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 ?
Cognizant Folks – any update? did any one talked to GIT now or anyone recieved. Please update here
looks like game is over. If you call GIT they are telling wait up to end of this month end (same message for all).
anyone from SYNTEL got any updates? Me and my teammates have been told to wait till May end – June. They say no communication from USCIS. Is it possible or are they selectively sending information to some teams and some locations only?
Is SYNTEL giving the results of the lottery?
Anyone got an update from BAL Global ?
No updates, even my employer is not sharing any details, just a standard answer stating USCIS is still sending receipts
same here. BAL lawyer told me they are still getting receipts this week.
Two consulting companies in new jersey banned today. Uscis revoked and canceled one my my friends visa. It was PP and was already approved.
Read “rediff Indian h1b fraud. SCM data”. Google it.
Ohhh yes even I heard they have increased scrutiny in NJ cali and some other states like IL etc for fraud companies who runs payroll when consultants are on bench
Good these consultancies should all be banned.
Finally…some good news….Hopefully they arrest more people who are doing this. Need to arrest the people who joined them too…I’m sure they must be aware of everything.
Any one from MRCC ?
Did anyone get receipt from Splendtek ?
Kiru…
Did you get any conformation /call from Splendtek ?
No. they sent an email long before that I was not selected yet .
Couldn’t contact them after that .
Anyone’s case number got approved for regular processing member?
For me it says,
On April 13, 2015, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EACXXXXXXXXXX, and sent you the receipt notice that describes how we will process your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your receipt notice by May 13, 2015
Thanks.
:{}
Lottery system is abolished in Tamilnadu by Amma. But still Lottery in USCIS is affecting us. After ‘Ammma’ becomes CM, Maybe she will abolish lottery in USCIS also. 🙂
Your Amma should be in Jail Dude.. Itz shame for us .. Ppl like Amma,Salman, Raja got bail…
You forgot Ramalinga raju dude…
Update from Wipro, BDC: (2nd batch) Friends are started getting updates in portal as receipt copy received.
Really??
yes..confirmed
gr8…
congrats to all 🙂
jmd!!!
Not there in second list too !!
Jgd
I got my status changed to receipt copy received , but no official mail…I am from wipro-BDC…
Congrats buddy!!!
🙂 you are selected in lottery
its party time for you now 😀
Jai Mata Di!!!
can you tell me where to check the status?
Thanks.
Wipro – Tomorrow (Friday) there will be one more update .
Hopefully my name will there !
Even CDC ppl got it?
Is the list completed?
Are we expecting any more batches?
Mera number kab hayega..
why people are so much crazy to go US?
do we really earn huge money in US?
Beta Suresh… Ramesh Bitwa kaha gayab hai ?
why people are so much crazy to go US?
do we really earn huge money in US?
Suresh beta…. its illegal here !
Beta Suresh … Ramesh babu kaha gayab hai ?
he is in your house
Suresh bete…agar tujhe india me rehne ka itna shauk hai to farming kar le…auro ko kyun rok rah hai jane se?
AD guys earn money…the guys who join fake consultancy with fake experience and the genuine AD guy who is full time in an company….the folks who come from INDIA earn peanuts like 60k or 70k in cali…the indian companies loot.
Hi anyone from wipro Bangalore got receipt today?
Any news about further receipts?
Or wipro is done?
GIMS team has confirmed that Wipro has only 10% application selected this year….WTF??? :(:(
Wipro GIMS processed 7.5k applications. So they received close to 1.8k receipts which they sent to the employees. We need to wait till next friday to get complete confirmation. Hope by this friday some more they will wait. Generally they will receive close to 50%. As per the GIMS they are expecting another 1k receipts
Hi Friends.. latest update I from GIMS through helpline ticket:
“We have not yet received you’re application status, we received only 20% of application status and we are expecting to receive more application status in coming weeks. As soon as we received we will update you without any delay. Appreciate your patience and support”
Please mention if you get any latest updates..
20 % includes both selection receipts and rejection packets.
Probably, more receipts will be announced tomorrow.
Hope for the best.
Jai Mata Di!!!
Hurray!! Got it today. Thanks a lot to all… Feeling blessed!
Congrats buddy 🙂
Can you let us know the exact time when you got the email?
and where to check the status.
Thanks.
JMD!!!
hopefully my receipt is on the way 🙂
Jai Mata Di!!!
Any hopes still infy people??? Any updates today??
Sorry mate, the results are already declared….GI team has confirmed that those who are selected have already got information.
All the best for next year 🙂
They never confirmed that its all over……they told us to wait for few more weeks…..who told u????
Even I got the same News… its very sad 🙁 🙁 🙁
God please help us !
Really????? But i hve heard very few people selected till nw…
Last yr till may end people got their receipts….so its not possible…..i think v all shd wait for 2 weeks more..
You keep waiting….i will try to switch from infy to a good company and will try some other onsite
What to do….?? it will take another one year to file …
i am totally disappointed 🙁
U r right my friend….i also wanted to have kids there…
Guys i have heard that till nw P0 and P1 selected list has been released till date….n still P1 and P2 is still yet to be released…..is that true???
Where can i check the priority ?
U can check with ur manager…
Any updates today??? Anyone received today?
It seems USCIS does not want Indian MNC to grow in US.
As every person that goes from Infy files up for PR & Citizenship.
U r right my friend….i also wanted to have kids there…
How many selected in infy this yr till nw?? Any news.
what is P0, p1, p2, p3….. ?how do they fit ppl in these categories
Its based on priority like those applications which were initiated in the beginning they fall under P0 and P1 and so on…..i hve heard that till nw result of P1 and P0 are released by AIMS….
The USCIS sending 5000 receipts per day. Still we have hope … Have to wait till may end
R they still sending selected receipts??? I hve heard that they have stopped generating receipts of selected ones on 4th may
Lol! TCS is a “lala” company…
ROFL
I agree with Accenture MK……TCS does not deserve any more H1b slots
Any hopes still infy people???
Infy applied dulplicates last year of which uscis made rules a bit strict this time. so first you be perfect and start questioning others. Any way there is nothing wrong in applying genuine and deserved applications when they have requirement.
TCS has 3.5 Lakhs employees over all and let forum know whoever questioning like Infy, accenture etc… their over all strength.
A small company with over all strength of 75 K applied for 7.5 K persons( almost 10%), so can’t TCS apply for same percentage of people. If roughly we take 10% it would be 35 K applications and thats what maximum they might have done or even very less like 7-8%( max 25 K) which is totally fare.
MR. XYZ from Accenture.
Please FYI below..
2015 H1B Visa Reports(Top 6 H1B Visa Sponsors ):
Rank H1B Visa Sponsor Number of LCA * Average Salary
1 Infosys 23,816 $76,794
2 Tata Consultancy Services 14,096 $67,673
3 Wipro 8,365 $69,936
4 IBM 7,944 $87,227
5 Deloitte Consulting 7,016 $102,112
6 Accenture 5,509 $75,532
—————-
Note: before fingering anyone, please get yourself updated .If you have any quarries ,meet with your management to clarify .Initiating of visa is fully dependent on MNC policy ,moreover on strength of Man power and US based customers . Hope this answers you..!! Good Luck!!
TCS applies in large numbers and eat slots of all other companies..
H1B filing should be banned in TCS
Lol! TCS is a “lala” company…
ROFL
Rather questioning or such comments ,kindly ask immediately your employer(Accenture) to initiate more than TCS !
Yes, its our Right to initiate how many ever we want as we are spending money for it and all are genuine and eligible applications. We are far better than all the morons who apply fake and multiple applications. Also, there are many other MNC’s ( can’t name in forum) who applied duplicates to make their chances better last year, bcoz of which uscis decided not to return money and filter dulicates this year. So, stop blaming us and if you can, go and ask your employer to initiate if they have money and requirements.
So, this simply clarifies that your company doesn’t have much of eligible candidates or the oppurtunities so they have initiated for less people. Our Org always do this based on requirement and demand analysis, so you can never question us.
Could you please eager to join in high level management. Dont waste your career with these H1B …!!! You have bright future ..go ahead dude. How you think only people of your MNV are genuine ,but not for other. Check yourself in front of mirror .I am nt rude to say “Shut up” ..Am always cool 🙂 🙂 🙂 be cool.
MR. XYZ from Accenture.
Please FYI below..
2015 H1B Visa Reports(Top 6 H1B Visa Sponsors ):
Rank H1B Visa Sponsor Number of LCA * Average Salary
1 Infosys 23,816 $76,794
2 Tata Consultancy Services 14,096 $67,673
3 Wipro 8,365 $69,936
4 IBM 7,944 $87,227
5 Deloitte Consulting 7,016 $102,112
—————-
Note: before fingering anyone, please get updated .If you have any quarries ,meet with your management to clarify .Initiating of visa is full dependent on MNC policy ,moreover on strength of Man power and US based customer.Hope this answers you..!! Good Luck!!
and Obviously ..
6th is Accenture :
Accenture 5,509 $75,532
Capgeminians Any Update on H1B status?
Accenture guys, what is the expected selection ratio for Accenture?
:{
Anyone with multiple application, Got RFE?
Anybody got update from HCL?
few people are saying that its getting updated in Iaura.
No Updates. ISG sent a email saying results will be informed in next 4-5 weeks.
Got the receipt number today in iaura
Still is it there any hope for Non AD/RP through consultancy ???
Any update from Accenture?
Any update on H1b receipts from Tech Mahindra? So far no receipts. Last year by this time we received first batch. But this year no receipts so far.
Hi, we hv already received first batch of receipts on 8th May itself. Provide ur email id i’ll forwqrd it to you..
2 Indian-Americans arrested for H1B visa fraud******************
rediff.com/business/report/two-indian-americans-arrested-for-h1b-visa-fraud/20150513.htm
Yeah!!! That is what a lot of guys here deserve! Such people reduces chances of real employees!
Any latest updates from GIT? please comment
Still I am able to see the rays of hope , Guys dont give up , let us pray for the best!!!!!!!!
Some are saying Friday GIMS will announce some more results.
Some are loosing hope saying everything over.
Anybody got rejection so far?
can anybody share genuine info plzz?
Not sure ppl ve got rejection.
I called gims and they told me they are waiting for two more batches of receipts.
Yes, My manager also told that second batch is yet to be released from GIMS.
Oh ok.. thanks for the information. god knows when they arrive 🙁
you are right… GIMS will share more receipts tomorrow.
Just pray that they are yet to share lots of receipts 🙂
And we get selected tomorrow.
Badly need selection this time…
Jai Mata Di!!!
From today morning , My Department link in myvisa portal is updated by 4 times by Global mobility team , does it mean anything?
From which department are you from?
Mine got updated today once by global mobility 2.
I m in CDP now but blocked for some project
you belongs to which dept ? Have you joined any department newly? Do you have any L1B visa in closed or completed status? Do you notice the department update today only OR does it happening frequently everyday?
M in enterprise solution retail. My department last changed on 12th by someone globalmobility team. Then today it changed by global mobility team.
I am in this department since day one in cts and i dont have any previous visa or anything.
today seems its changing frequently. again it changed after 40 min .
I was asking people regarding My Department link in My Visa portal.. how can I access this link in My Visa?
“you belongs”, “does it happening” – you better take a crash course on English grammar before trying for H1B.
I assume the reason may be , Our H1B petitions is approved OR rejected and mobility team is doing their updation before sharing the info to us. Hope for best Bro!!!
looks like its common for all H1B applicants. I am also seeing my dept updated daily twice.
I am checking this link daily. It is changing for more than 10 times a day. on daily basis. I don’t think it is related to anything. Sorry for this news.
btw my department is QE&A
Dept link has nothing to do with ur selection/rejection
I hope GIT is going to send one more batch of receipts today!!!!!!!!!!
How do you know? called GIT?
how do u know?? its ur guess or what?? heard that all receipts are sent out??
Hello TCSers,
Guys, Any notification received so far from ISU RMG or FDFU ? as per me, looks still there no such thing released from TCS yet. Kindly keep posting as everything will be updated .
Yes first list is indeed released and isu spocs are releasing them to associates. I got an update that my name is not in the first list.
Please tell me whom you sent mail to? is to FDFu or your project RMG ?
I sent an email to FDFU they have asked to reach on or after May 27 for update on petition.Not sure why they take so much time for udating an excel sheet 🙂
Guys any update? Seems like tomorrow is the last day, can we expect anything by today evening or tomorrow?
Hi Guys,
Is there any update from HCL ? Did anyone have got the notification or update from iAura or from ISG on this ?
Thanks
Hi,
There is no email coming from iaura. You need to go to H1BCap page and check your status using Blue Button at top “Check USCIS Case Status”. If you are selected in lottery and your case no is updated then that will take you to USCIS website and you see your details. If it says receipt no not updated then you need to wait (Doesn’t mean rejection).
Thanks dear do you know someone who has got the receipt no or their page has been updated?
Thanks
My Iaura page had receipt number two days back.But i did not receive any email from Iaura.Not sure if these ISG guys are too much overloaded or just lazy to initiate the emails. I have seen this ppl working just like a government employees.
CTS H1B petitioners , Plz go & check “Visa stamping” app , update here ,whether able to find any visa types listed in that app?
I don’t have access to My Visa stamping
receipt eh varalayaam… Stamping la enna namakka vela????
😀
lol
🙂
It seems , If you have any closed or completed L1B visa OR approved H1B petition , then you can find the record in “Visa Stamping app” . if you are able to access “Visa Stamping ” app, plz read help dcoument present in that app.
Isthere any hope fornonAD/RP/VT. Seems my cheque alsi not encashed yet:(
Anyone from ibm got any mail last night regarding h1b??
how safe is joining schools that give cpt from day 1 for those who are in us?
Not Safe. I am still planning for one. Too many things at stake now.
This sucks
“http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/two-indian-americans-arrested-for-h1b-visa-fraud-in-us-115051301599_1.html”
TCS,
From this forum I could see one set of results were released yesterday.Did anyone receive any update?
Not selected 🙁 :(…Got the email from HR department.
Hi, could you update what is the name of your employer?
Polaris
advanced best wishes for next year…
Thanks
Whether they provided USCIS rejection notice?
KK
They sent an email saying, they have received the selected ones and I am not there in the selected list but they are yet to receive for who are not seleted..
Varanummmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi,
Is there any way to track the status of your H1B filing?
Did consultancy provide any receipt number after USCIS receive your application to show as a proof that they have really applied and also we can check it online ?
Thanks !
What is the name of your consultancy?
Anyone got receipt from 8kmiles
any new receipts since yesterday ?
Nope…. 🙁
spoken with GIT..Notified that more batches are still awaited..So hope is still there..
they shud be lying or they dont know what to tell.. USCIS announced that data entry was completed on May 4th. Some one from cts received receipt on tuesday and he told that his receipt date was May 5th… so which means he shud be the last batch… rest of us we are not selected in lottery 🙁
Hi,
Please let me know if USCIS provide receipt number as soon as they receive the application for H1B.
because my employer (consultancy) had not provided me with any number and I got to know that using below URL, we can check the status:
https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do
Please help and advice.
Thanks !
You get a receipt only and only if you were picked in the lottery.
Guys any update today for Infosys folks?
Are there any new updates for today as well?
I have raised AHD and below are the comment:-
“Hello, The receipt notice to your application has not been received from USCIS yet, the GI team onsite is updating the AIMS record with the file number as they receive them. Please allow some time for your receipt notice to be received and updated in the system.”
So I guess there is no use of raising an AHD.
many people have got positive reply also
Got a mail saying we need to wait till july-mid. My manager said the same thing
Any update from Accenture ?
Seems like first set is out last weekend… my friend got the confirmation mail.
For AD or Non-AD ?
fake news !! Only May end or June first week RMS will communicate ..