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 ?
my girl friend got the receipt h1 and i haven’t heard. If i get married with her, i will get h4 right? and can i apply for h1 for next year?
I am still waiting thought. T_T
Have hope.things may turn out of the blue.
If not try next year….even next year if its not happening then marry her happily apply after coming to US. 🙂 :).
The comments here making me forget that i am even waiting for my receipt 🙂 lol
I want H1B. Trying my luck. non-AD,PP
Any hope for AD/RP/CA?
I got mail from my employer that I am selected.
H4 to H1 :).Almost lost all hopes when this mail arrived.
Again I can start my career 🙂
Best of luck to all of you.
Was it PP or RP?
RP
Non AD or AD
which centre
could you share the first letter of your last name.
If anybody receives the receipt could you please update the basic details so that we feel its worth the wait.
Non Ad vermont centre.My employer said they are expecting more receipts till May end.
So process is still on guys 🙂
Applied L to H conversion , single application through cognizant,
second attempt. Still waiting……
Any chances for Non AD/RP/VT this week?
Yes. I have two people in my firm got receipt notice from firm lawyer, one Non-AD/RP/VT, the other one AD/RP/VT… and mine AD/RP/VT still waiting .. waiting.. and crying…
they got the receptis today?
yes, our employer lawyer just got receipt and send email to us
Non-ad just got APPROVED, but still decide to go back to my country next year.
RP or PP
PP
Is it RP or PP?
PP/CA
VT or CA?
Really?? NON-AD/PP/CA or VT
Congrats man! I am on the same boat, I thought I had lost hope but hearing that you got approved gives me hope. Could you provide more details??
Any update from capgemini? Pls reply
“Try my luck with h1bslaughteragain” What sort of intellectual constipation is this?
the desperate one
How do you track your application here: egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do?
At the risk of sounding silly (I know that you put your case receipt number and it gives you the info) does everyone get a case receipt number or just the ones that are selected? Also, I had premium processing; is there a premium processing receipt too? I used a certified cheque for it so I don’t know whether it has been cashed or not. Lastly, are premium processing applicants supposed to be notified by the end of the day today or they get their money back, right?
Please!! Non-AD/PP/CA
+1
Trying luck!!!!!
Hope this name brings luck to me….I am waiting for my result…No update from my employer… Please GOD help me to get the visa this year…Really Tired 🙁
Always the check should be cashed first then get a receipt from them?
Filed LtoH conversion, non-AD/RP/Cal, single petition through Cognizant and still waiting for the news. Hope this name brings luck
trying my luck…!!!!!!!!
Anyone got any receipt today ? looks like chances have become very thin as the week progresses .. ………………………………………….
+1 still waiting got Ph.D. and applied AD/RP/VT
Let me try my luck……..
Hey Infy guys,
Did anyone got update from AIMS after May 7th ? This is my second time and holding on to my hopes.
Does this name really work >>h1bslaughteragain<< who is the genius behind this??
p.s: i tried my luck too with this name :p
Some idiot from same class of superstitious fools who think a black cat crossing the road is bad omen !!
Guys any of you are from HTC Global services here?
Did you get any communication from HTC on H1b?
Any good or bad news for that matter from HTC 🙂
Sigh Sigh Sigh !!!..
Let me also try…
My brain is in a stir fry…
Oh God don’t make me cry…
I have asked my employer to upgrade my case to Premium after getting selected in the lottery. How do I know if he really did? Do we get any additional tracking number for that? Is there a way to confirm?
Uhh…you can’t pay for premium like that. Has to be when you apply.
If your application gets picked, you can upgrade to premium processing.
you will know if he did, coz the processing time is very fast compared to Regular. For suppose if you get an RFE and you mail what ever is required to uscis ASAP, The response or the approval does not take long for premium. if you dont get an RFE give it like 10 days, you will know it by then. This is what you get when u Pay extra 1225$ :p
If you are not aware of information, just stay calm. Selected applications can be upgraded to premium any time.
They should send you the cheque copy of the additional amount spent for PP. Moreover, your case description will be updated on USCIS and you should also get a written notice about your case being upgraded to Premium.
Mine was the exact same scenario.
Go to USCIS website, create an account and add you case (receipt) number. You can track all changes that happens on your application.
WAC-15-xxx-xxxxx this means the job location will be in the pacific region or any where in USA?
The SOW you submitted mentions your client location. You need to work there. It simply means your petition is getting processed in California Centre. If your client location changes then your employer needs to file H1B amendment. You can work anywhere in USA with H1B amendment.
Any non ad rp California receive receipt number today?
In wipro whether they are releasing results based on accounts specific, anyone from capital1 received h1b status, when we checked our application status, its showing sent for filing.
Trying my luck with this name..
No hope. NO MATTER WHAT NAME YOU USE.
First time, LtoH and single petition through Cognizant. RP/Non-AD/Cal. Lets see if this name brings luck to me, no harm in trying
Try my luck here. AD/RP/California, any hope now?
No hope. stop asking.
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. Small houses we live. USA earn dollar make proud my parents. No luck three years. What me doing now. Very less salary to build house.
Bro cheer up !!!!
USA is not the only option to excel in career, there are many.
And don’t express your feeling in an open forum like this, just an advice.
All the best dude
thank you brother. I try now see if some other option. no luck USA. good knowledge 6+ experience. no H1B three years. unlucky
I feel you are just playing with your english intentionally…howzaat???
you happy me sad. make fun now. not nice.
I totally agree with you bro. This guy wanted to gain attention by writing bad english. He wanted ppl to say bad things about english. He is just enjoying his time here. He said 6+ years of exp and still this english. Its close to impossible, even if its possible then any foolish employer will only file h1b for him.
Get a life dude. (For the OP, not you)
With this English level, you’d better stay in your country.
got receipt from employer ,,, got it at last!!!
RP/VT
EAC151465XXXX
When did you received it
Today?
Type RP/Non AD?
Please confirm
11/May mid night ,, looks like rest of the ibm employees are recieving updates on a daily basis.
Congratulations bro…
Me to from ibm banglore, still waiting for my receipt number..People in IBM saying that’s all for this year..is that true or else we can wait for few more days…Please share info..
yesterday also one member from my team recieved the reciept,, this year looks very bad ,,very few got picked up in lottery
One of my friend got mail from his attorney that he is selected. Still hope left. 🙂
Congrats
Please god. I want H1B .
I’ve been filed under AD/PP and have not received any notice yet. Is there any hope?
PP should have got email by now … Good luck , also on same boat 🙂
Please God .. Give me some good news . Ek kilo peda for everyone if I get through AD/PP 😀 😀
Non AD/RP/VT
Any hopes?
Hope this name works. still waiting and hoping for the good news coming on my way pretty soon.
AD/RP—any hope left?
plz share it
Is anyone got receipt from cts.Still waiting.No luck believe.
No.. I have not heard anything from them. Not sure if they have got any receipts.
Hope this name works for me too to get H1B
Let me also try it.. Hope it works.
I also want to try it
Even i tried it. Lets see if it really works.
Case is RP/California Service center
I’ll try
Me too with h1bslaughteragain
Anyone from Collabera? any update?
no update
Hope this name brings me some luck too..
Hope this will bring luck for me.
One more adds to it!! 😀
Which letter your last name starts with?
This is going to work.
Any update from HCL ISG?
I contacted ISG.. here is the response :
As per current updates received, USCIS has done with the lottery; however they are yet to disclose all the result. Once the outcome of the lottery is disclosed, the concerned employees will be informed by their respective WPC Spocs. For any further clarification in this regard, please connect to your WPC Spoc.
Hi guys, is there any hope left for those who have neither received rejection nor receipt????