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
- Applying for H1B 2015 ? Read : Step by Step Plan to Apply for H1B 2015
- How to find H1B Visa 2015 Sponsors ? Various Options
- H1B Visa 2015 Lottery Prediction – USCIS Data, Trend, Analysis
- USCIS Official News Release : H1B FY 2015 Petitions Accepted from April 1st. Summary
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.
CTS folks, any hopes left?
Anyone has received receipt number in last 2 days in cognizant?
what will happen to LCA , if not picked in lottery ?
Any non ad pp got approval ?
My friend is still waiting ! He got selected in lottery !
But no information yet from employer or from lawyer about next process .
Please advise ! Still have hope ?
;((((((
Is there anyone in L1/H4 status filed H1b got picked in lottery / receipt who is now residing inside US ?
Second time! Got the returned packet on today ):
Bad luck!
Sorry man… So it has started…its just matter of time we report same news…
Me too got returned packet …. :-(ooooooooooo
Very sorry for you guys…..Last year I experienced the same…be strong…
Don’t worry my friend. My company had screwed by H1 from 2012 till 2014 , by gods grace i got through this time, work on plan b and apply next year. you will surely make it.
When will this pain end
I am on H4 and looks like dint get thru lottery this year 🙁
so looking at other options. Any one has idea on Canada work visa?
I am on H4…Last year didn’t get through ..no luck till now..
There may be multiple plan but my Plan B return home.. 🙁
Plan B : return to home country , work for an year and apply H1 again.
I cant believe i will be applying H1 third time.
This is a pain.
US is missing on us.
you are on H4 , few months you will get ead … and work,
Not for everyone….only for researchers n scholars….
Hello All,
I am waiting for my H1 petition as are many people waiting in this forum.
I know this wait is killing. Has anyone received acceptance from Sriventech Technologies?
Some one please help.
My OPT is ending in a week and I have not heard back anything yet. Am I untitled to a preliminary cap gap until 1st June? what If I do not hear back anything until 1st June either? Do I have to go on F1 status to hear back or can I wait on my 60 day grace period to hear back.
Please for God’s sake someone shed light on this. I am extremely stressed.
http://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations-and-fashion-models/extension-post-completion-optional-practical-training-opt-and-f-1-status-eligible-students-under-h-1b-cap-gap-regulations
go through this link and talk to your DSO…
Any one from SAKS IT group received a receipt?
If anyone receive a rejection packet then its confirmed that you didn’t gey selected
AD/PP Anyone’s case status still in “initial Review”?
Mine AD/PP/CA, full-time , degree related to field. getting worried.
this is my second year …and i have lost hope.. do you know if company does any thing for you when you come to this situation?
Please reply.
dude i am in the same boat….looking for the answer
Hi I got my receipt long time ago(notice date is 16th April) and I still can not check my case status. My Receipt number is EAC1413651*** , is it normal.
Don’t worry, it might directly go to decision status. Looks like regular AD’s are also getting approvals fast(Regular result is not expected for 2-3 months in general)
Don’t worry…..Mine was also in “case not found” and went directly to “Post-Decision”. Mine is AD/RP and got approved on May 6th. I have also heard other RP’s who got approved last week.
same case here, except that I am a PP (atleast thats wot my attorney told me)
Notice date 16th april, EAC14136*****, cannot check status.
Did you get any updates??? I am also in the same position
Just came to know from Lawyer My wife H1B got approved today.
EAC14137*
I wish my husband could say so too
I am in the same boat… No update for my Husband’s H1, its his second time 🙁 he may have to leave US by year end.
Still hoping some miracle would happen…
Next Monday, i will have an office mate, so I can’t come to this forum during the working hours.
The office mate is an American, they don’t know this kind of stuff and pain.
I am just curious. Why do you guys have checks? Did you shoulder the fee for the visa? Isn’t illegal?
I think it is legal to ask employee to pay the PP fee.
AD-RP (WAC-14-138-*): Status changed to RFE on May, 9th
Ron, do u kniw the details of rfe yet?
No, the attorney has not received the mail yet.
Counting time: If you are waiting for Receipt and you are reading my comment then please read below
Specify your category (AD or Non-AD and Processing (RP/PP) center WAC/EAC – so we can have baseline for how many of us are still coming to this forum and waiting eagerly.
Mine: Non-AD/Regular/EAC/Cheque not encashed.
Still waiting Non AD/RP/VT
+1…but no use…almost the game is over it seems.
Mine is Non AD/RP/VT– Waiting….
non AD/PP/CA
NonAD/RP/VT Still waiting for lottery result
Same boat. But…. are u still waiting for the number…??!? I already gave it up 2 weeks ago…..
+1 NON-AD/RP/CA
non ad/RP/VT waiting
non AD/PP/CA waiting for a long time..This is making me sick..any hope?
Still waiting. NonAD/PP
Waiting: Non AD/Rp/CA
I am still waiting with high hopes – Yes :
Non-AD and Processing (RP) center WAC ( California center)
still waiting with high hopes..
AD/RP – Received RFe on May 9th
WAC141365*
AD RP Approved.
Notice date: April 10th,2014
Approval datr: May 8th,2014
Any one from visionitusa.com got the receipts?
Till now my check is not cleared, so very less hope !!!
Mine too..but many cases after sent the receipt they cleared the cheque.
I guess 1st they clear the check and then send receipt numbers but anyway we have to wait for sometime.
Really? but my lawyer said the check en-cashed before getting receipt,
I did not either receive receipt or get my check en-cashed
Any one from intelliswift Inc. here in this forum waiting for receipt or got the receipts?
Waiting. Didnt hear back from them. Rp/non ad/CA
Employer said check encashed on 2-May. Yet to receive the receipt, hope to get it by Monday. Thank God!
F………………….
is it for CA or VT ?
Any updates from Splendtex Inc ? Got any mails or receipts ?
How long it generally takes for approval for Non-AD -RP-Vermont,My labor is applied as an in house project??Please suggest me …!!!
It could take between 2 – 4 months
Just got the confirmation from Employer.
My case was approved.
EAC141*
Hi Is your case approved or you got the receipt today?
I come here from time to time even though i know it is hopeless. It is like a habit. No information from the attorney, she doesn’t even want to be bothered to answer the phone.
Guys, any suggestion on how to talk with the employer about this issue if your employer has no idea about h1b quota and lottery? Should I ask the attorney to explain it to my employer or better i explain on my own?
It has been a terrible time, not sleep well, can’t concentrate ….Tears …
hi Sandra,
I feel it is better you explain the situation instead of attorney as you can convey the gravity of the present h1b situation in a better way. I am not sure about your status and options . But do remember that if you can work remotely from your home country if your employer thinks it is worth the pain. I might have over simplified your problem but give it a thought.
Thank, Ram.
I think maybe it is better for me to explain it now to the employer instead of waiting till the package back.
The problem is that I just started to work for the company this week.
You should have informed your employer about the H1B lottery in Mar/Apr. They shouldn’t feel that they came to know about the lottery in the last minute.
It is never too late. You can tell them now and look for other options:
1. Other visa (depending upon your nationality, education, experience and other qualifications)
2. EB1 GC (depending upon your education, experience and other qualifications)
3. EB2 GC (depending upon your nationality, education, experience and other qualifications)
4. Work in other country (if your company has a branch) and come back on L1 after a year
5. Look for some other job that is under cap-exempt H1.
NOTE: How long is your work permit valid ? This will affect your options mentioned above.
I am also waiting under AD/PP/VT. The last few days (40 days) have been the most difficult time in my entire life time. I feel the same pain as others who are waiting for the receipt.
I came here with 100 pounds of stuff in two suitcases. I came here immediately after my Bachelors. I did Masters and Ph.D. I have a small toddler. I built my life here by working in non-profit org. Due to Government budget cuts, I need to leave this non-profit org. I applied for H1B in Apr 2014 through a private company. Now it appears that I may have to go back, if I cannot get other visa or another job in another non-profit org. If nothing works out, I will have to sell all my stuff and go back to my home country with 100 pounds !
The plus points would be: (a) I got two free degrees, since I got full scholarship (b) Gained great experience (c) My toddler is a US citizen. He/She can choose citizenship when he/she is 18 years old. He/she don’t have to suffer and he/she can come here later for studies or work, if needed without any hassle.
Your story is very touching man. Why don’t you try canada visa? Getting Canada visa is not very difficult. If your place is near to Canada, you can stay in Canada and work in US by travelling 40-50 miles everyday. But it will work only if you are near to Canada like Michigan, California state.
Thanks Mani. I am right now getting ready to apply for other visa/GC under EB1. I will also try Canadian visa/PR.
Good luck to you too Mani !
I also want to try Canada PR too. The only problem i have is how to get the previous employer’s letterhead paper to prove you work for them. I think this is hard. I have paystub and w-2.
Wow… Except I have 2MS+PhD … Rest of the story is same
I think the lottery system was abused by the consultant with multiple filings.
US should not put such a high skill and talented person like this situation.
CIS is gonna to give h4 EAD, but not address the loophole of the lottery system.
I am using full time CPT now. I just start to use CPT, so I believe I can still use CPT to work for the employer in Fall semester and later on. The problem is in Fall semester and Spring semester, the CPT is 20 hours limit.
I got the job in Feb. The position is new, they need a technique I have. They applied for H1b for me and waited for a couple of months to start to work using CPT this week.
I just started to work this Monday. The company bought a powerful computer and 2 softwares for me to do the work.
It is just such a bad situation. I just can’t concentrate on my work.
The company is a private American company, they don’t have branches in foreign country.
@ Sandra:
I know about engineering schools only. I know that schools allow CPT after 2 semesters. Are you sure that they only allow part-time in Fall and Spring ?
I thought that they will allow full-time CPT provided you finished 2 semesters and you completed all coursework except thesis/project. I also remember that if you take full-time CPT more than 12 months, you will loose those months (above 12) in your OPT. However, if you take part-time there is no time limit. I may be wrong. Check other sources too.
There are still some AD’s getting receipts. I know chances are very less But I can use any probability more than 0%. Dont loose hopes guys
Just called my company attorney.
He said they havent received any receipts this week.
So 90% chances that the petitions will be rejected from next week.
No hopes Left.
I feel like a loser
when do they start to send the returned package?
My employer is saying that out of 15..10 got selected. Mine is not one of them. Is there a chance still?
Receipt Notice Received this morning !!!
non-adv/regular processing/CSC
receipt date: 04/10/2014
notice date: 04/25/2014
WAC14144XXXXX
Company is in CA.
Lawyer located in east coast.
There should be more receipts on the way. Don’t give up !!!
I was not selected in last year’s lottery. Finally I got it this year.
Good luck to people who’re still waiting !!!
If u don’t mind, can you tell me ur employer name?
IBM.
I think this is the last set from WAC *** :-((((
Hi all,
Finally received receipt number just now from my employer..
i was following this website since last two years and stopped to follow from last week thinking i may not receive this time also like that. was unlucky last two years. finally got thru this year after waiting such a long time…
GOD is great…………
EAC – RQ/RP…
Received date – 10th april
Notice date – 30th april
best of luck to all…………
Could you please tell us the receipt number masking last 4 digitals, thank you very much!!!!!!!!!!!!
may I know what RQ and EP stands for
Hi,
Sorry it is EAC/RP/RQ (was spelling mistake)
Receipt Number is EAC-14-148-5XXXX
congratulations!! Thank you very much for sharing!
Congratulations… All the best 🙂
Please let me know the difference between receipt numbers starting with WAC and EAC?
EAC – this is in Vermont (Eastern Adjudication Centre)
WAC – this is in California (Western Adjudication Centre)
Depending on your place of employment, your H1B was filed at one of the above.
I haven’t seen any non ad / pp got approval here !
My friend is freaking out !
Please advise ! Still have to wait ?
i am waiting too and freaking out..non AD/PP/CA. Not even sure whats gng to happen..
I am also waiting – AD/PP/CA
No news and attorney is least bothered. My colleagues got through regular processing/AD/CA and I am waiting. They got on April 22.
I am also PP and non AD and still waiting for ANY news…
ad/pp/vt still waiting
I am also waiting. AD/PP California. Got a good job after graduating with a masters in International Finance from a top school and my fate lies in lottery. I am not sure what is happening with CA branch. I know of friends who also have AD and they are also waiting. Does it mean that they did not consider AD this year? What is happening folks? Anybody knows?
Any NON AD / Premium Processing got approval !?
Not sure anyone got or not !
Please advise!
WAC141375XXX
Approved
Hi! Congrats!
I also have EAC141375XXXX
I received my receipt notice on April 25th still my case is in Initial Review. When date did you receive your receipt?
Thanks,
17th april
Any PP/Regular got approval !?
Not sure anyone got or not !
Please advise
WAC141375XXX
Approved.
Did anyone receive their rejection packages?
I am from tcs..I came to know from my collegeue just now that he got in lottery .he didnt get the mail still ..he got to know through his manager it seems
That’s rumor, none of the TCS employee got update regarding lottery. From which location your friend is?
Guys ,
This is not a rumor! One of my friend also got to know his lottery result. He is from Hyderabad! TCS 1st list is out! Calling FDFU team will be helpful to know your results. Though FDFU has not started mailing people.When dey are called dey r letting out.
This is 100% Correct news!
I did contact Bangalore FDFU today and they said probably by 3rd week of May will get the status.
This is not rumour. I belong to kp health care xhennai. 8 from my account got the results. You are not tcs ceo to inform you all the results. Try to trust this forum.
i’d be more than happy if we have started getting results though i am already in US but still few of my friends have applied and i hope they got it this time as they were unlucky last year.
So i hope you are correct that this is not a rumor and we have started getting the results :). Wish everyone irrespective of AD/ Non-AD, PP or regular to get the best what they deserve. I am sure few of you might have been thinking that it’s easy to say all this but i know how it feels like to wait for lottery result because i was in the same situation last year.
So break the leg…. 🙂
Cheers
Yes this news may be true..FDFU is not sharing any results..I called them yesterday , I was told to wait upto end of this month..
Same ans I got from fdfu….hmmm..
Any Tcser from kolkata got receipt?
Hi All,
My consultant filed for almost 30 people H1b .
16 got the receipt numbers on April 28th itself.
Do you think there are still chances for me to get through ?.
Do they go consultant wise ?.
Thanks,
Sneha
They just select applications using random number computer lottery system. If you applied under non-AD category, the probability of success is about 40%.
Hence, it could be as follows:
Company A: 4 success out of 10
Company B: 1 success out of 10
Company C: 6 success out of 10
Company D: 5 success out of 10
Most likely, you missed the lottery. But you can retain hope until you receive your petition back.
BTW: I am still waiting under AD/PP/VT. Most PP applicants got receipts by Apr 28. Hence, I have a very little chance of getting a receipt provided I don’t get my application back soon.
Hi ,
Still some people are getting receipts so still you have to keep hopes .
Are you AD or non AD ?
Non AD
Finally my wait is over by the gods grace.Today I got a mail from OOC that my case has been selected in the lottery. I am very happy.All the best for all.
From which team you are?
Hartford account
Most of people in my team got there receipt . is there any hope left for wipro employees.?
Wait for one more week. They are sending reciepts as an when they got .
On May 7th my employer notified me that I got selected. My case was regular and I have a M.S. degree.
Did you apply under AD. Was it RP/PP ? When did your employer receive the mail/email ? Thanks.
When did your employer got the receipt? And do you know the date the receipt is printed?
Hi
I was a silent reader on this site.
Me and 4 of my friends at WIPRO got update mail from GIMS that our application is accepted by USCIS in Lottery.
Thanks for all you guidance and sharing your thoughts.
All the best to all of you who are expecting the receipts
Warm wishes
Please share your feeling on why you are so angry?
I wish you the same
I’ve to say this BBS gave me lots of hope, although my chance to get selected in lottery diminished, I would appreciate all the encouragement and information updating on this website. wish all of you good luck!
My plan B is to apply for L visa after my service in the parent company is over 1 year ( I’m still a new person in parent company); as a finance professional person, I’m afraid L1B chance for me is lower than technical person (we are a product company), but I’m not sure whether my company will allow me to apply for L1A, because I’m only a finance manager, not a high level executive.
My plan C is get working permit through my husband’s green card (he is permanent resident), he came across some delay in his green card renewal, but we would try to get attorney’s comments
An idea to avoid being mistreated by shady employers:
There is a risk that employers will ask for money to file a H1B on your behalf and try to profit by not applying on your behalf. I would hedge against that risk by either saving communication where the employer demands money to file on your behalf, recording an audio conversation where the employer makes the demand, or better still, recording it on a hidden camera. You should also avoid paying in cash and use a check or money order so that there is proof that money changed hands. If you ever run into problems with the employer, you can hold it over their heads and they will most likely treat you well. In the worst case scenario, you can hire a lawyer who will take them to court over the issue and I’m sure they will agree to an out of court settlement to avoid being shutdown.
I heard USCIS is done with sending all CTS receipts 3 days ago. So considering the snail mail timing to reach the receipts to CTS offices –> Immi. team/ Attorny –> employee, it might take next week. So i guess, by next friday, those who are selected should get receipts.
I applied for H1B this year. My application package was received by USCIS on April 1. But still the law firm that which processed my documents has not received any update from USCIS whether I has been selected in the lottery or not. Is there still any hope that I have been selected in the lottery ?
Any hopes on PP/RQ, my lawyer has not heard anything yet and so is my employer?
Has anyone recieved their rejected application??
Today I verified some random numbers if there are any receipts generated for the 153th day i.e WAC141535**** and found that some of the petitions are in still acceptance stage…so friends keep hopes…because acceptance stage means there is still long way to go to receive the receipts…
Does it say ” on April 10, we received this I129 petition………..” ??
RQ/RP/CA Waiting
Guys, i have gone through this process just like all of you, and a week ago USCIS released a statement saying they are done with lottery process. I know its hard to accept, but at some point you have to start lkooking for other options. Hope is always good, but not knowing the facts and having false hopes is terrible. USCIS can create H1B receipts whenever they want. because there are people that applied that are not subject to the cap. They will still be generating in February of next year for these people. So just because there is a random receipt number there for a H1B it doesn’t mean that is on a lottery one. Also, i heard that attempting to enter anyone else case without permission its illegal and they can lock your computer. So stop plugging ramdom number in the goverments website. we are all smarter than that.
Personally, along with US economy upward trend, maybe the government tend to leave more opportunities for their own citizens and residents instead of foreigners, make sense?
What is plan B and plan C?
Thanks for the info. You have raised hopes..
5/9 11.33 AM PT