Updated : November 25th, 2015
H1B Visa 2016 Filing Season Complete, Cap reached on April 7th, 2015.
Planning for next H1B season, Check out H1B Visa 2017 FAQs
As many of you know, H1B Visa 2015 quota was over in the first week and a whopping 172,500 H1B petitions were received in first week by USCIS. H1B Lottery / random selection was held by USCIS to select 85,000 H1B petitions to fulfil the work permit cap. Many of the unlucky ones are already wondering about next year H1B Visa quota. Also, some of you are planning for H1B visa for next year, you also would be wondering regarding the same. This article addresses many of the common questions, it will be updated constantly, whenever any changes to info. Bookmark this page ! To start with, firstly the news updates on this season, followed by many commonly asked questions.
Official & Unofficial USCIS News Updates Regarding H1B 2016 Season
- November 25th, 2015 : There is no special news as such, but we have our readers reporting that their H1Bs are still being approved that were under regular processing. So, if your status is stuck at one status, there is still some hope…
- July 14th, 2015 : USCIS released a note saying that they have returned all the petitions that were not selected in lottery for FY 2016. If you do not hear back from USCIS by July 20th, then you can contact them. Check Press note
- May 4th, 2015 : Data Entry for Selected H1B Petitions Completed
- April 14th, 2015 : Premium Processing H1B 2016 starts from April 27th
- April 13th, 2015: USCIS receives 233,000 for FY 2016 Lottery complete.
- April 7th, 2015: H1B Cap Reached for FY 2016. Summary of USCIS News
- April 6th, 2015: Guidance to file Second Petition, if Delivery Service Errors
When will the H1B season for fiscal 2016 begin ?
USCIS will accept petitions for H1B Visa 2016 season starting from April 1st, 2015. USCIS did a press release on March 12th outlining the details. Read summary of press release by USCIS on H1B 2016 .
Will there be lottery again for H1B Visa 2016 ? Predictions ?
We had lottery for FY 2015 and FY 2014. The total number of petitions filed for FY 14 were about 125,000 and for FY 2015, there were about 172,500 petitions… As H1B Quota did not increase for FY 2016, and the demand does not seem to decrease, we would very likely have lottery for FY 2016. Read H1B Visa 2016 Lottery Predictions, Dates, Results
What is the H1B Visa quota Cap Count ? Would there be any changes to H1B 2016 count ?
H1B Visa quota cap count is the total number of petitions that USCIS will accept for a fiscal year to provide temporary work permit for highly skilled workers. For the 2016 fiscal year, the cap count is as below :
- Regular H1B Quota : 65,000
- H1B Masters Degree Quota ( only US Degrees) : 20,000
- Out of the above, a total of 6,800 is usually set aside for Singapore and Chile citizens as part of the free trade agreement between them.
As per the press release in March 2015, the quota did not increase. To give some background, as per the Obama executive action in Nov 2014, no changes were announced to the H1B Cap count. There was proposal in 2013 to increase H1B cap from 65,000 to 110,000 and Masters quota to increase from 20,000 to 25,000 did not go through as of March 2015. At least, for this FY 2016 season, the quota is fixed and it will be as above and no changes.
When should I start planning for H1B Visa 2016 ? What are the steps ?
It depends on your situation. Below are few scenarios and your plan.
- If you are a student on F1 Visa in USA, you need to plan for your internship/ CPT or OPT employment at a company that can sponsor your H1B Visa for FY 2016. In my view, you should start now to find something for the fall 2014 and continue that for next spring so that you can file for FY 2016
- If you are in other country and planning for H1B, it is good to start your process around the end of this year 2014. It will give you enough time to find sponsors, search for job, etc.
- If you are on H4, L1 or other visa in USA and planning for H1B for FY 2016, you also should consider looking around end of this year i.e. December 2014.
We have published step by step plan, you can read the article How to plan for H1B Visa 2016 ?Step by Step Guide
Most asked Question – How do I Find H1B Sponsors for FY 2016 ?
This is a million dollar question ! One of the biggest challenges is to find a good sponsor that can offer you a job and wait for you to start work after 6 months of filing your petition. You should review the detail article on How to find H1B Sponsors for FY 2015. Your first place of start is to find the H1B Sponsors in an area or by company. Use our H1B Visa Sponsors Database to search and filter. Read this article on details on how to search in our H1B Sponsor database. We keep the database updated as DOL publishes data. Do NOT share your email or phone number on our website as comments, there are many people do H1B Sponsorship fraud by requesting money using your contact info. RedBus2US.com never provides personal guidance on H1B sponsors or seeks money from anyone, we only display publicly available data on our H1B Sponsors Database page. We DO NOT sponsor H1Bs or guide anyone. Beware of H1B sponsorship Fraud !
What about Comprehensive Immigration Reform ( CIR) – H1B Visa Changes ? What are they ?
There have been some proposed changes to the H1B Visa program to cater to the demand in the US economy as part of the Comprehensive Immigration reform. Below are some of the proposed changes.
- H1B Cap to be increased from 65,000 to 110,000 per year. Also have provisions to have it up to 180,000 in case of extreme demand.
- Advanced degree from US cap quota to increase from 20,000 to 25,000
- The Filing fee for H1B could go up to 10,000 USD
- Additional H1B rules to avoid H1B Visa fraud by employers
- Mandatory LCA posting for 30 days before it is certified.
These were proposed in 2013, but nothing has moved significantly and all the above are just proposed rules. We are not sure when they will be implemented. You can read Summary of CIR – Immigration reform – H1B Visa and Green Card to get an idea. The latest update is that Obama has taken executive action on Immigration in Nov 2014 and none of the below are included as part of that. Stay tuned for updates.
H1B Visa 2016 Fees – Any changes ? How much does it cost ?
There are various components of the fee. The H1B Application filing fee could range anywhere from $1,600 USD to $4,400 depending on the size of the company. The attorney fee can range from $500 to $3000 depending on the attorney. If you apply for premium processing that is another $1,225. The fees has not changed in the past couple of years for FY 2014 and FY 2015. Unless USCIS revises fee based on immigration reform, it should be same. We will keep you all posted. For complete details of the fee by components and break up, read the article H1B Visa Fees and Who Pays for What ?
H4 Visa EAD rule impact on H1B Visa 2016 Season ?
As you know, certain H4 visa holders are now eligible for EAD. The H4 Visa EAD Rule Passed earlier in 2015 and is effective from May 26, 2015. USCIS will start accepting applications for EAD from those eligible H4 visa holders starting from May 26th. The question is that will that have an impact on number of H1B petitions for this fiscal year ? It very likely will have certain impact on the number of H1B applications that are filed for this year 2016 quota. Many of the H4 holders, who would now be eligible for EAD, may not apply for H1B visa, just because it gives them more flexibility to work and more choices to work as well. We would have to wait and see, how much of an impact that would have, but it is very straightforward and no brainer for eligible H4 visa holder to avoid the H1B processing.
H1B visa Premium Processing Changes to H1B Visa 2016 quota ?
USCIS updated in their press release that the premium processing will be accepted for FY 2016 quota and they will only begin that “no later than May 11, 2015”. What it means for the petitioners is that the official 15 day premium processing clock starts from May 11th, 2015 and their petition could be adjudicated within 15 days from May 11th, which would be May 26th, 2015. USCIS can process them earlier as well, but their new timeline is just indication for setting the right expectations to meet the stipulated time frame for premium processing.
Track H1B Visa 2016 Cap Count updates ?
As in previous years, we have created a page, where would track the cap count updates for FY 2016. You may check out H1B visa 2016 Cap Count Tracker.
While you wait, you can check out April 1st – USCIS H1B Visa 2016 Season Starts Today, When to expect Lottery ?
H1B Lottery Completed – Official Tweet and Press Release
USCIS Completes the H-1B Cap Random Selection Process for FY 2016 http://t.co/fQ6EPUb8Y4
— USCIS (@USCIS) April 13, 2015
H1B Cap Reached – Official USCIS Tweet and Link to Press release :
We have reached the congressionally mandated H-1B cap for FY 2016 http://t.co/RTja7POWYY — USCIS (@USCIS) April 7, 2015
Any other questions ?
still hopes left???
No hope, just do what you should do.
According to my model, and assuming 100% PP completion, there is only an 8.1% chance for non-AD with 80% RP completion and 4.2% chance for non-AD with 90% RP completion.
Immigrationgirl commented on her blog that she estimates RP is 90% done yesterday, so my guess the probability of winning for the lottery for a non-AD/RP is less than 5% for non-AD/RP right now. She could be wrong because of her sample size or a sample bias. But even so, if RP is only 70% done, that’s only gives non-AD/RP an 11.6% shot.
These probabilities aren’t zero, but they are certainly enough to start working on plan-B, finding tenants to sub-lease your place, etc.
Read the post properly first. ImmigrationGirl only talks about PP being 90% completed. No mention of RP there. RPs will easily go into June given the number of applications this year. So please do not spread false information. Thanks.
Immigration girl talks about PP being 90% complete in her POST. She also said she received 90% of RP receipts in a COMMENT. Learn to read thoroughly.
RP is evidently pretty close to being finished if Immigrationgirl had 30% and 35% of her Non-Ad/RP cases selected for Vermont and California respectively. The probability of winning the lottery for non-AD was only 30.5% to begin with.
You are the misinformed one…
What are the possibilities if the check has not been cashed yet?
anyone from cognizant with latest update?
Do you think USCIS don’t know about this? Maybe they are making a good profit from this.
True. They completely aware of it. Extra money dont hurt anyone
I agree but I want to do something for genuine candidates. I have got my receipt. But it will be so selfish to not even do a bit for the cause you support. That’s why I am saying. I hope everyone who gets h1b does think about others and try to do something.
I agree with you. Even if u spread word among friends who apply next year don’t do multiple. Suggest h4 friends to go for h4 ead. It will make a difference.
I don’t think we can stop multiple filings unless there comes a rule that restricts it.
In my case , last year i applied single petition and i was not picked. This year , again single petition and waiting for the good news.
If i wont get picked this time, definitely i will go for multiple next year because i have only one more chance and i am sorry about it.
Attorney told me that cheque were cashed today. RP NON AD
which center?
Is this true ?? Please confirm ?? AD or non-AD ? VT or CA ??
Your info would give a lot of relief !!!
thanks in advance !!!
as said NON AD RP.. VT
Hi, can you pls mention the first letter of your last name. As someone said yesterday, does chks get cashed in alphabetical order??
My name (both first and last) starts with S, and I got Non AD RP Vermont receipt on 27th April. One of the first to get. There is nothing like alphabetical order
Sai Ram, Please help my husband to get H1b this year. This lottery is so unfair. You are the only one who can help us. If we get rejected because some one is more talented than us, it is good and justified. But getting rejected just because of not lucky enough is not at all fair.
And if we genuine real AD ppl do OPT or CPT in a slightly unrelated field than everybody has issues. Where does this stand.
AD/PP/VT
First attempt. Bachelors and AD from USA.
Company: Ernst and Young (EY)
Received Receipt on 20 April 2015
Approved on 7 May 2015
Thank you for accompanying me on this journey with helpful comments. I sincerely wish you guys all the best. Remember that “When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” and remember also that there are many roads to a goal. This is not the only road you can take. Sure, it might take longer to reach your goals, you might have to go through detours, but it will be worth it.
Congrats and good luck for the future
Thank you. Good Luck to you too!
Same employer, same receipt receiving date, but still waiting for approval.
Nervous.
Fret not. The approval process for PP is 15 days from next week. Statement from USCIS “As announced on March 12, 2015, USCIS will begin premium processing for H-1B cap cases no later than May 11, 2015.” Only start to worry 15 days after May 11, 2015.
Sai Ram please help..my husband should receive H1B this year. this is his second attempt. This lottery is so unfair. you are the only one who can help us.
This is the first time in my whole waiting for results and it’s such long time. Since all the data entry done, Why not USCIS will send out conformation to all the guys who got picked so that atleast rest of all they can work out another plans
Single Applicant/Non AD/RP
Hope I will get good news this weekend
2 days ago, i checked my case status, and it shows requiring additional evidence. And i email my attorney asking about what is the Refer.
I haven’t got any response from my attorney.
Anyone who knows how the Refer sent to the attorney?
I am AD/PP/VT, last year didn’t get through lottery. I used CPT to work and applied for h1b this year and get picked.
If you don’t know how to handle this situation, you do not deserve H1B. You ruined someone else’s chance. God bless you for doing that!
And on top of this, you are AD and PP!
If you work for a legit company you really don’t have to worry about anything. In the RFE they might ask anything from a simple clarifications to more serious legal issues.
Good luck!
Anyone from cognizant received this evening/today?
My employer forwarded my email receipt to me this morning-5/8. Check was cleared yesterday and USCIS emailed my receipt yesterday evening. AD/PP still in………
When can we expect PP rejection packets??
Good to hear that there is still hope for PP.
Congratulations! I am guessing you were one of the buffer candidates. Which might also means some one got his h1 petition rejected. An AD PP here. Did get selected this year. It is what it is!
Edit- Did not get selected.
Is this fake or are you being serious… my lawyer is on vacation till Tuesday next week…. and I am seriously scared.
AD PP VT
Hi I’m also AD/PP/CA still waiting. My opt stem ends in 2 weeks. I have also given my 2 week notice to quit my job.
You getting a receipt is a great hope to hang on to.
Thanks!!
Hi I’m also AD/PP/CA still waiting. My opt stem ends in 2 weeks. I have also given my 2 week notice to quit my job.
You getting a receipt is a great hope to hang on to.
Thanks!!
Go home, you already had 3 years of working in us, that’s enough experience. let others have some chance.
congrats! you luck one
Till when we should wait? This is my first time. Losing my patience. Hoping for the best and praying God
Till you receive the rejection package back, anything is possible.
All applying through consultancies are not frauds/fakes. I know one of my Colleague who was on L1A and quite senior guy (15 years exp). He was passed from one of NITs(Indians will know of NITs in India) He was working in a MNC and had prior exp of top Indian companies. But his company won’t apply for his GC.None of MNCs will apply for his H1B due to uncertainties involved. Then one of the consultancies agreed to sponsor his H1B.
Hi Friends,
Even I have been reading this blog for sometime(Silently) I never posted my comments.. I am too one among those waiting for result non ad/reg (not approval but Lottery).This is my second time applying H1. Even I realize chances are very low,but so called hope or expectation is always there for people like me waiting.
I still don’t know what will happen ..whatever the result may be life has to go on. Best wishes to all those selected and Sincere wishes,prayers for all those still waiting.
Just to add my own personal thoughts in experience” Expectation can be part of life but don’t take it basis of life as you may not be able to get what you eagerly expect”.
CTS got at last receipt id 🙂 its still on guys
At what time u got d mail?? Does it start with EAC or WAC??
can you please let us know whether you received your receipt today or not ? and what was the processing center ? VT or CA and also the time when you received ??
How do you know CTS got last receipt? Please don’t mention over imagination, Today check with GIT that they yet to receive 2 batches. Becareful when you say something
Really GIT team said thay are yet to release 2 batches??
I think REALh1bslaughteragain meant “CTS – got my receipt at last” meaning he waited for long and got the receipt “at last”. Ah, the magic of punctuation (or the lack of it).
Hey rama better stop your imagination while you read 🙂 I said at last got reciept id
Still waiting… Is it all over?
My case was picked in lottery.Got receipt no from my employer yesterday..EAC15148**** ..Non AD, RP
Is it from Cognizant?
No
When did your check was encashed ? How many days it took to get your receipt number ?
Hi, here nothing to compare or others skill set. If you have genuine experience definitely you will get some nice job . So be confident and rest just give to God. He will look after
received my receipt from my employer on 4th may, Non-AD/RP second attempt
And all the best to other guys who are waiting to fulfil the American dream. please don’t lose hope and believe in god. I have been rejected F1 twice few years ago , but never lost hope and did my bit.
one of my frnd check was enchased yesterday may 7th.still we have hopes…
he is non ad/rp
Good to know. Keep faith 🙂
Folks from Wipro,
Any update?
Someone just posted that results are out and receipts being sent to few lucky?
Can anyone confirm same?
Did anyone called GIMS?
Thanks and good luck!!!
JMD.
Request all Wipro folks to call GIMS and share the update here if any.
Thanks.
JMD!!!
I called GIMS, They haven’t send any emails as of now . May be next Week
Thanks, and I confirm the same.
Good luck buddie.
JMD!!!
None posted like that. Yet to receive mails. Should happen coming Monday or Tuesday
I emailed them also… don’t understand why they want to hold it till next week…
Please God!!!!
any update from 8kmiles?
Did any one from Splendtek get the receipt ?
Fake Consultancy it is……
Did u get any update from SplendTek, they updated me that my petition was selected in lottery.
Congrats . They informed me that no receipt till now .
Thanks to all the “8+ years highly experienced fake consultants” from the Split states of India, and the “Desperate Housewives” of such “highly experienced consultants” that are already in the US – thousands of genuine candidates have missed their boats!!! With the presidential elections around the corner, the H1B rules will be same as they are now for at least 2 years. Number of applicants will keep growing into 3-4 lakhs and the odds of getting picked up will keep going down to 20-15%!!!!
God bless these fake people and housewives who play spoilsport in the lives of others!! I am sure those people will be celebrating their selection in some party now and won’t be reading this comment! But wherever they are, let the almighty bless them!!
What’s your problem?
If you cannot understand what my problem is based on what I stated above, you have a serious problem in understanding English! You better go back to 1st grade to start working on your English!
I interviewed 20+ H1B guys (all from the split states) last year for a position. All of them were fake. In fact 3 of them who do not know each other, had the exact same content (same project, same roles & responsibilities – even spelling mistakes were same on all 3 resumes) on their resumes (with just dates being different). At the end, we really could not find anyone to fill that position and we managed by stretching existing resources. Fakes are indeed more – which makes genuine candidates to stay home. A housewife of my colleague that I interviewed had worked on a technology back in 2008 (per resume) wherein the technology itself evolved only in 2011. They just cook up their resume and join the H1B race.
I can understand your concern. But there is injustice all around this world. believe in God believe in destiny. I am sure the game is still on. May u receive ur receipt for h1b. Truly feel 4 u. AND may be all consultants and housewife may not be fakes. So don’t generalize but yes most are most I mean it.
Last year, I was interviewing for one of the major financial company in US. Received 32 resumes including some GC candidates (mainly housewives).
Surprisingly 80% are from the same state. Some even copied my resume. Not sure how they got my resume.
After phone screening, none of the selected ones came for face to face interview. So, we took one guy after 2 rounds of phone interview.
The actual candidate joined was really a lame duck who was struggling to speak English and cannot even perform any technical work. Seems like some proxy took the interview for that guy.
Eventually he was fired.
Cognizant AD/RP/CSC, 2nd attempt! — Got my receipt on 6th night IST. Would like to tell you guys to hold in till next few days. Following this thread since last year. All the best guys!
Guys I have a valid B1 for the next 10 years.. I didnt get any result on the H1b this year.. what could be the next best option? I heard there are some consultants in the US who can convert your B1 to F1 first and then to H1. Does anyone know anything on this.. Also is there any University like GBC where in you get your CPT from day 1 so you can earn while you study? Sorry I am a newbie on this so any help is greatly appreciated…
Why not ask “How to illegally get into USA?”. Try your turn legally with next round of H1, next year. A B1 is not for working, and is not a stepping stone to other VISAs. You may get in one time with such shady methods, but will never get through a stamping interview later
This is only for Cognizant H1B nominated guys. Have couple of questions :
1> Has the GIT team provided any time frame in which we can expect the receipts ?
2> Approx how many have already received ?
3> Any logic the GIT team used while sending the batch receipt mails?
4. Any info on RP- CA centre . Anything specific which the GIT disclosed?
Now, an earnest request. Please do not reply by providing incorrect information .
By far, is today the last day ?
Hi,
1)Our CTS headquarters receives SNAIL mail (i.e postal mail of receipt notices) of applications picked in lottery after an average of 6 days from processing
Mine – Received – April 13;Processed – Apr 29; Got Receipt thru mail – May 6
They do not have any batch system . Then and there they send mails
I got it on wednesday 7.52 am and my friend got it on 9.30 am continuously
Last time when i checked with GIT on tuesday they said they have received 1200+ .By Now it must have been 2000 for sure
My advice would be is to wait until May 13th for focussing on PLAN B
All the best 🙂
2)
Any IBM’er got receipts today(8th May)…?
Hi all,
can anyone tell me please
Till which date we can expect the receipts for the RP/nonAD/Vermont
I am waiting too, check got cleared but not yet received the receipt.
Till which date we can expect the receipts
Only when your packet returned , need to wait till end of this month . Hope for the best for your H1b
Hello TCSer,
No updates as of now????
Thanks much !!
Result will be out in 2nd week of June as per FDFU team.
Any one from Syntel ??
Thank you universe just got a confirmation from my lawyer i got picked in the lottery non AD/rp/cali receipt # WAC151***51**5 single application from only 1 employer and its my 1st attempt – Pilipinas
Congrats! I’m waiting for this too.
Congrats!!!
Hope I get mine soooon.
JMD!!!
Congratulations! Which company my fellow countrymen if you wouldn’t mind? I am waiting too non-ad/rp.
God … plz …
i need H1B visa this year …
can’t wait more …
Till which date we can expect the receipts frm ibm:(
Good news for CTS H1B petioners ,
Today night there will be one more set of receipt numbers released by GIT . All the best to all!
how do you know? could you tell me pls.
Up to hw much we can trust it??
Is this info True….??? When i call GIT, all they tell is wait till June…How come u guys so much info from them???
how do u know that next batch will be released today.. GIT team says only one thing..”wait till may end”…pls don’t spread wrong news
Anyone recieved Reciept Notice today from CTS GIT team.
Got receipt no. yesterday. Non adv-RP-Vermont.
When I tried to enter receipt no in USCIS site to check my status it shows me following error:
At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case. Please contact the NCSC 1 (800) 375-5283 FREE for additional information.
What does that mean? anyone knows about this validation error ?
No receipts received from yesterday…..per CTS GIT team–they recieved receipts in 2 batches as of now and they are expecting few more batches to be sent..wait until this month end..!!!
To all cognizant guys,
Goto 1C-> post processing app.
App for scanned receipts, once uploaded. 🙂
Correction,
Not all Cognizant guys. whoever received receipt only can view their scanned copy over there…
While entering to “post processing” App ,for fraction of second it shows grid with all my visa cases including old ones but after that the app hides the grid and shows”No record found”. While in that fraction of second I can see that there is a row for H1B petition , but the receipt notice received column shows the value as “Not Available”. Any one guide me , what it means?
IBM Anyone ?
gfasdrgfer
Now guy all the best for next year .i got mine receipt.
Hi Sreedar,
Congrats…What time u got receipt ?
Congrats!!!
what it is meant by data entry??? Is that mean every one who picked in lottery got their case numbers?
Wait is over…all the receipts have been sent by USCIS
will try next year 🙁
Anyone from cognizant received receipts today???
no
no
Is this the last day to receive a receipt number?
Wait till 15 May. Have faith and trust in God
Last year my fried got receipt on May-17 RP/Non-AD