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 ?
Here I am, being superstitious for the first time ever. Lets see if this name brings me luck..
AD/PP/VT
Bro..your AD/PP and still waiting?? whats wrong with you….please go for plan B if this is your last time.
Trying my luck with this name..
Lottery is all about finding luck 🙂
Hope i will soon hear good news from my employer.
Wish you the luck for all who are still waiting like me 😀
how much is that true, that some people saying cts to receive 1 more batch of receipts by this week ?
its true as per GIT Team. Its based on the numbers that we recieve every year. So the current number is far from the number we recieve.So quiet a possibility
When will this name work for me ?????????????
this Name worked for me.
Employer told me good news today.
Guys please dont loose your hope.
Non AD/RP
lets try our luck with this name, after all lottery itself luck.
Congratulations!!! Did you apply through a Consultancy? ??
Wipro Folks, Your application status will display “Receipt copy received” when you click on the “Check Application Status” link under IMS. I did see the status in *Green* against my application’s status.
what does it mean? selected?
Yes!
got info from attorney that one more batch result will b out this week..still 5% hope
Received mail with my receipt today from attorney.
AD/RP/C
Receipt was sent on 1 May.
So guys, Don’t loose hope, you can still receive it.
Anybody from EcomNets have received receipt number?
L1B rejet 2013. H1B try 2013, 2014, 2015. No luck. Me from poor family. No chance to USA. Praying daily. Now petition back. No luck and bad luck. Me rejet in seletion. I am sad and cry. No hope for parents now. I am crying now. Luck not help me. I work in Hyd for my life. No happy for me. Parents poor and me poor. Bad luck no chance for me.
Being healthy is the most important thing in your life. Look around for disabilities.
brother H1B unlucky. No visa. Health ok. Please no make fun.
Learn English in 1 month 🙂
me learning govertment schoolings. English speaking little now. working hard. Please make no fun.
The above butler variation of English is intentional. It is just the frustration on the luck that has let been letting him down for quite a while now!
Any update from PwC? Lot of PwCians got receipts on 4th and 5th.
Have not received any update yet…..
on May 6. The case status shows that additional evidence requested mailed. I still haven’t hear anything from my attorney about the REF.
I didn’t get through lottery last year and used CPT to work.
Do you guys know how long it will take to receive the REF?
Its usually RFE and not REF. What is REF that you received?
Mine took me couple days. I faxed them on Tuesday and it was approved by friday evening
My attorney also faxed the response on May 11.Waiting for my descision.Its premium.
Did you get rfe because of doing cpt? Wha did your rfe say?
Wat was ur RFE about?
On 4th May (Monday), Employer informed me that the check got deducted/en-cashed. Still now no updates from them. Is there anybody on the same boat??
Me too may 2nd. Encashed
Me too….what does it exactly mean…??
Please share first letter of your last names…I hear receipts are coming in alphabetical order
P…
Yes
Anyone from wipro Bangalore got the results?
Nope 🙁
Anyone from Infy got any update today?
No 🙁
fragomen.com/united-states-05-08-2015/
Any Non-AD/RP/VT? Still waiting! Can I hope for regular processing receipts to still come?
Same here I think the game is over for regular processing Vt.
on April 21, 2015, we updated your name for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC1514………..?
Do you have some message when you plugin your receipt?
Great news is that it looks like CTS 22%, TCS 19%, Infosys 26% and Wipro 23% the largest beneficiaries have cleared less percentage of visas out of their total applications. This really means others will have chances up to 40% to 45% now for getting the visas. In that sense it is a relief. Otherwise maximum visas were being taken away by these employers alone. It should be better for people outside this group now. All the best everyone.
what is the source of this info?
Wait till August when the official numbers are declared. Just enjoy if you are not from these employers. Multiple sources and so cannot disclose all of them for you 🙂
Im a faker..
Please use a different name. Copying ‘greatnews’ won’t change anything. This is how it is this year. Better luck next time with 300000 applications 🙂
Ho really
Where did u get this data?
AD/PP/CA got it at last! Miracles do happen.. Praise the lord!
Congrats !! Did you get your receipt today or approval ?? When did your check got cashed ??
I get approval. If you still don’t receive receipt, it is over. Please next year.
Congratz buddy.
Friends when you post something like ‘i got it’ or whatever plz make it clear whether yours is picked/approved/cashed … Plz dont let others to ask for the same again and again.bcz there are people out here who are eagerly waiting for the receipts.
Receipts at this time?? You have to try next year…unless your in INDIA and your IT firm gives you updates.
Receipts are pouring in! from morning at Hyd office. 18 have got it so far! God bless.. the wait is finally over!!
Congrats!!!
PS: Wipro never shares the receipt unless you are going for visa stamping.
AD/PP/VT..
Is there any chance after this for USCIS to select petitions and do a premium process if they have something called as a waiting list (Selecting petitions in place of rejected petitions) ?
Cos, I have heard lot of people to have some hope until USCIS returns the package. Why are they telling this?
Yes you can keep hope and believe. Unless your petition comes back there is hope. No clear guidelines on waiting list. But based on the denial rates it could be possible. But that does not necessarily mean that we can be extremely optimistic. Large number of applications are being returned back. But keep faith and believe.
Petition returns reported from First week of May and will continue till June end.
any updates from infobeans???
Did anyone got update from collabera?
I am from wipro, in GIMS portal it says ‘Receipt copy received’… what does this mean? is my application filed or got through in lottery? pls advise
It means you are not selected in the lottery. lol
Could you please share the portal path where you got this status?
What was previous status?
It means welcome come back next year.
you got it. congrats!
BTW, when did they email you?
Guys pls update if any of you got any update or lottery receipt from 8kmiles.
They are not reviling the info but it looks like they got it for 60 people. Did you call them
They are not revealing the info. Did you call them? They say they got it for 60 people
Me too in same boat. Waiting for response.
Few have got receipts in wiprocdc
Congrats!!!
By the way, its strange that Wipro is sharing receipts at this stage itself.
It means they got mail that they gave picked in lottery and received receipts.
Anyone with check encashed and waiting 4 receipt.
Please reply
My check got encashed last month end, I am still waiting for the receipt number. What about you.
Same here. Mine got encashed on 2nd May. Still no receipt.lawyer says she is hopeful this week. Are you AD NAD?
Anyone received updates from Chugh Associates?
Hi All,
Anyone got their check encashed today?? This wait time is literally killing me.. 🙁
NO CHECK WAS CASHED ANY MORE. STOP WAITING.
Any one heard from SplendTek?
Any updates from anyone in CTS ? Time to receive receipts guys
Guys, don’t worry. Have faith and trust in GOD
Keep hanging-in there till 15 May. I am not sure but but as people the picture will clear till 15 May
GOOD LUCK to you all. GOD BLESS YOU
Becool guys wait till this weekend:)
Friends
All companies like TCS, HCL …. is going to declare the results in this week. Be patience and keep the figure crossed 😀
God Bless All !!
R u sure??
R u sure…plz reply:(
Yes sure 😀
Yes I do trust……….. 🙂 hope for the best
Be cool guys..hope u receives receipts in dis wk….all da best
‘you receives’.. and you need a H1B!! Way to go!
I think TOEFL or GRE should be made mandatory for people applying for H1B!
@English : US Company’s need technical persons not a English trainer.He is wishing the people here so i appreciate him.
Can you please tell me whats the meaning of the below lines?
public class NoEnglish{
private NoEnglish(boolean knowEnglish)
{
if(!KnowEnglish){
//give him h1b
}
else{
//No h1b.. 😛
}
}
public static void main(String args[]){
NoEnglish eng = new NoEnglish() —– Will this throw error??
}
}
In the above english sentences can you please explain each and every line and how it works when the above after few changes is deployed and run in a **** environment?Mr English you know english right? i need how this works including the internal working implementation.
So now you know why No english people get visa…
English english english…english english english… 😛 😛
Super. this means not only english, should be some logical thinking also should be there.
Technical guy can pass TOEFL, GRE but viceversa is not possible.
Ha ha, good one..
I think minimum 5 years genuine Industry exp is mandatory for applying H1B ..
Any Updates from Agreeya…Non-AD / Regular Processing
Now I don’t really believe people post here saying they got receipt number.. really? don’t fool people waiting waiting and waiting..
Y u wont believe??
It’s over…
Wait till dis weekend:)
any AD still waiting 4 receipt
Waiting… 🙁
+1 waiting
Waiting ! & at his point of time i am so tired of waiting that i just want some information whatever it is good or bad..I don’t care anymore
When AD/RP expect to receive notice of approval of REF?
Any got mails from GIMS?
I know wipro OPT, dint received any update?
“didn’t received” – Way to go!!!!
Heard status is reflecting in portal, have a look
Is there any change in status for you in GIMS portal?
I am in touch with 2 of my friends in BDC and so far no update.
Don’t know why GIMS is taking so much of time to disclose results.
Few have got receipts from cdc
Is USCIS started sending return pockets? Any idea
It is either “has the USCIS started” or “Have USCIS started”, depending on whether you are considering it as a single entity or a group of people. It is not “is USCIS started”
High time USCIS makes GRE/TOEFL mandatory for H1B applicants. But wait.. Hyderabad will start producing fake GRE and TOEFL certificates!!!
High time USCIS “made” GRE/TOEFL mandatory for H1B applicants.
Very good you point it out.
Some times it feels like being Sherlock Holmes once you are able to decode such sentences.
I have been informed from a couple of sources that the receipts have come in. The employer is holding back the results because they want the rejected petitions to come in as well before they make a final announcement. They are not expecting anymore receipts other than a few exceptions.
So if you don’t get any information by this week then it is all over. So you should look at other options. If any other receipts need to come in they should be there in the first half of this week. Otherwise no hope.
waiting for receipt since last wednesday, NonAD/RP/VT. Any one got the receipt ?
My employer too informed me that check had been en-cashed on May 4th. But I am still waiting for receipt.
Any idea how much time it will take to get the receipt.
Dear TCS’ers,
I think our game is over..
Not even a single receipt has been shared yet..
Are we really there in this gambling/game? Looks like CTS peoples are actually leading in the com(petition)
God.. Help me in getting a one..
Have anyone connected to ISU RMG? My manager told me he used to get it starting from end of may in other year. Is it true?
Wat do u mean by other year..??
Past 2 yr
ROFL “other year” 😛 😛 😛
in MY VISA Portal –> Department link has been updated with recent date Twice today once at 3:22 PM and the other at 6:13 PM
Also, Under View Department Details –> Under Info of Person Signing Forms –> I have it as Teaneck. does any one have the same? and does that mean anything???
It was done for everyone.
I think you are from Life sciences
No I not from Life Sciences.
This common for all domains.
Department page is keep on updating with different Git people.
Last updated may 12 (Consecutive time). I BELIEVE NOTHING RELATED TO OUR RECIEPTS.
HI Guys,
I am one of the silent visitor to this site since 2 years. I just now got update from my employer that i am picked up in lottery. My case was RP/Non-AD/cal
Hi GeePee,
Check en-cashed today or receipt received ??
I got an update from my employer GI team, waiting for it to be updated in system. I am from Infy
May 11, 2015- Its not over. Any one received receipts today?
Please wait till May 15th. Till you receive your packet back there is always a chance.
For those petitions applied under premium processing, USCIS will begin premium processing for H-1B cap cases on May 11, 2015 i.e. today.
Keep calm and wait till 15th May.
Dude, premium processing will be completed today, it started on 27th April, where are you?
Any AD guys with cheque encashed and still waiting for receipts.
Please update
Friend, Anyone got an update from BAL Global?
Still waiting… non-AD/PP/VT. Status is still “Filed and pending approval” and has been the same since my application was filed.
Hate to say this but I guess you should let it go now.
I think receipts for PP are e-mailed so you should have most definitely got your receipt no. now.
Well, I’ll just refresh this thread a few times a day until I get my application mailed back. I know that it should be pretty much over now.
Same here.No update from them.Mine NAD/RP. Maybe we should wait till end of this week.
Yes… we still have hope … AD/RP/VT
Waiting bro. NON-AD/ RP/VT
I will let you guys know if i hear anything from BAL.
Sure that will be great! I’ll do the same 🙂
Nop. Me too waiting.
Not sure if there’s still any point.
Based on my understanding. I can see that most of the NON-AD/RP/VT center are on hold. Also very less number of RP numbers are generated at VT center. Please share your feedback.
same here AD/RP/VT with BAL Global Houston