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 ?
Guys, any update from CTS-GIT? please comment
Yes.. ther are updates…
Hi,
Can you let me know about when we received the last update to CTS…
I just spoke to GIT and they didnot receive any new batches but they are expecting to receive till end of this month..
Nope. GIT is silent for a pretty long time I guess.
I saw people getting Accepted and Awaited Status but did anyone get Rejected / Not selected Status ? I have not seen yet.
It cannot be that Accenture have not receive rejection for anyone till date.
Does Awaited = Rejected for Accenture ?
Its Game Over.. Mine same case.. this is the 3rd year im getting the same pending email…
It is over for cognizant. See you next year. bye redbus 🙂
Did anyone from GIT confirmed this??
Trying my luck.Filed 3..but none of them got selected,NON-AD/RP
It is just Karma getting back at you right away! Being unethical costs people at some point. Screw with others chances, something else will come screw you. Sleep on it! And realize that it is more important being genuine and ethical. Good luck for the next try!
Anyone from cognizant received receipts in past 24 hours?
Nothing.. Hope few will recieve atleast today..Waiting in the same boat..
Last batches results are out 8:27 Am,9:30 Pm,3:47 pm,5:40 PM.. So hoping at Anytime 🙁
Any more receipts PwC folks? I am constantly hitting the INSZoom site for status. Anyone spoke to the Immigration team lately? Last I heard was from one of SDC colleague on May 13th that his petition was accepted and it was dated Apr 13th.
I am still waiting for an update too… Checking INSZOOM several times everyday but no updates yet .. It seems like some people got responses already according to the comments on this post. I really hope we all made it…..
Do you know their receipt dates?
I’m still waiting too… trying to stay positive by telling myself that it might take longer as the attorneys aren’t in the U.S. If anyone has any update or knows about others that have just got it, please share!
I talked to them every now and then to check whether we are still receiving receipts. They do say that they are still receiving receipts. They had holiday yesterday in Canada and had received about 30 receipts over weekend. Case coordinators are the ones who will latest updates and they don’t respond that fast.
Hi Guys,
I received email from PMSD regrading my case is picked up in lottery. My couple of friend got email and asked to wait till June end. I am watching this space since Three Years, and it is first time I have something good to share.
All the best friends, Dont loose hopes.
Stay positive give. Even if there is only 1% hope…..that means there is still “HOPE”
ignore the typo mistakes
How long it takes to get approval. Mine is AD/RP/VT
Received receipt notice in Mid of April. But the USCIS case status is showing the same message since so long- ” Will process the case as is stated in the receipt notice”
Why the status is not updating? How long it will take to get the approval??
Any advice or guidance will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance
trying by this name 😐
Anyone still waiting for H1B premium processing Approval for Non Advanced/Premium processing?My case shows still as “case Received status on April 20th ‘ on USCIC website.Anyone else waiting for Approval Still?Am little bit tensed.Please Respond.
Has anyone heard from Astir US? I am a non AD/ Regular candidate. I have not heard anything from them so far.
For me also this is second attempt..haven’t heard anything till now….
Wait…Wait…Wait…Tired of this wait….Oh God Please help ….When I will get my receipt …Hope this name brings me luck …
Anyone from PTG??NON AD /RP
Keep Calm and Wait…..Wait till you get frustrated !!
man, that point has come and gone, not sure if you can call this frustration any more…. I am just utterly and undoubtedly pissed!!!
Hi everyone,
now that it’s already mid may and I haven’t heard back anything (non-ad, PP), I’m working on plan B. Maybe someone here could help me out. My STEM extension expires in mid July and I have applied to multiple universities to do my masters. Assuming I get in to one of them, will I be able to stay in the U.S. legally until school starts or do I have to go back home and come back? There would be a gap from the time my opt expires till the school starts around september (so maybe 1.5-2 months?), is this going to be OK? Any help is much appreciated!
Ok upto 5 months including grace period if any.
You can stay in US. It is legal.
I’m wondering the same question. My OPT STEM extension expires in this October. Is it legal for me to say in US to wait for my master to start in August next year?
I read that it’s OK to stay for 60 days but I’m not sure if I can stay till next August. Can anybody help?
Thanks.
No, you can’t.
thanks for the answers. @peace, so from the time my OPT expires, I have 5 months to either go back to school or depart the country. I thought we only had 60 days as NB mentioned
You need to get an I-20 within 60 days or else your Sevis record will be terminated, though the program may start 60 (grace period) +90 days. Your program may start within 150 days but get ur new I-20 within 60 days
Is lottery over? I have not received any receipt number.
did ur cheque got encashed?
How to know that…..Nobody is telling us anything !!
***UPDATE 5/15/15 – Unfortnately for those who have not received a receipt notice yet, I think the time has come to an end. We have not received any since Tuesday. I will continue to update when we start receiving returned petitions, any RFE trends, and approval processing times. I wish everyone the best of luck with the next phase of your immigration journey! ***
Source: immigrationgirl
Return packets started to come thick and fast
Hi Friends,
How we will come to know that my case is approved. Is there a way to check the status on online / USCIS with receipt number ?
On USCIS it showing that receipt has been sent you the receipt notice that describes how we will process your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice.
I just got my receipt number so plz dont lose hopes.
Good luck to everyone here
congrats dude….when ur cheque got encashed?
What is the date on your receipt? As in what date was it generated? And when was your Check encashed?
What’s the date on the receipt?
congrats man!!
When your receipt got generated? Thanks.
Hello All – Please provide me some guidance here. If there’s any other forums I can post this question on please let me know.
In my 2nd and last attempt, my lottery got selected. But I got RFE because I am on CPT right now with University X. Problem is since my course is completing in University X that has my current CPT (that i have already used for a year now) on May 20th, I have enrolled in a new school University Y (before receiving RFE) for a new degree and CPT. I am afraid how should these questions be handled? Should I submit Univeristy Y documentations as well to USCIS although on the RFE they have mentioned only University X? If so, would raise a red flag that i have joined another school for CPT. Please help me out.
– Explain how the employment at your company is related to beneficiary’s major in MIS.
– Provide a letter from registrar office at University X verifying enrollment and proof that documents the number of hours the beneficiary attended school. Proof must be obtained from the school in the form of a letter from the DSO showing day by day class hours and clearly indicated the courses beneficiary will attend on campus, online.
– Provide copies of University X brochures regarding your programs of study; thesis requirement; allowable CPT and its requirements
– A letter from University X DSO, detailing day by day on campus class hours, credits earned, and beneficiary attendance record.
– Receipts of all the beneficiary’s tuition payments.
– Receipts for all the books, parking passes, and school supplies
– All of beneficiary’s course syllabus
– Official transcript from all school
I got RFE specialty occupation RFE.
Don’t know what is in USCIS mind. We didn’t get through lottery last year and had to pay the tuition to go to classes and work at the same time. Now get RFE.
Hi,
Can you text me at 617-838-4348? Or email roo ans @ gmail . Com (No Spaces)
Your case doesn’t seem straightforward, ask your employer to work with a good immigration lawyer. These lawyers usually know how to deal with RFEs, even complicated ones.
what kind of RFE did you get?
@Need Help
Can you call or text me at 617-838-4348? Or email roo ans @ gmail . Com (No Spaces)
Did you get any information from your attorney?
Haven’t got in touch yet.
looks like game over for Wipro-ites?
any hope?
any stats avail from GIMS/DM/PM?
Last year GIMS announced results in bulk for atleast 3-4 times. till may 3rd week.
But this year?
I was expecting that atleast 40 pcnt receipts are still have to be sent by GIMS.
God,
I badly need H1B visa this year.
Plz help me.
I don’t think my company will apply for my L1. H1B is my only hope, you know that.
Plz god, help me.
feel like crying …
hopefully there will be some logical conclusion …
m waiting …
+1
same situation. don’t cry, god surely help us.
Hey guys ,
Have been a silent spectator for the past few months. This site has been of great help .
Just got my status changed in AIMS . Don’t give up wait for a week or so till all receipts are uploaded in AIMS .
Still a majority of the people in Infy have not got their status changed. Seems there will be a windfall of visas this week.
All the best and cheers :).
Regards,
Arjun
congrats dude…can u plz tell me when ur cheque got encashed?
Sorry no idea about that . IT companies dont give out much details . I just got my receipt no thats all .
infy, tcs , wipro eats all 65k. where is luck for others?
Well if a 8 billion$ company of 200,000 applies 20,000 visas atleast 5000 have to be selected … its simple math …
Has this 8 billion dollar company tried to recruit a US citizen or GC holder for even one of the 20000 positions (which are all supposedly genuine project needs)?
Why does an US citizen needs H1b Visa..Stupid guy..
You are the stupid one. Can’t read and understand the context of simple sentences. I was saying the argument that Infosys has so many employees and hence need so many VISAs is flawed. They apply for 20 K visas, which, if they are following the law means there are 20K real project positions in USA, where Infosys needs a worker, and they know this in April. We all know that is not true. Even if it was true, then my question comes into play. Why do they need to apply H1B for ALL those positions? Did they try to recruit a citizen or GC holder for even one of those 20K positions? That is what they are expected to do, before going for an H1b. Got through your thick skull? Idiot.
Can you please tell when exactly ur status got changed in AIMS?
at 11 pm IST on 18th may
Congrats Arjun, do you think I have chances till the end of this month?
I think by the end of next week the all the results will be out. Most of my friends have not got their status updated yet , so i expect a lot of status changes this and next week.
Hi Arjun,
I need some info, can you please ping me at 615274
Did anyone from CTS US get the receipt? I see that almost everyone who filed from offshore is getting receipts but haven’t heard or read on forums that US conversion guys are getting it. Most likely, those who got it don’t really care about commenting here but was looking for someone who could help with information.
I have seen people from CTS US got the receipt. I am also still waiting. GIT Team says wait till June 1st week. So still keeping my hope alive for one last chance. Let see.
I pay no respect to god at all because he doesn’t exist. And I still won. Sorry to burst your delusional bubble.
Has anyone heard from Splendtek? I am a non AD/ Regular candidate. I have not heard anything from them so far.
Is it regular or premium. For premium they have already anounced. For regular i heard that they are going to inform us after may 21
Will they be announcing on 21st May or any time after that?
Did you apply from US or India via splendtek? I applied from US and yet to hear anything
SplendTek guys
Can you please update here if anyone receive receipt or update from splentek in coming days….
I have applied from the US. Hope they let us know the results soon so that we can start planning the fall back option if needed. We can just be cross fingered now.
Any idea when will they send the update exactly?
Hi Guys,
Any news from Bangalore FDFU for tcs lottery status???
Please update if anyone has got the status..
Thanks,
Are there any updates from collabera..did they started updating on status…?
U will never get frm that fake consultancy…
anyone from vortalsoft somerset??
Any news from Infosys (Infy) Global Immigraion team.
Anyone got any updates today?
This year it looks like infy got very visa selected. As per mail received they are asking to wait till mid july but I guess those who are selected are already informed 🙁
Anyone from computek solutions heard back please?
Any update from Accenture L1-H1B conversion ?
same boat as u!
IDC got the status update yesterday, so far no mail from PMSD
Do update if you get anything for benefit of others! cheers!
Waiting and Waiting…
Hi Guys,
I received email from PMSD regrading my case is picked up in lottery. My couple of friend got email and asked to wait till June end. I am watching this space since Three Years, and it is first time I have something good to share.
All the best friends, Dont loose hopes.
Any one from IBM got the updates? i am not seeing much updates , Is there any chances????
Hi,
Any Updates from KFORCE?
Just received mail from my company quoting No luck for you.. What are L-1 criterias?
Cts is expected to receive two batches this week.if u dnt get notified u r nt selected.80 per cent of the receipts are out.
how sure abt this info?
Nice assumption
Any updates from Infosys Global Immigration Team today?
Infy guys, any updates?
Im think its over. Got email from school like this:
“As of right now, I don’t any indication in the system that you have applied for H1-B. However, you are already covered until … so there isn’t a need to worry”
Hopefully its not the time for plan B though…
Today got the receipt AD/RP.
God thank you. Thank you guys here. Some of yoll are really helpful here.
I wish you get strength to wait and patience to stay strong. ALL THE BEST FELLOW APPLICANTS. MY HEARTFELT WISHES TO YOU ALL AND LUCK AS WELL
My cheque has been encahsed long back and I am still waiting for my receipt number. When did your cheque was encashed ?
On 1st May and receipt is also dated 1st may. CALI WAC
Ok. Thanks for your reply. Congratulations.
Thanks. Don’t worry I was also so stressed and had multiple doubts whether it was my check or is there some mistake in checking whether it was encashed. but it came through. U will get it too. Hopefully soon.
Hi
Wen was u r check encashed? Mine was on apr 28..still nothing on receipt.it is i non ad rp..vt…thanks
Hi
When u got receipt ? from which comaony u applied?
Congrats :)….I am still waiting 🙂
Hi ,
anybody from vtekh, did you receive any update ?
Non Degree…
When I asked for application number, they said they will be able to provide only when the final approval is done. what does this mean, they are not ready to say whether selected or not in lottery ? very irritating 🙁
Any hopes on pp/non ad/Vermont…any chance being waitlisted
Guys, any update from cognizant GIT?
No Siva…still waiting 🙁
anyone having any update about bangalore CGI …?
Last Monday itself they got list and mine not selected
Got mail from PMSD at 4 50 PM … Got picked up in the lottery .. All the best to the remaining gang ..
congrats dude…can u plz tell me u when ur cheque got enchased?
congrats dude..can u plz tell me when ur cheque got encashed?
does it get updated on RMSC also?
Guys…does anyone know if H1B Cap Exempt Employers pay you at all?…
Do they have jobs for IT like developers/testers/ba etc…
Does anyone have any pointers…
They do pay 🙂 Otherwise it is not a job really, just volunteering. They are research organizations, universities etc, and other not for profit stuff. I am not exactly clear on what all come into it. But it is a real job with pay and benefits, just that the organization itself is not a “for profit”. They may have IT jobs, like a university or hospital will have some IT staff. However, be aware that there will be scrutiny on if they really tried to recruit someone locally and failed, before going for an H1b.
Thank you !
Any hope on nonAD/RP/VT ? lottery results?
same here buddy…..i know its very slim…but i wish we will get.
Thanks for your honest reply.. will definitely let you know if something good happens to me .
Me too waiting. ..losing hopes. … second chance but still no luck…. feel like crying…. left job 2 years back…. can’t wait for 1 more year… God please help me
Cheque cashed on 4th May still no receipt. Is there anyone in similar situation