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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. Friends

    I have received receipt today morning .Got the receipt number EAC141445****.
    Best of luck for all of you, this forum was really helpful to get timely updates.

    Reply
  2. Hi Guys,

    Finally heard the good news about my fiancée’s Visa. Selected from Cal.

    Receipt no: WAC141455….

    Have been waiting desperately. Sleepless nights and all. Couldn’t concentrate on work or anything.

    This forum is really good guys. Was able to see that there are so many waiting just like me.

    Just have hope guys. God is testing us but we can fight the waiting period. Good Luck to everyone. Hoping all of you will receive the news soon.

    Don’t Loose hope ppl. We deserve this.

    Reply
  3. LOST HOPES…I was not lucky to get selected in lottery….applied in 2008 -not selected n lottery, same in 2012, now one more time….totally disappointed, I trust in god, but I am another unlucky person. I am tired of looking for the result….Wish you all the best friends….

    Reply
    • Hey don’t lose hope.. I had word with my PeM and then he had discussion with Immg Team and they said that they have started updating recp nos from last week Thursday only…and also they said it will take almost a month to update all the petitioners..

      So have faith… you’ll get it

      Reply
    • Yes there are updates from Infy Hyd. But it may time time. Even the HR is saying to wait till the end of May.

      Don’t loose faith. Good Luck

      Reply
  4. Hi Syntellers

    Receipts have started to float around in Syntel.

    Any more updates what fraction of people have received and from which location.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  5. Friends

    I have received receipt yesterday morning around 11.Got the email from GIT with receipt number EAC141445****.
    Best of luck for all of you.
    This forum was really helpful to get timely updates.

    Reply
    • Did you received receipt no./email from GIT on 6th May 11 am IST ?
      Is GIT still sending receipts ? ( anyone received receipt on y’day )

      Reply
  6. In my opinion, people from companies like TCS, Wipro which apply in bulk should not be given visa unless they prove that they need workers in US in that year. I know of a couple of people who got their visa selected and approved in the last lottery and still haven’t come to the States because TCS does not have an onsite project for them. So, these companies should send those people for which H1b is already approved before applying for new visas.
    These companies apply in bulk and compete with each other, to get projects from US companies by showing that they have x number of workers available, who can come to US and work for half the amount that’s being paid to a US employee, in a matter to few days

    Reply
    • this is how H1b is misused by INDIAN IT companies. they should be some law to track these cases, and filled by NEW small consulting firms..

      Reply
    • In TCS who ever is having Visa, he is more than a god….TCS is very short of visa resources in current market scenario. If anyone thinks other way it’s their mistake. Look at TCS performance in last 4-5 yrs.

      Reply
      • That’s precisely the essence of the proposed immigration reforms. If a company staffs more than 15% of H1b holders, they can not provide consulting from client location. In addition they are proposing to increase the H1b quota to 150K.. so they balance the shortage of Skilled labor and check the servicing companies. They also wanna check the outsourcing and encourage companies bringing ppl to US.. Govt gets the taxes and employment could also be generated. It might take a serious effort from US. Indian government and companies would lobby hard.

        Reply
    • I agree, on top of that these companies pay in peanuts. They rent a big apartment and put all their employees there like a hotel. One of my friend traveled from St. Louis to Tx with 1 month old baby, he requested for extension in St. Louis but Wipro folks forced him to go Texas. One of my another friend stays in CA where as his wife in Tx and then they have a baby. He requested to get job in same location but it did not happen. On top of that they get heavy work, almost 12hrs per day including weekends. This is pathetic. I am in product development company in India and I am earning much more than whatever they are getting in US. This is truly pathetic.

      Reply
    • i totally agree,
      enough of infy, tcs wipro and all those million consultancies.
      Its reducing the quality of workforce and also promotes unethical use of work VISAs

      Reply
  7. Hi,
    Today my employer confirmed that I have selected in lottery. When shall I get the receipt please let me know. I am very tensed.

    Reply
  8. Any regular premium process. Candidates got Approval ?

    I see all AD/PP are getting approval

    When. Regular PP would get ? Is it started ?

    Reply
  9. Looks like on Tuesday 6th May many cheques have been cleared..i guess in single lot for multiple Employer..Since so many ppl are saying they have got update…

    My Employer told me that 50% of cheques were cleared on Tuesday Morning but he doesnt know which cheque was for whom..So its like lottery with lottery..So dam frustating…

    Reply
  10. Hi All,
    Finally I got the good news today that I have been selected. My receipt number is EAC-14-146-xxxxx. Notice date was Apr 28th. I had applied in non-AD/RP/RQ category.
    Keep faith, it will surely come. God bless all.
    Again H1-B is not the end of the world!!!
    This page was very helpful for me and thanks to all for giving constant updates and so much information about the whole process which helped me in understanding about H1B clearly.

    Regards
    GS

    Reply
  11. Anybody whose check has been cleared but receipt not yet? how many days does it approx take for the receipts to come when checks have cleared before?

    Reply
    • My checks cleared on April 24, but still hasn’t received my receipt yet. It’s already been 2 weeks! It seems like a lot of people get theirs in about 4-5 days once the checks cleared. When did your checks clear?

      Reply
      • If your check is cleared then you are in dude!!!

        Just wait for the receipt it may take time.

        We still don’t know whether check cleared or not(in dark completly), you guys had seen at-least a little light.

        Cheer up and you will get it for sure!!

        Reply
  12. Thank you all for providing information on this site. AD/RP/CA….WAC-14-13x-xxxxx got approved today…….
    All the best to everyone who is waiting for the receipt/approval….

    Reply
  13. does getting a receipt mean you have been selected?
    I haven’t gotten one, but I am just curious as it seems like everyone else seems to think so…..
    thoughts from any wise man?

    Reply
    • Based on my experience the answer to your question is ‘Yes’.
      Usually H1Bs are never rejected unless the documents are tempered and you can’t justify them. This is the reason everyone feels secure once they receive the receipt no. which means they got through in the lottery.
      Hope this answers your query.

      Reply
      • Exactly!!!

        You are 95% approved candidate for H1B with a receipt. There are very less rate of rejections. As said by Maulik if you have any issue with documents then they will issue RFE(Request for Evidence).

        Your attorney/employer will take care it and if they have all valid information that USCIS looking for then it is approved.

        Reply
  14. Hi Guys,

    Just got my Case receipt. Non AD/PP.
    EAC-14-146-XXXXX
    According to my lawyer USCIS will still send receipts until June for the regular processing. Don’t lose hope you guys have 1 month to wait.
    Goodluck to everyone.

    Reply
  15. Hi friends,

    My employer confirmed Today that I got picked in lotrery. When shall I get the receipt? Mine NON AD/ RP.

    Reply
  16. Hi All,

    My employer told me that cheque got en cashed on Friday 2 may.
    But i haven’t yet got the receipt mail.
    Should i believe that i am picked up in lottery.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  17. is it correct as we get 4-5 days time to get receipt no after check is credited?
    my hr sent this mail…

    Reply
  18. If the check is not encashed, does that mean the application is not selected surely? Or there is still a hope ?

    Reply
  19. CA center mailed receipt notice today till WAC-14-152-xxxxx, starting on Oct 1, 2013, 152th day is April 30th. That means USCIS mailed receipt notice today that was entered into system on April 30th, in this pace, we can assume notices from the last data entry day May 2nd will be mailed on May 9th. My guess is, If we dont receive anything by end of next week, it will be over. Let me know what u guys think if I am guessing it right or not. Thanks to all in this forum for keeping our hopes alive.

    Reply
      • I counted by following calendar only weekdays but I might be wrong, I did not take account of government holidays though, let me count it again

        Reply
          • did not try too many numbers, so no idea, sorry, I just checked by changing dates with same number

          • i dont think any more receipts being generated.
            Even if you see the forum, its like 3-4 receipts everyday.
            It would be just a miracle to get receipt.

          • WAC1415250006
            :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. 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.

      • No idea which holidays USCIS was actually close, even if we guess 152th day is today May 7th, we still have hopes till next week. My sevis hasnt been changed as of today….only 1 month left on OPT…

        Reply
  20. H-1B premium processing receipts will continue for next TWO WEEKS,USCIS said they may be issuing Premium Processing H-1 receipts till 21 May and non PP till 30 May or so.

    Reply
    • H-1B Premium processing
      I am still waiting but I guess there is no more hope.
      I am losing my last hope, but if this is true then I will wait more…
      Thanks for this information!

      Reply
  21. H-1B premium processing receipts will continue for next TWO WEEKS,USCIS said they may be issuing Premium Processing H-1 receipts till 21 May and non PP till 30 May or so.
    Status is mentioned in the below link:-
    https://twitter.com/immigrationcom/status/464059154244464641

    Reply
  22. hello frds!

    today i got NOID from USCIS. notice to deny. anybody knows what are the chances that if i provide proper documentation my case will be approved successfully.

    please help friends

    Reply
  23. Hi All,
    All my sleepless nights, frustration, tensions for last one year are answered at last. I have received from my employer that my application is selected in this year’s lottery. Though it seems mail came late to my employer. Mine is RQ/RP/WAC. Details are given below.

    Receipt Number: WAC-14-139-XXXXX
    Received Date: April 10, 2014
    Notice Date: April 18, 2014

    This was my 2nd year. So I know the pain of waiting. Honestly, I almost lost all my hopes. I wish all the best to all of you who are waiting. Thanks GOD and all of you for your useful comments. This forum is really helpful – thanks Saurabh and team and best of luck.

    Thanks,

    Reply
  24. Hi guys,

    My company file for h1b, and I have received the receipt last week.
    However, I have no intention to continue working here in the USA after my F-1 expires. How can I withdraw my petition? When will my grace period start?
    My OPT is already expired, and I am not on cap-gap.

    I really just want to go to Comicon 2014 before leaving the USA. It is late July, so my F-1 grace period would not cover the dates. Is my only option is to bite the bullet and continue working until October then withdraw my visa?

    Please help.

    Reply
    • I mean I am now on OPT cap-gap extension, since my EAD expired yesterday.
      But I received the receipt last week.

      Reply
      • Cap-Gap effectively extends your OPT to 9/30. Go see your DSO and get an updated sevis record. You are good to stay in the US till 9/30 + 60 days.

        Reply
  25. https://twitter.com/immigrationcom/status/464059154244464641

    not sure how authentic this info is, but I wish we get to hear some good news…. dont loose hope guys

    Reply
    • What is the date on ur receipt? did you know when ur cheque was cleared? If yes was it cleared before 05/02/2014.
      Please reply.

      Reply
  26. Hi everyone,

    Just checked with my international advisor and she told me my OPT got extended t o Sep 30. Guess I’m safe now. Good luck to everyone!

    AD/RP/California.

    Reply
    • Hey,
      have you got your receipt yet? If not, can it be a case that your employer has not updated you abt the receipt?
      Thanks

      Reply
      • No I haven’t. My friend got to know her OPT extended to September but her employer didn’t get any news at that time. Then sometime later she got confirmation from her employer they had her receipt. I guess this should be my case, too.

        Good luck to you!

        Reply
  27. Still waiting for non ad rp lottery results….are there any chances now? Or it’s done? Please reply

    Reply
    • Its not done. Keep your hopes till mid may. I saw many updates about USCIS encashing checks today. If they are encashing, the receipts are in transit and it may take upto one week for them to reach. Also Immigration.com tweeted that USCIS are still in the process of sending receipts. Goodluck

      Reply
  28. Hi all , my status is “LCA status: Available for use – scanned” in wipro portal what does it mean ? please help !

    Thanks
    Wiproguy

    Reply
    • LCA filed
      LCA status : available for use scanned
      Filed with authorities

      Above is the status flow…I think…your application is not filed with authorities….Please check with OOC…..

      Reply
    • My status is changed to
      Filed with Authorities (LCA Status: Valid – Utilized)

      Earlier it was simply Filed with Authorities

      is that good omen?

      Reply
    • Guys….. forget about the lca part it will be needed only after ur selected… let us know if any one got their confirmation mail yesterday or today

      Reply
  29. I am a housewife on H4. Came to USA in 2011. My husband works in Fremont and we live in an apt with good desi community. My hobbies are cooking, watching tv serials and I love small babies. My neighbours envy me because whenever I walk outside, all uncles look at my backside.

    My husband wants me to learn testing and work on H1b. I hate it, but had to learn some testing. I applied those testing rules that I studied on my husband in the night and his test case failed. Unfortunately my H1b got picked in lottery.

    Brothers pls help me.

    Ur,
    Little sister

    Reply
    • It because of people like you that other deserving candidates for H1-B are compromised. Think about it for a minute.

      Reply
    • Hi Lil ,

      we have company for testing and all other fields , If you want to join and get job through my / friends company you can reach me (518)894-3867 . We can provide online and in class training with good salary .

      Send email if you need details .
      Rajesh

      Reply
    • “My neighbours envy me because whenever I walk outside, all uncles look at my backside. ”

      “I applied those testing rules that I studied on my husband in the night and his test case failed.”

      Nice joke, Little Sister. The two sentences I quoted above made me laugh so hard, I almost started crying.

      Reply
    • Are you serious? This is not the area to discuss all A** H*** talk.
      Please for the god-sake get-out from here.
      There are many desparate and career under risk people over there.

      Guys dont encourage such type of people to post here.

      Reply
      • @GURU chill yar..sometime jikes r good… donot you watch comedy nights or read jokes on Facebook. .. all work and nonplay makes javk a dull boy…..

        Reply

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