanies!

      Reply

      • Don’t be mean! Those ladies might be pretty qualified. Anyway, I hope this happens cuz my fiance hasn’t been picked and I have. We both want to continue working (both went to IV league schools). So let’s hope this passes, for everyone’s sake!

        Reply

    • I completely lost my hope now.
      My employer has no idea about this crazy lottery. They just think they cut the check and sent to the attorney and that is it.
      I don’t dare to bring this up.

      Reply

      • @Hopeless, trust yourself.

        I am Ecuadorian. Exactly 1 year ago I got my offer of employment from my company. I thought i was going back after getting my Master’s. then i assumed that after OPT i was going home. They said they wanted to keep me in October so i started research on H1B. I was on the same boat, do i tell them about the lottery or not. When i finally did April 15th, they contacted the lawyer and started investigating other options to remain in the US. I learned on the 21st that i had been picked in lottery on April 13th.

        Dont loose your hope, but do be honest. Even though it might be cheesy Honesty is the best policy.

        you never know you might have already been picked and snail mail sucks. but talk to your employer and see if they want to pursue other options.

        Reply

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