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 ?
waiting non ad/rp/vt.. any chances left? cheque status : unknown
same here bro!
my employer is a lazy guy.. he is not checking the cheque status.. im hopeful and will keep waiting as i have nothing to lose here and i dont need to plan for any other alternatives.
Most of the employer will never update about the cheque status until or unless you apply via consultancy. NON-AD/ RP/ VT still have hope.
yeah..lets see.. all the best bro
Wish you the same man!
Hi Guys,
Is it fine if we create account on below USCIS website for tracking visa online:-
egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/displaySignUpStep2.do
I tried to create account yesterday to track receipt status, but after entering all the details to my surprise it has thrown some error.
Someone has to fix USCIS website pages first… :p
Its fine. no harm in creating account for tracking
Infy guys any updates today??
Guys ,
Please move on!!Don’t wait for this bl***y Visa .We are proving our stupidity by getting in to all these discussions .Wait till May end and be patient …
does anyone have idea last year till when GIT has communicated the receipts?
Around May 23-24
Lets hope bunch of receipt gets released form CTS from Monday .
Yes buddy 🙁
Last year, the last day was May 7th and it is mine
till June
I’m also from BDC(Wipro) and i’m still waiting.
My frnd from wipro BDC got mail today around 8:30 morning
Yes, confirming my team mate got congrates mail at 8.30 (CDC). I am waiting
Got the letter today
My employer has file regular visa and I fall under non advanced degree criteria, He says like he has received 2 batches till now and as per them they are still awaiting some more results. And by June end they will be announcing the final results.
But I see people saying here its all over no more results are coming out. So is it over for premier processing and regular processing results are still in progress or its over for both RP and PP
PS: HTC Global Services is my employer.
Be hopeful . you can wait till May 25th or end of the month. Data entry was completed on 4th of may, so the last set of receipts would have been despatched by 6-7th of May. So it might take couple of weeks to reach your attorney and then your employer. Internal process takes couple of days. Don’t give up hope. Be prepared for the worst , and also hope for the best 🙂
yes for CTS its over ….no updates since last week waiting till May end or 1st week of June are just vague
3rd time unlucky. Petition Received back. Don’t know what next.
Wont be applying next year. God wants me to stay in my country. God knows whats best for me. I will fulfill his wish.
which company ?
Did you get cap rejection notice from USCIS?
Rejection rate in IGATE seems to be almost 80%. I have not heard of anyone who got selected in the lottery. Results out for everyone in the company and many of them are rejected f* regret !
Don’t know what is lottery all about and how organization gets final result but they said they got all selected candidates list so every other candidate who is not selected is in dump zone.. It’s better to not waste time on Visa procedure and getting into illegal bond conditions.. Also why to waste few buck on signing a bond.. Better be in India and utilize skills for country.
I applied through one of top US consultant and it was genuine application. They are the biggest IT consultant. My friend applied through the same. He was first time and got selected, so I will consider my self very unlucky. I have close to 8 yrs of IT experience in top mnc. I was even selected for one of their client project. Life isn’t fair.
As per the current situation looks like H1B lottery game is over. Moving towards plan B. Bye Bye RedBus, See u next year 🙂
ya.. u r right.. but it hurts me a lot… nothing i can do.. may be if i have some drinks this weekend, hope i will be ok.. cts guys, pls dont wast time, go on with ur work.. H1b 2016 margaya…
🙁
Standard reply from GIMS :
, We have not yet received you’re application status, we received only 2500 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. Thank You
Hmm I think its over guys. No news from GIMS. Very very disappointed.
There is no point in waiting.
Any update TCSers present over here?..thanks
Still hope for RP/VT? Praying for my luck…
Any updates from CTSIT?
Wht happened to infy this yr very few selected till nw…
Any updates infy folks???
I dont know but i have recived e-mail giving me the recipt number .. but not sure if that recipt number mean i am selected in the lottery or not ..
On April 13, 2015, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC**********, 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, please call Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283. If you move, go to uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
Any Idea??
Any updates from IBM?
News About H1B cap 2016
H1B News
Do you think whatever you suggested is a solution to any problem??
And why would people listen to you?
Nothing is gonna change.
You can try ur best to improve ur life.
Nobody cares or thinks for any1 else.
Hi Guys,
Im still waiting for my status, The employer has told that he has got 5 selections and 4 rejections. But my application status is still unknown. He asked me to wait as it might be in process. Can anyone confirm if i still have a chance ?? Mine is RP / VT
Regards,
KC
Did you guys got rejection notice for 4 applications from USCIS?
what is the news on rejected applications. have anybody got the petition back…..”not heard anything on the application”…does it mean still in process?
Let everyone prayers be answered and wish fulfilled. Om…
in My Visa app in Onceognizant, i accessed the HTML code & changed the visa status as approved. Just to see it my self. Getting satisfaction from just seeing that. What can we do 🙁
are you really that desperate for H1b. I know we all are a bit. but that is not the end of things.
I mean you can still think of doing soemthing better by staying back. or try for Canada / Australia PR. or ask your company for any other long term onsite. I have been to UK and Europe as well previous. Believe me you earn more and better in these countries than USA. only benefit of US is the long term like 6 years we know we are going to stay there.
I really hope and pray that you get your visa.
Any one received receipts today from CTS?
I think it is coming in aphabetical order within each employer. For ex: CTS also receipts are coming in alphabetcal order i think
till which alphabet its has come ?
I had a call with GIT says that there is no such criteria to send it. Please don’t confuse yourself. Lets hope for the best.
I think it came till “T”
Alphabet’s are done, now started with numerical order, if your name starts with 1234… then wait.
lol 🙂
CTS Guys.. H1B is over for cap 2016.
did GIT confirm thats its over? How are you confirming it plz let me know
for petition return will they forward that mail from USCIS to us or will they give any tracker number to check status, i asked my consultancy but they are asking me why you need tracker number and they saying they will get only documents return..without any proof how I will know whether they applied H1B for me
USCIS send cap rejection notice to your attorney along with your documents which will have your details.
My employer has not received any updates on my application…..while some of my colleagues have got the status…So do i still have any chance …
Wipro Guys,
Any update from GIMS?
Today morning few has received the mail from GIMS
But those are out of 2600 receipts. No new numbers receipts they received yet. But whatever they got they will close by today .
I also got selection mail today morning.
Good luck for all of you waiting.
Hope my prays will be answered and I will get an email from Cog GIT with my receipt…not loosing hope yet!!!
hey bro…is ur cheque got encashed and waiting for ur receipt or waiting for cheque to get encash?
Guys from TechM, Anyone received any updates? I heard nothing yet while all the other companies seems to be closing on with their stuff.
Guys from TechM. Are there any updates?
Infosys guys….anyone got update today?
Wiprites… Any new receipts update?
Guys seems is over for this year. Frustrated bye redbus
Finally got the mail. Lost hope but regained it.
RP/VT single genuine application Dell, Bangalore
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, please call Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283. If you move, go to uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
I haven’t got the mail yet but checked my status in INSZOOM website where I uploaded my docs. Thanks god.
Have faith in god and moreover have faith in yourself.
Thanks to all the people on this site for analysis and information.
All the best to all the H1b applicants.
Wipro Guys..
Any update from GIMS about how many receipts still to come…
as per the GIMS they are expecting another 1k receipts in a single batch. Still fingers crossed. But the chances are very very less.
Is it like are they releasing based on the application number wise which is in GOD’S??
gims **
Nope they are sending according to the receipt order sent by USCIS.
Dude
When you got this update?
I got this update yesterday only.
losing hope… is GIT send any mail for “not selected” too?
They will close your case in myvisa around June first week or so.
Today I had a call with GIT says that they received 3 batches also sent a receipts to associates and Still waiting for another 1 batches. Lets hope for the best!!!
Thanks for the update suresh
GIT team will send email by June first week. bad luck guys will get emails soon…
Any one got update from RJT Compuquest.????
Any updates from Wipro GIMS ????
trying my luck with this name :/
do u have any updates from Global mobility team about H1B??? pls reply
Any updates for IBMers.. thnk u
That’s why we conducted Mars mission. Our mission was successful and its cost were 1/5th of what NASA spent for similar mission. So don’t worry about population.
Hi ,
Any one from wipro got mail from GIMS recently?
NO, GIMS told they sent all the applications to the employees which ever they received. Till now they have got 2600 receipts and they sent to all employees. Chances are very less. Fingers crossed. But still they have another batch hope by next week we all come to know
Today morning..receipt confirm mail frm gims
Any update infy AIMS?
Any hopes….
Hey Ram. Don’t lose hope…. Try some other country… I completely understand your emotions and feelings.. 🙁
is it over for Cognizant?
yes its over ….
Are you sure? how do you know? called GIT?
15th May just got my petition returned..hard luck! I’m going to get a drink! good luck boys 🙁
for petition return will they forward that mail from USCIS to us or will they give any tracker number to check status, i asked my consultancy but they are asking me why you need tracker number and they saying they will get only documents return..without any proof how I will know whether they applied H1B for me
I pray to god that all the guys who are in desi consultancies get RFE and H1B rejected.
Hope you get to know what pain is.
Recevied receipt confirmation from gims today morning
Which company??