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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. Hello friends,

    How long would it take to complete initial review? Kindly let me know I am very tensed.

    Reply
  2. Hi All,

    I have been watching this forum since my VISA filed. My employer told that they have received 65% results positive also mentioned that starting from next week they are expecting the rest all packets will get returned. So totally lost hope. My Prayer was not answered!!!!!.

    Thank you all for bringing very good information through this discussion forum.

    All the best!!!

    Reply
  3. I have been waiting for the Lottery result for the past 1 month and now I got the result. My case as it happened :

    04/21 to 04/25 – Most of my AD friends have got their result

    04/24 – Employer told me that few checks were en-cashed and they are not tracking the numbers against applications

    04/25 – I requested my school DSO to check if there is any change in my SEVIS, she said no change.

    05/02 – Checked with Employer and School DSO … no change & by that time most of the AD applicant stopped waiting

    05/02 …. 05/09 – Was reading this blog and keeping my hopes alive, productivity at work was 25%

    05/09 – was seriously considering going back home or look out for opportunities in other countries. As for my situation, it was difficult to spend money & join another course. Specially with my wife and a small kid.

    05/09 7PM – Got a call from my employer and he told me that my H1B petition is picked in lottery. Next 10 mins, heard from a colleague that his application too is picked.

    My advice to those who are still waiting, please don’t loose hope as there are many possibilities for delay …. USCIS may be delaying or USPS or your attorney or your employer might be consolidating responses.

    I still don’t have my receipt number with me, would let you know as soon as I hear it from my employer/School DSO.

    This was my only chance as I don’t have STEM OPT extn possibility. I believe in God and applied only 1 appln. Thanks to everyone who shared their information and kept us all informed. Thanks to Redbus2us !!!

    Reply
  4. THOSE WHO ARE WAITING IT’S BETTER WE CAN SHIFTT TO PLAN B BECAUSE I DID NOT SEE ANY NEW RECEIPTS GENERATED LAST WEEK AFTER USCICS RELEASED A STATEMENT BEFORE LAST WEEK ON FRIDAY THAT DATA ENTRY HAS BE COMPLETED

    GUYS LETS ME SENSIBLE I THINK WE ARE DONE

    SUGGEST THE COLLEGES I NEED TO GET MY CPT

    I AM IN THE SAME BOAT

    Reply
  5. On Friday, I asked accounting department to check if the check sent for filing fee is cleared. I don’t know the check number. I told her it is the check with the amount of $2,325. I am regular processing. She said she recently got invoices for $2,325. I don’t think there will be a invoice of filing fee sent to the employer. She said she would look up the check for me on Monday.

    Reply
      • I actually lost all my hope. Just need to figure out how to talk with my employer about this lottery and to keep the job using CPT.

        Reply
        • @Sandra

          I have been reading your comments from couple of days. So here is my advice.

          Talk to you employer about the situation, explain everything in details. That’s what I had done in past when my application didn’t reached on time and yes my employer helped me through everything, they even paid for my education as well as for living expenses for couple of months till I got my CPT. They helped for my plan B.

          As you are saying your check application check got cashed then it could be positive sign.

          Good Luck…..

          Reply
          • @Smith,
            Thanks for your kind advise.
            I knew there is a lottery, but I thought for AD, it should be ok. That is why I didn’t explain the lottery at the beginning of April.

            I am in different situation.
            I got the job offer in Feb. and they waited for me for almost 3 months to get started this Monday. They bought a new powerful computer and 2 new softwares for me. I just started to work for a week. My boss even developed a schedule for me to get familiar with other departments.

            It is just hard for me to bring the issue up since I just started for a week.

            I don’t know if the check is cashed. The accountant only mentioned she received invoice of $2,325. She said she would check it on Monday.

            I have to bring up my gut to talk with my employer about it and also tell them my plan to continue the job using CPT in fall semester and spring …

          • @ Smith,
            Your employer is great and very generous to support you through this situation. You are very lucky.

          • @Sandra

            If your employer bought new machine and software for you that means you have some special talent that they need. I am positive that they will help you through this situation.

            Gather you courage and talk to them. Sooner you explain your situation then it will be better for you and your employer to take next step.

            Find out whats going on with check situation and without wasting anymore time explain your situation.

            Good Luck my friend….

  6. This wait is really killing me, iam trying to keep cool outside. I am on regular processing and there is no news so far. I know that there is no use getting emotional over this. Chances are over or is there any hope will they send some more receipts the next week ? I kinda feel its game over !! I am on h4 and the new rule for h4 ead doesn’t apply to me. 65 out of

    Reply
  7. I´ve been checking this website everyday since the nightmare begun..I´m a non AD/RP, I started working in a small company under J1 my visa and I love my job here . My other two coworkers that applied got their receipts first days of may and I´ve been waiting and waiting…and nothing
    I guess it´s game over, my check was not cashed at all so now I´m waiting for the rejected package to arrive 🙁 I don´t really know what to do my visa will expire in september after that no chances of extension at all…not sure my sponsor will want to wait and sponsor me next year…so rethinking my future…
    Anyway letting aside the sad thoughts I´m happy this place exist, it´s been very helpful reading all the comments, all the strength and messages sending hope, so to everybody that don´t have news yet let´s wait for a miracle and congrats to the ones who made it 🙂

    Reply
    • same boat..never ending pain..
      i wish they give the results on one day rather than keeping the folks waiting forever…just like the +2 /Semester results…then u will know if u r in or out of the game….huhhh
      this is the first time i tried for h1 and its frustrating to wait for the result…makes no sense.

      this forum is awesome. Thanks for the strength each one is giving and the hope

      Reply
    • Hi to all that are waiting still:

      I am Non AD / rp/ cal H1B first time applicant.

      No news from anybody about the receipt numbers or returned packages. I am working full time in the USA. So I know , if my employer receives any thing for me.

      Please I wish no one lose any hopes until they receive the return packages.

      Please do not be sad, let us help each other to stay calm and have the flames of hopes burning in the hearts to stay healthy.

      Thank you.

      Still waiting

      Bobbie

      Reply
  8. I just got a rejection letter from my attorney failed 2nd time! Now I have 12 months STEM extension left to find an American wife to marry. Good thing there are many desperate fat girls to fish.

    Reply
  9. Hello All

    Can anyone tell non ad /pp getting the approval ?

    Is it over ?

    My friend got selected in lottery but no information from the employer and lawyer !
    Employer says they did not received granted or not !

    Please suggest ! Still have hopes ?

    Reply
  10. I did not see a single receipt from Vermont. Game over guys. I asked my hr morons numerous times this week to verify whether my cheque got encashed or not or atleast call uscis stating they lost the recpt no.no use,they dnt care to do any f those. got 3 rejection’s and definitely my gf is gonna look for another guy as i am away for 3yrs now lol. Bloody lottery decided the fate. No hopes for next year that my employer will sponsor again. Thanks to all those who cared to post their status updates.
    Good luck to everyones future and especially my ex gf in usa now.
    Forget usa for now and look out for other plans n countries is my advice.

    Reply
    • Don’t cry because of your gf. If your girl friend can’t support you through this difficult time, then what do you need her?

      Reply
  11. No update from employer too..asked me to wait for 2 more weeks. But is it worth to wait … ? I personally feel that game is over..but still waiting for any miracle to happen..as I had a plan to switch the firm last year in May only since hike was below average…but employer promised me to file petition…but now can’t blame them as well…! I am disappointed..and speechless..I have wasted whole year ..and found nothing in hand..! If I would have switched….at least i would have a good hike now..!

    Reply
  12. I checked with my employer (wipro) and they said that they have not received my application details from USCIS. Is there something like, initially they are getting all the acceptance applications and then they will slowly start getting rejection applications from USCIS?
    Not sure how many application they got in total and out of which how many got accepted and how many of them rejected until now.
    If anyone from wipro has got any underlying information, then please put some light on this.

    Reply
  13. Hi Syntellers,

    Any hopes of still getting receipts in Syntel. ?

    What info you have.

    +1 if Synteller waiting for receipt.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  14. Hi congrats to all who got receipt. Any one from IBM got receipts for regular processing.I am still waiting whether it is picked in lottery or not.

    Thanks,
    Krishna

    Reply
  15. I have got a REF for my case. It is AD-RP-CA. It said that they mailed it on the May 8th. I have a question. The only thing that I’m suspicious about in my file is an unpaid internship that I did for about 3 months before my job starts at my school. I updated my DSO regarding that and all my employment record exists on my Cap-Gap I-20. Do you guys think that it is because of that or it is really hard to say before seeing the actual letter and understanding the issue ?

    Reply
  16. PI slots wont b given till 1st October.. So no hurry in giving the result as they have time till then. But they will wrap up sending the list phase wise. If we dnt get a mail till june end, we may consider tht the game’s over for this yr 🙁

    Reply
  17. Neha..its lik TCS is not in a hurry to disclose the result so soon cuz as soon as the result is out people will be after them askin to send them onsite. So they usually follow the practice of releasing phase wise and delay as much as they can

    Reply
    • But I think if a person has gt the receipt thn he needs to attend an interview as well to get the visa on a date provided by usis.so wot is the pt in holding the result…

      Reply
  18. I am working in India. For the second time the US visa comes in the way of my new job (in India). Last time, when I got a new job, my current employer promised me of onsite and processed L1B. I reverted back by resignation, and finally the L1B got rejected. I ended up loosing both the new job and an onsite opportunity. Now for the second time, again I got a very good offer (in India) and now I am selected in lottery. Can someone help me in understanding the success rate of getting a H1B visa after lottery? Please share me any links related to preparation for H1B visa after lottery.

    Reply
    • Don’t bother too much about denial of H1B. If ur application is selected in lottery don’t even think of losing this H1b opportunity. H1B success rate is 99% and interview will be pretty simple. Congrats and fly to US happily 🙂

      Reply
  19. Fdfu said that the results are not released yet and will be done in the end of this month…has anyone got mail confirmation regarding the results ???

    Reply
    • Hi Cts friends,

      Still we have a chance guys…Don’t lose your hope….
      Definitely there will be a rejection but second set of results are yet to be shared.
      So keep your fingers crossed…We will get good response on Monday from immigration team.
      All the best guys…

      Reply
  20. Hi friends,

    My status is showing initial review when shall I get the approval and how long would it take? Kindly let me know

    Reply
    • @Jesus chirist!!!!

      If you have PP then it should be get done in 15 days starting from 28th May 2014.

      If you have RP then USCIS will take while to confirm the decison.

      Reply
  21. Hi all,

    New to the forum..posting my first message. Congrats to all those who got their applications picked in lottery. I m frm TCS-hyderabad still waiting for the lottery result.

    Anyone from TCS – india received the receipt numbers so far…

    Thanks….

    Reply
    • TCS usually releases results in slots. On 9th May 2014, it has released the 1st slot of selected list.Yes Hyderabad FDFU is letting out the results.

      Please call the Hyd FDFU to know your result. As per the sources very less have got their status as selected.

      This is 100% Correct news!

      Reply
      • How many of them did make it in the list @tcs_wala
        Any clue ? Moreover, are u referring to tcs-hyd or some other location ?

        Reply
        • @sandy_tcs : I’m nt sure, hw many made it. But the count as of now as per the resources is very less. Yes i’m referring to Hyderabad TCS. As per my knowledge all over TCS 1st list is out. On Monday you can get in touch with the HYD-FDFU to know your results. You can call them or directly walk in.

          Hope this helps!

          Reply
          • Good to know this..the same trend is being followed this yr as the last yr…
            the first list was out in the 2nd week of may and the last list sometime arnd 2nd or 3rd week of June. Thanks for the info buddy…will surely get in touch with the FDFU on monday.

            You still waiting ??

          • @sandy_tcs : Only 1 in my project got the news that he is selected(No mail , on call to FDFU they informed ) .Rest all still waiting. Hope all get next week. Let God help us!.

          • Cool..please post the updates here. I dnt think there are many TCSers here active in the forum. Good to find you.

            Wish u good luck 🙂

          • But whn I checkd with fdfu thy said thy would release result in the end of may month

          • From TCS Bangalore Guys – no result from Bangalore FDFU . They said next week .

          • hi buddy, that guy who got selected is from which project and isu ?
            i think they are releasing ISU wise

    • Tcs Chennai received the receipts on contacting fdfu. For me my status is awaiting lottery result. But for my friend it’s selected in lottery. Please contact fdfu they maintain a tracker.

      Reply
  22. Is it over…. can we still have hopes i can see many have got their receipts….. guys please let me knw who are still waiting from wipro….

    Reply
  23. Hi Syntellers,

    Any hopes of still getting receipts in Syntel. ?

    What info you have.

    +1 if Synteller waiting for receipt.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  24. Hi Guys,

    Anyone from HCL Tech got any update from ISG or from WPC ? I have not heard anything yet..reading the comments since march and desperately praying to GOD to hear good news…lets see how it goes..

    Thanks

    Reply
    • one of my colleague got an email from ISG saying he has been selected. according to them , they are still waiting for application status of some people and they have been asked to wait for 2-3 weeks to get some update. I am also in the waiting list. Lets see how it goes. Best of luck to all :).

      Reply
  25. Below is the latest update from my employer. Believing and visioning for the good to happen…

    Update on H-1B Visa Filing

    The USICS has completed mailing all the selected candidates who filed H-1B Visa. We are still receiving the Selections we got close to 50%, still expecting, selection from 175 Thousand petition, this is good.

    Those of you who got selected we have already sent you the Selection Notice with WAC Number for you to check your status at the USCIS website using your WAC Number, please do.

    For those of you who have not received yet please wait, it is not over yet, it may take a couple of weeks more, by that time we should be able to find out the entire result.

    I will update you.

    Reply
      • I haven’t received any thing too… that update from my employer was for both, lottery and receipt. Have the hope alive in you and believe in it. God is great….

        Reply
    • Mailing doesn’t take long, they have mailed out since Monday. I guess try again next year 🙁
      No use keeping hopes high and get disappointed in the end. Lower expectation saves heart…

      Reply
  26. Hi all,

    Finally received receipt number.
    Non AD/ RP
    Receipt : WAC14145*****

    I was following this website from past couple of months. Thanks for giving such detailed information.
    My wait is over:)…

    GOD is great.

    Best of luck to all 🙂

    Reply
  27. I received today RN: WAC14139****

    When I see the status it is showing initial review. How long would it take to get approval. Kindly let me know.

    Reply
  28. Hello All

    Can anyone tell non ad /pp getting the approval ?

    Is it over ?

    My friend got selected in lottery but no information from the employer and lawyer !
    Employer says they did not received granted or not !

    Please suggest ! Still have hopes ?

    Reply
  29. Guys.. don’t lose hope by hearing about rejection packages… just heard from attorney that there are still receipts generated for regular applications… pray sincerely to God and u should get it….btw, am waiting too

    Reply
  30. Is there anyone in L1/H4 status filed H1b got picked in lottery / receipt who is now residing inside US.

    Reply
  31. Is there anyone in L1/H4 status filed H1b got picked in lottery / receipt who is now residing inside US ?

    Reply
    • Yes me and my friends (all in same company) are on L1 (currently in US) and already got receipts in April itself.

      WAC14143*****, WAC14142***** and WAC14144****

      Reply
        • Gogetit

          There is nothing to change your L1 to H1. As our L1 visas are going to expire so our company applied new H1 for us. This is the same process as other people did (there is no special quota for L1), the only difference is that we are already here in US on L1.

          Reply

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