Home » US Immigration - Visas » H1B Visa » H1B Visa 2015 – Frequently Asked Questions – Updates

H1B Visa 2015 – Frequently Asked Questions – Updates

| by | 23,888 Comments

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.

   

Other Articles

23,888 Comments

  1. Guys, I tried some trial and error method and found last EAC number generated this year is EAC1414655311/EAC1414655312. Today one of the member mentioned that he has received receipt # EAC141465o*** today. So there are still thousands of receipt which are yet to be received by employer.

    Reply

      • Guys,
        Dont loose hopes unless and untill you get your pititon back…RP will come to end by June..and chances are slim in June…. but yes you might be luckey if number of application gets rejected during the USCIS process. and your turn might come

        Cheers…

        Reply

        • Ripen, Thank you for moral support. Much appreciated.
          I called my employer yesterday, he sounds to be very positive, that I am out of lottery game…:( On a side line he thinks ‘return packet’ would be delayed for weeks. So, WAIT would give us breath (or) attack 🙂

          Reply

  2. God is Great, Applied for lottery and didnt went through lottery, This time got it… Believe in God folks, Dont believe on yourself.He knows the right path, Accept it. he wants me to get this year and got it..

    Reply

  4. I also got the similar response from GIT, they said they are processing in batch..
    But at the same time hopes are sinking by time.. i guess max by this week still sat that too is a rare scenario.. Irony..unfortunately but reality

    Reply

    • I also got the similar response from GIT, they said they are processing in batch..
      But at the same time hopes are sinking by time.. i guess max by this week still sat that too is a rare scenario.. Irony..unfortunately but reality

      Reply

  7. Guys and Gals,

    Thanks for the support and information provided through this forum last year and this year.

    Last year, mine was not selected in lottery.

    Thank God, this year, finally, I got the receipt no. (NonAD/RG).

    Reply

  8. I received receipt# today from my employer, thanks to this forum for helping us share our thoughts.
    Non-AD
    RP
    EAC1414650*** (Initial Review)

    All the best to folks who are still waiting!

    Reply

  9. Dear RP/CA/NON-AD,

    At the same time they mentioned the below line in this main page:

    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.

    What does this mean? for me, receipt were sent to only those people whose application got picked and now USICS will be sending for only those which has not picked up in the lottery.

    Reply

    • That means.. to who are all not selected in lottery they are sending back the rejected applications along with check.

      Who are all selected they got receipts for their applications.

      Reply

  12. “USCIS said they may be issuing Premium Processing H-1 receipts till 21 May and non PP till 30 May or so. via Twitter @immigrationcom”
    So all those Regular Processing guys, keep your hopes alive till this month end, probably till 1st week of June. I am still waiting… RP/CA/Non-Ad

    Reply

  13. Hi JJ,
    Thanks bro..lets wait and watch this H1b game.
    these all stuff are not in our hand. when I had a time and company wants me to go(in 2009 to 2012) at that time I showed then my back..
    Now i am crying to go..
    As you sow, so shall you reap..that holds good to me..

    Reply

    • I did not understand your last line but there are very least chances or error that your attorney gave you wrong info. your HR must be waiting for snail mail.

      Reply

      • Nothing I just remember the famous proverb “As you sow, so shall you reap”.
        Thanks for the information. Lets keep posting the updates.

        BTW my wife still waiting for lottery results. i think hers
        is NON-AD/RP California Service Center.

        Lets Hope for the best.

        Reply

    • No Update in this week so far …. Already 2 lists are out on 6th and 9 th of may …Don’t know, one more is list there or not…

      Reply

  16. Update from BAL-We will update our system with either a receipt notice or a rejection as soon as we receive word from USCIS over the coming days and weeks.

    don’t know why they reply always in a different way they shud have replied that it is over and only receipt generation/receiving is pending

    Reply

  17. Well..i believe the series indicates the center where the visa is picked up in lottery and this series belongs to Vermont center . Not sure though …

    Reply

    • first three character is centre(WAC/EAC) next two are year 14 and next three is working calender day (146-28th april and so on) rest are receipt..So from series we can know if new receipt are generated or its the old series….

      It would help others who are waiting

      Reply

  20. Hello,

    Received email from OOC on Friday evening that my email was picked up in Lottery!

    Wish all the best for all of you still waiting.

    Reply

  23. Finally the wait is over .Just now I got mail from my employer that I got selected.
    Non-ad/RP
    Recpt num-WAC-14-143-5****
    Recv date- April-10
    Notice date-April 23
    All the best for those r waiting.

    Reply

  25. I printed out how to call USCIS to know the receipt number and gave it to HR.
    She said she would call. Who knows when she is gonna do it.

    It is just hard to explain it to them. These people just don’t know how big the issue is.

    Reply

    • I couldn’t get any information from the attorney. So, I asked the employer to call USCIS.
      But HR contacted the attorney. Just don’t know what to say about it.

      Reply

      • hey sandra,
        last year i called USCIS myself. they said they cant give the info but can only share the info with my employeer or attoney. I said I was at work and can hand the phone over to my manager. The USCIS representative on the phone then said, let me first check if you are in the system ( meaning let me see if u have a receipt no). He asked me my first and last name and my employeer name. I was not in the system. That meant I was not picked in the lottery. This was last year. Hope this helps. I made it this year.

        Reply

  26. Hi Guys!
    Last week I asked my attorney about lottery status (Non-AD/RP/EAC).
    He said Yes your receipt number is EAC141465****.
    Yesterday, When the same Question I asked my HR , she saying we(including attorney) haven’t received hard copy of the receipt.
    What does it mean. How long it will take to get the hard copy for the regular processing.
    I am planing to convert it in to Premium processing can i do with out hard copy of the receipt.
    Please advice ..

    Reply

    • Yes get hard copy and make sure number belongs to yourself only…and wait some time before you convert to premium processing…at least a month

      Reply

      • OMG! is this also Possible?, receipt number can also belongs to some other person?.
        How long it will take to get the Hard copy Any idea?

        Reply

    • You can do this online with your receipt number, you don’t need hard copy. just need to fill one page form and pay fee and all set.

      Reply

    • By the way how your attorney got to know about your receipt number?.. he should either get email or hard copy with your name…

      Reply

        • Yes.. all Regular gets snail mail (hard copy) but I heard few cases who got email. You might be one of them.
          If your attorney told you then it must belongs to you only because he knows the name associated with receipts in email.

          Reply

  27. Hello! my husband and I are both in the H1B visa lottery… he heard back about two weeks ago that he received one, so I contacted my immigration lawyer and she said it’s almost positive that I did not get one since the lottery has officially stopped now. Is this true. I was reading through some of the comments and it seems like some of you received notification just today? is there really still hope? also I had a friend tell me that some year’s they do a second pull in the H1B visa (meaning they go over the 65,000 cap) is this true? I can’t find any evidence of this after looking around online.

    Reply

    • Whoever got receipt in current week all those were backdated receipt as per me…

      Last series was Center-Year-148-Number…receipt generated on 30th april…No new receipts seen in last 5 days….

      Reply

  28. My attorney stopped responding back to my mails about percentage of success, etc., I did not get any update from him for the past few weeks. He has a big firm and he could have given me some numbers like the ones mentioned below.

    I came to know about the firm (immigrationgirl) today. This firm is doing a great job. Wish I had known them before. Keep it up.

    Quote May 5, 2014:
    “I’ll start with statistics for premium processing cases. By now, if you filed in premium processing and you did not receive an email notification, I hate to say it, but the chances are slim.

    California Service Center – All Premim Processing: We received receipt notices for 70% of the petitions filed
    Vermont Service Center – All Premium Processing: We received receipt notices for 73% of the petitions filed
    These numbers indicate that we should not expect to receive any more premium processing notices. Given the number of petitions filed, a receipt rate in the 70% range seems right on.

    Now for the regular processing:

    California Service Center – Regular Processing – Masters quota: We received receipt notices for 76% of the petitions filed
    Vermont Service Center – Regular Processing – Masters quota: We received receipt notices for 74% of the petitions filed

    While there is still some chance that receipts could be on the way for non-premium master’s cap cases, the chances are low. Given the receipt rate mentioned above for premium processing cases, the receipt rate for non-premium master’s cap cases are right in line and we may have seen the last of these receipts.

    California Service Center – Regular Processing – Bachelors quota: We received receipt notices for 33% of the petitions filed
    Vermont Service Center – Regular Processing – Bachelors quota: We received receipt notices for 15% of the petitions filed

    Based on these numbers, we can definitely expect to continue seeing bachelor’s cap receipts in regular processing. Vermont continues to be a day or two behind California as far as sending receipts. On a side note, RFEs for premium processing cases are on their way. We had a nice stack waiting at the fax machine this morning.”

    ***UPDATE 5/6/14, WE NOW HAVE RECEIPTS FOR 48% OF THE PETITIONS FILED AT VSC – REGULAR PROCESSING – BACHELORS QUOTA, STILL EXPECTING MORE***

    ***UPDATE 5/7/14, no new receipt notices were delivered today. Also, we still have not received any rejected petitions back in the mail*****

    ***UPDATE 5/9/14, no rejected petitions yet. Still reviewing today’s mail to see how many new receipts came in, there was a lot of it.*****”

    ***** Some asked about today’s status (5/12/14) in the comments section. ****
    IG replied as follows: “Still going through the mail, had to take two trips because the box was so full. Will update soon!”

    Reply

    • Wow, I suppose instead of having your attorney keep going back and forth answering your emails, we should pray and give them time to reply to their filed petitions right? Who knows, yours could be right at the bottom… 😉 I’m still hopeful though. N-AD/RP/CA

      Reply

  31. AD/RP/WAC-RFE,

    Picked in lottery on April 10th
    Notice of Receipt send on April 17th
    Receipt Received on April 21st
    Status changed to RFE on May 12th
    Don’t know what RFE about

    Reply

    • Hi,
      I am Non AD/ PP (receipt no: EAC141355xxxx). Receipt date: 15th April & got RFE notice on 2nd May & my employer received the details on 5th May. The RFE is about: detail job description to my employer (FYI- i am non Indian and its a direct employer with a managerial position in a very well known non IT organization with more than 15000 employees). The legal team already responded last Wednesday (7th May) & confirmed to receive a decision by this week. I will keep you posted. Have patience & wait for RFE details.

      Reply

    • Hi , Are you from Master’s category or applied in 65k with premium processing?

      I am asking because it is too early to get any decision.

      Reply

  32. Is there any hope left for Non AD/ RP ? My attorney is saying that they dont want to jump on any conclusion until they get any communication from USCIS -receipt /rejection .Also is there any thing called wait list -in case if any petition is rejected later in decision stage ? All the best to all those who are still waiting and Congrats to all those who made it ……

    Reply

  33. not a Indian or Chinese citizens.
    I am F1-OPT status, and am extending my OPT till Nov,2015 (OPT STEM)
    Which one would you apply , NIW or EB1 , if you are qualified for both?

    Anyone got GC directly from OPT?

    thanks

    Reply

  34. AD/RP waiting …

    @ Sandra I read your post about your employer saying they received invoice for the Visa fees did you hear back from them ? Was your check really en cashed ?

    I am still waiting desperately and about to lose my Full-time job if I don’t get through the lottery 🙁

    Reply

    • @AD/RP/Vermont
      As a matter of fact, the employer sent the check of the full amount of filing fee $2,325 to the law firm. And the law firm cashed the check.
      I talked with my employer about my concern about H1B lottery and no information so far. But HR only emailed the attorney. No information from the attorney.
      I asked my employer to call USCIS. HR said she would do it.
      I basically told my employer that I can continue to use CPT ( i am using CPT now) to work later on if it is not picked in the lottery. I told them it will not affect the job and I am committed to do the work they need.

      Reply

    • @AD/RP/Vermont

      Talk with your employer about the concern and find a solution to it.
      We are under tremendous pressure and extremely difficult situation.
      This h1b system is abused by consulting companies. How can a consulting company applied for 2,000 petitions and my employer only applied for 1 petition and we are put under this condition.

      Reply

  35. Hello Friends,
    I checked my H1 b status today and it went to RFE. I applied in Regular/AD. As per the status , it looks like USCIS has mailed the RFE notice to my employer on 05/10/2014. My employer hasn’t got the mail yet. Has anyone got RFE who applied in Regaulr/AD or NON AD ?

    Reply

  36. “When you enroll at the graduate level, your designated school official (DSO) may authorize CPT during your first semester if your program requires this type of experience. Ask your DSO for details.”

    Thats from the ICE gov website. If that is stated then why is there a risk to get CPT from day 1?

    Reply

    • Hi! It depends on the program. My Masters program did not allow CPT for first 2 semesters.
      After graduating I started on OPT on April 15, 2013 so my application could not go last year. My OPT expired early this year and my major being a non STEM major, I did not get 17 months extension. I went back to school (another Masters in same field) and got CPT from first semester.
      I think if an internship/training is required by the program, you should get CPT easily.

      Btw I am AD/PP/VT and did not get any receipt so far. Guess it is what it is!

      Reply

  38. Hi all,

    A silent spectator of this forum till now.

    Everyone, be positive. I have an advanced degree here with good GPA, very much passionate w.r.t my work, my manager really wants me here. My STEM-extension is expiring soon , and I find the lottery system really unfair. Still, I am not going to let it determine my fate. If I get through, I will be happy. If I don’t , then I will be more happy. That’s my attitude.

    Also, my request to non-AD people who got through the lottery : if you get your H-1 for this year, please use it. Come over to the U.S and follow your dreams in your field. I spoke to one of my friends who got through the lottery, but she is not going to use her H-1 ..and I really got upset . There are people who have a good job with a degree here and still waiting.

    Good luck to all!

    Reply

    • I so agree with you bro! I am in the same boat. Applied last year and did not get selected in lottery. Applied this year again and still no news. I heard there are people who have gotten their H1 approved and are just wasting it. I wonder why would people even apply when they don’t want to utilize H1 let alone the waste of money to keep the payroll running. Just start looking for Plan B bro. I might have to leave my full time job just to go back to school to maintain my status.

      Reply

      • Plan B : I will go back to India. (As of now)

        My suggestion : STEM students whose OPT is expiring this year should not go through the lottery system. Students without STEM can apply the next year too if they dont get through in the current year.

        Completing Masters successfully isn’t cake walk. Looks like lottery system can kick us out of jobs that we really aspired to get ; jobs that really “need” our brains .

        Anyways . Good luck to everyone .

        Reply

    • For all those people who got rejected or still waiting, don’t be upset. Basically, we are all born losers. We are not meant to be successful

      Reply

      • Even i got to know from FDFU over call that my name is there into the list as selected but didn’t get any email confirmation. Do we know when can we get email confirmation?

        Reply

          • Great congrats bro…so the updates will be given by the fdfu over phone not through the mail, huh? Thts how the trend is going too..

          • But last year trend was different, FDFU updated RMGs and than later RMGs updated their respective employees…I don’t believe on verbal communication until and unless we receive email confirmation. So just wondering when will get email confirmation because FDFU said that we will get email confirmation from RMG.

          • As per the latest source,TCS is planning to release reults via mail in one shot!Yes dey(FDFU) will get the results in slots(From H1B Compliance Every Friday ) but the final output to the end user used be one-go!!! So you can expect the selected mail mostly May End!

          • Hey..i dnt think its been sent to the associates in one slot. Last year, the first list was released in the second week of may and another in 3-4 weeks and that went till june end. Dunno if there is a change in the policy this yr, but be patient and wait till june end.
            By the way, yes..cant rely on the mail communication. Send a mail to rmg and ask them to give u the current status. I did the same yday and they said tht it is showing ‘awaiting lottery result’

  47. Attorney confirmed that check cashed on 1-May. I am yet to get the receipt number. Is it normal? and how long do I have to wait for this.

    Reply

    • Probably they should have got the receipt by now… They would probably let you know today or i suggest you talk to your employer about the receipt.

      Reply

      • Thank you! I called the employer and they asked me to wait till end of next week. It seems sometimes it takes till end of this month. I am not sure, hoping for the best. btw mine is RP/RQ/Vermont

        Reply

  48. Those whoa re waiting in NON-AD/RP/CA … i just heard from my attroney that may be i am not through this year lottery as all the attorneys should get their receipts by this time.

    Guys of MNC’s – – Yoou can still have hopes as your immigration dept might got receipt and not yet disclosed to you guys.
    All the best!! This is my last tweet for this year..

    @SAISRI,

    Check with your attorney about check-encashement, dont wait for the receipt.

    Reply

  49. Hi all,

    My husband is a green card holder. My HR suggest me confirm whether spouse of green card holder can obtain certain working permit. HR logic is: spouse of L1 holder can obtain working permit within 90 days approval.

    any comments here?

    Reply

    • Yes spouse of L1 can work with an EAD…They apply for an EAD and then it would take about 3-4 months to get the approval,,. Once recvd, they can start to work …

      Reply

  50. Hi Folks,

    After Huge disappointment in Last year, Finally today Morning I got the Receipt No. Thanks to the Folks for sharing your thoughts. People who are waiting, please don’t loose hopes. This year processing takes a lot of time, due to huge volume.

    Congratulations….who got selected, All the best who are all waiting……….

    Mine is Non AD / RP by IBM.
    Receipt No : WAC14143*****

    Reply

Leave a Comment