As we have done in previous years, we will track all the H1B visa FY 2016 news and cap count updates on this page. Did you apply for FY 2016 ? Please add your case info to H1B Visa Case Tracker. It is community driven by applicants like you and gives everyone bigger picture on where others petitions are to speak to their employers, USCIS and attorneys, if you feel it is delayed or something is not right.
Update : We are in H1B FY 2017 Season, Check out H1B Visa 2017 Cap Count Updates, News
H1B 2016 News Updates ( Latest on top ) :
- July 14th, 2015 : Official : USCIS announced that it has returned all the petitions that were not selected in lottery for FY 2016. They mentioned that, if you filed a petition for FY 2016 during Apri 1st and 7th, but did not hear anything from USCIS by July 20th, 2015, then you can contact them for details on your case. Check official press release
- May 20th, 2015 : Unofficial : H1B Petitions not selected in lottery have started to return from USCIS. One of our user reported that his H1B package was returned. See below. Check out Sample H1B Rejection Letters
- May 4th, 2015 : Official : USCIS announced that they have completed data entry of all the H1B petitions that were selected in the lottery and receipted them as well. They will start to return those petitions that were not selected in lottery. Read H1B News Alert and Analysis
- April 23th, 2015 : Students on F1 status were reaching out DSO, who in turn checks SEVIS for inquiring about their H1B case details and lottery decision. SEVIS updated that their system is experiencing high call volumes and gave guidance to DSOs to instruct students to check with their employers for H1B receipt numbers and check status on USCIS website. Read H1B Lottery Results – SEVIS Updates DSO. Below is the email sent to SEVIS users.
Source : ILW : ( http://discuss.ilw.com/content.php?4315-News-SEVIS-Asks-Students-to-Contact-USCIS-for-H-1B-Petition-Inquiries )
- April 21st, 2015 : Unofficial update : USCIS has started to send out premium processing receipt notices. Attorneys have confirmed that they are receiving premium processing petitions receipts, also our H1B case tracker is updated with many updating that they are selected in lottery and waiting for case number. You may read H1B 2016 Premium, Regular processing Time
- April 14th, 2015 : USCIS released a news alert saying that they will begin premium processing from April 27th, 2015. What it means is that the the 15 day count starts from April 27th now, instead of May 11th. Read Details on H1B 2016 Premium processing Alert .
- April 13th, 2015 : Official Update : USCIS received about 233,000 for H1B FY 2016 quota and completed computer generated random selection. USCIS conducted lottery on April 13th, first for US Masters quota to select 20,000 petitions and the ones not selected in this were added to the general quota pool to select 65,000 for FY 2016 cap. Read Summary of press release : 233,000 Petitions for FY 2016, Lottery Complete
- April 9th, 2015 ( 11 p.m. PDT) : No official update from USCIS on the H1B Lottery or cap count. In fact, there is no unofficial numbers or words even in the attorney’s community or AILA. Don’t be mislead by the false rumors spread by others on the blog as comments. Stay calm !
- April 7th, 2015 :
- USCIS Released a press note telling that the H1B visa 2016 cap has been reached. There were more petitions received by USCIS than required to meet the H1B cap of 65,000 + 20,000 petitions. USCIS is yet to announce the date of H1B lottery. Check out the Summary of USCIS H1B 2016 Cap Reached.
- April 6th, 2015 (9 AM EST):
- USCIS released a news alert on filing second petitions, when there are Delivery Service Errors. Essentially, USCIS is giving an option to file second petition, if the employer believes that there were issues with the delivery of the original petition filed due to the delivery service. The employer should include explanation for the reason of second petition, with the proof from delivery services, including a request to withdraw the original petition. Read USCIS H1B 2016 news alert Summary
- April 3rd, 2015 : No official or unofficial H1B cap count news from anyone.
- April 1st, 2015 : H1B 2016 season Starts Today !
- March 12th, 2015 : USCIS update – April 1st start Date for H1B FY 2016
Reference Articles related to H1B visa 2016 season :
- H1B Visa 2016 – FAQs – Quota, Sponsors, Cost, Start Date
- H1B Visa 2016 Lottery Predictions, Dates, Results
- How to plan for H1B Visa 2016 ?Step by Step Guide
- How to find H1B Visa Sponsors ?
- How does H1B Visa Lottery Work ?
H1B Visa 2016 Cap Count updates Tracking Table:
| USCIS Update Date | Regular H1B Cap (65,000) | Advanced Degree Cap (20,000) | Analysis and Cap Count Update Article. |
| April 7th, 2015 | 65,000 | 20,000 | H1B Cap Reached |
| April 14th 2015 | N/A | N/A | H1B Lottery Complete -Summary |
| Remaining H1B Cap | 0 | 0 |
is that the end of receiving receipt numbers.. Game Over? I haven’t received any news yet from my employer, does that mean, I am not selected in lottery?
your application is not necessarily rejected yet. the mail can take upto another 10 days(14th May) to reach attorney. After which your employer will let you know.
I am also hoping for the same!
I applied in AD, PP….no news yet.
Is there any more hope left?
Thanks,
Sm
yours is not picked
Hi ,
I have a question does cashing the cheque refers to getting receipt for sure? or not?if there any chance of not getting receipt even after cashing?
Thanks
Hi,
Do we still have any hope for Regular Processing Applicants?
Thanks
Kamal
Anyone from ust global?? Any update
Hi, my employer just told me the checks have been cashed. Does it mean I got selected for processing? how long will USCIS usually take to confirm the same.?
Jai Sri Ram
I haven’t got an H1B Status update from employer regarding Lottery. doest that mean am out of Game!!!!!!!!!!
Hi bro..even my situation is same…i think game is almost over..nt sure whether we ll get ….
Me too, should i guess, my application is not selected?
USCIS will announce when data entries are complete. Last year this was May 5th. This year it might be later as we have more applications. Snail mail takes up to 10 days. So you do the math. When you read this and other blogs the generally consensus is wait for mid May. I’ll say wait for the USCIS data entry complete announcement (I expect it will be posted here on rebus2us) and add 10 days for snail mail. So for RP lets relax until then.
What is the process that happens after being selected in the lottery ?
Hi all,
I received a mail where a number is starting with WAS and it says we acknowledge your case. Does this mean I’ve been selected in lottery?
Even a single application with right attitude can make it. So did mine. It was a regular processing non masters drkm India
Its Luck/Probability buddy, nothing to do with attitude or karma..lol
Is any one got receipt number from ZSLinc?
anyone from mentoris/ctsit got receipt?
Just received a notification from my employer’s attorney : NonAD/ RP 🙂
Guys, i have been following this site right from Nov 2014 to understand the processes and procedures. This is my first time with single application. An hour ago my employer is so kind to send an email to me stating that my petition got selected in the lottery. I was speech after looking into that email as I can’t believe my self as i was through with the lottery from 2,33,000 petitions. Then i thought of asking the receipt number and I did ask the receipt number. I am not sure what that person might have thought after reading my email. I was about to sleep here in India and just checked my email one more time. Email was there with the scanned copy of the receipt number………… Now, I am not getting sleep 🙂
Mine is Non-AD/RP/CSC.
I have been reading so many persons saying all the best………
Now, its my turn to say 🙂 Good luck guys…
Adios
Anyone from 8kmiles here?
Hi ,
I am also from 8kmiles. I didn’t get any update.
NON-AD/regular/VT any hopes now
NEHA do u mean VT quota is finished ?
Anyone here got their receipt before knowing their check cashed? Or is it always have the check cashed first and receive the receipt after?
Yes.
Hi One of my friend got the receipt yesterday. It was for regular processing.
Siva
Hi all yesterday i received my receipt number,i was applied in regular .Am so surprised and i feel happy that am going to see my Sister and brother in US.
I have received my case number RP,NON AD….Thanks to employer…
is still there is a hope for RP/VM/NON-AD
or game over for this year ?
There is always hope. The game is not over now.
Received the message last night. Picked in the lottery, regular cap, regular processing, assume Californina. A big surprise for me, but some uncertaincies regarding my case. I assumed to get the message in some weeks.
And as you see: There was a chance for Non-Indians. Sorry, I could not deny this…
Received my notice yesterday from employer. RP and non premium. Sent on 22nd. Vermont service center.
I meant non adv and regular processing.
Congratulations ! Even i’m in same categor, Non-AD/Regular/Vermont, still waiting to hear..
I am also same boat still waiting
I’ve having sleepless nights because of this never ending waiting for NonAD/RP. God, please help.
I am waiting for NON AD regular processing . The storm of mixed hopes are agitating my mind. When wil the sleepless nights end.
CTS folks any news?
Just relax and have a tea. Non-AD, RP is the majority of applications and they haven’t even started yet or are just starting and we still have April. Way to early to have sleepless nights.
Thanks Mike for the update
I received the Receipt. Regular Processing
congrats…ad or nad ? and ca or vt ?
vt…
what is AD or NAD?
AD stands for Advanced Degree & NAD is stands for working
NAD….
Congrats.!! is it masters quota?
Thanks. Not Masters!!!!
Have anyone started receiving the notification for the Regular petitions also..? Anyone for who, it was filed at California..?
California, regular processing, Advanced Degree. Got the receipt on 24 Apr
Thanks, got notification from my employer, have been picked in lottery. waiting for the case number.
If not selected , when shall I know that ?
Could be late as June.
Is there still any chances of Premium applications ?
Which service center?
Vermont /Premium
Today might be the last day. Good luck!
What about California service center?
Any updates on Advanced Degree, Regular Processing, VSC? God bless!!!
One of my friends, received their receipt yesterday (in Texas) for AD/RP/VSC by mail.
Wow, how lucky. My employer asked us to wait until mid-May. No idea whether my petition is picked or not by far:(
AD/RP/VT.. My employer said yesterday that the check was cashed yesterday with the receipt number on it. I have not received the formal ail with the receipt but I believe I have been selected finally in the lottery…
Best of luck
Indian national employee, currently in OPT with petitioner, received receipt number this morning for H1B, masters cap, regular processing from California Service Center.
Employer just got the receipt notice and lawyer said I have been accepted through the Lottery. I was a Regular Processing and a Master’s category. Applied through East Coast.
If I can get it then everyone has a very good chance!
Hi, my employer just told me the checks have been cashed. Does it mean I get selected for processing?
Yes, but not official until you get your receipt number. Congratulations!
The receipt numbers are on check also… ask your employer to see it…
I have the printed out checks and got the receipt number. However when I checked on USCIS website, they don’t really say much. Do you know what’s supposed to be there if you get selected?
may be website is not yet updated.. may take some time.. but anyways congrts!
Apparently, the service center in Vermont is mailing the receipts while the one in California sent them via email. People on the east coast please keep everyone posted if you have news.
Is this only for Premium or also Regular ?
mine was premium. But that only impacts the processing time. Everyone should get the results of the lottery (AKA a receipt) at the same time.
Any news for AD/Regual processing from VSC?
I’m AD/Regular and my employer said the checks have been cashed on 4/21 but my lawyer hasn’t notified me anything.
If it’s cashed, then you’re picked in the lottery. Congrats! Gold bless me!
I’m also from VSC. Best of luck to you!
Is there anybody received receipt number for Non – AD/ Regular Processing from Vermont service centre.
Does any one got receipt number for Non AD regular from vermont center?
Thanks for your reply.
YES MY SON APPLIED AT VERMONT ON REGULAR MASTER’S QUOTA AND RECD HIS RECEIPT NO. EAC151385**** TODAY. SO WAIT ……BEST OF LUCK
Finally!!! My wife got her receipt 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 Picked in the lottery!! woohooo … AD / PP / VSC. USCIS has sent an email confirmation to the attorney’s office. EAC151355****
All the best folks!!
Is it a premium process?
Yes it is.
Hi everyone, so my employer just forwarded me a receipt email with a receipt number that I can track on the USCIS website. Does this mean that my petition was selected in the lottery? My employer submitted my petition under premium processing
yes, congratulations.
Were you Advanced degree or non advanced degree? and do you know which service centre your petition was filed with?
Yes, it was a non advanced degree and filed at the California service center
What does it mean that I receive a receipt number?! does that mean my case was selected within the lottery or it is still being processed for the lottery?!
Congrats! It means you are picked in the lottery and now the visa processing has begun. Congrats!
Hello I just want to how do you get to know that the recipt belongs to you. I am just paranoid
Hi kumar,
Which policy change are you talking about?
Me too. More details, please.
THX.
It looks government announced a policy change and takes additional time & money to comply with new policy for all employers and employers need to amend a H1b petition now. This further will delay process but not sure if this delays lottery result as well.. 🙁
How would I Know that My employer was filled my application or not
I have applied for H1B for 2016 cap.. Need know how long does it take to get confirmation, weather my application has been picked in lottery or not
I have applied for H1B for 2016 cap.. I heard that
What is the meaning of Initial Review – Waiting status here?
http://redbus2us.com/trackers/h1b-visa-tracker/
I applied for h1 in regular h1 cap (even though I am master student , I didnt get my degree yet, so applied in Regular H1Cap).
If my petition is not picked in lottery held on 13th Apr 2015 , Can i travel outside states in next month(May 2015)?
Thanks
Why is everybody silent??? Cheer up people.. Everything is gonna be alright…
I am interested in h1 visa.
Here is the fact – 63.5 percent of cap cases overall—approximately 148,000 H-1B petitions—were rejected for processing. A nonadvanced-degree case had about a 30.5 percent chance !!
45.000 visas (65.000 – 20.000 US Masters) / 203.000 petitions (233.000 – 20.000 US Masters) = 22%. Am I right ?
No, you are not. There are 85,000 Visa in total (20,000 for Masters+65,000 for non-masters). There is no info on how many masters applied for a Visa. So after they assign 20,000 for Masters, there are 65,000 for non selected masters and non-masters..but you can’t know how many people that is.
Is there anybody here who got a notice whether they are selected in the lottery or not?