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H1B Visa 2016 – FAQs – Lottery, Quota, Immigration Reform, News

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 

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 

H1B Cap Reached – Official USCIS Tweet and Link to Press release :


Any other questions ?

Photo of author
Satheesh Kumar Ilu, commonly known as Kumar, is the founder of RedBus2US.com. He is an Immigration and Study Abroad expert. He holds an MS from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He studied, lived, and worked in the U.S. and Singapore for nearly two decades, and has traveled to over 25 countries.

   

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28,610 Comments

      • ***UPDATE 5/27/15 – Since so many people are still visiting this post, I thought I’d give a quick update. We have not received any receipt notices for lottery winners since May 12th. I am expecting that next week we may start seeing the returned petitions coming in the mail. ****

        Reply
          • Hi,

            I got a mail from FDFU Hyd saying ” Awaiting Lottery Result” on 5/21.

            am i have chances in the coming list or who ever got this mail means that not picked in lottery?

    • I got reply from them that they got 51 approvals & mine is not in list.They are asking to wait till month end for more updates.Havent see any one on this site getting receipt/results from Collabera.

      Reply
  1. I got my receipt after long wait! Thank God!! Haribol!
    It is EAC151495XXXX. I see the status as ‘Case Received’ on April 13.
    Is this the same status for all the regular petitions? When might the approval happen?

    Reply
  2. CTS folks
    Pls update any info if u have about lottery selection/rejection…. I have given up my hopes…in case u receive rejection mails ..pls post..pretty sure u have been on this site a couple of times… Rest of the CTS folks will at least know that git has started sending rejection mails… Many thanks…

    Reply
  3. Haven’t heard anything about my H-1B since the day it was submitted. Pretty sure I was not selected. I just want to ask: Has anyone here received the returned package ? When often is it for people to receive the returned package ?

    Thank you.

    Reply
  4. Need your help mates.

    How can I check my personal details in uscis website? I have my file number. Just wanted to make sure that the file number my employer provided is correct. Appreciate your help!!

    Reply
    • Hi, there is no way to check your data using uscis website. My employer sent me scan of I-797c (notice of action) form. All data are there. Maybe you may ask your employer to sent your copy?

      Reply
    • You can check the receipt.. The receipt contains file number, your name and company name. With that you can confirm the details. You can check the case status in egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do

      Reply
  5. profit.ndtv.com/news/industries/article-american-it-industry-calls-for-raising-cap-on-h-1b-visas-766424?fb

    Reply
  6. Hi All,

    I see an update in my company internal site that my case is selected in lottery on 7th May, but after that no information yet. Mine is Non AD/RP/VEL
    My question is what is next steps after getting selected in lottery?
    How many days will it take for stamping?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Below is the email reply from my BAL attorney.

      As of today no new notification has been received from USCIS regarding your H-1B Cap petition. Most likely your petition was not selected in the lottery. However, we cannot confirm this until we receive either a receipt notice, or the returned petition filing from USCIS. Once we receive either of these, we will notify you.

      I think game over for this year.

      Reply
  7. Hello TCSers,

    The 3rd list is expected to release in this week. Any further update on it, kindly post as all folks will be notified present over here. Thanks much!!

    Reply
      • Can not predict exactly how many lists will be there. But , definitely there are 2-3 atleast to come . As , i have noticed there are some accounts , which have not recieved a single selection notice . In the first list , the count was 88 . In 2nd list , i guess its close few hundred’s but not thousands. As TCS might have got 5000 visas selected appox , there are good amount of results to be released. Hoping for the best . All the best guys

        Reply
        • You are hoping for 5000 selection among 9358 filed? It’s close to about 50% whereas the general trend is between 25-30% selection ratio due to higher number of filings this year??

          Reply
  8. Did anyone get their receipt numbers yesterday or today? IS there any time line for the number days we need to wait ??

    Reply
  9. Did anyone get their receipt numbers yesterday or today? Please reply if u got your receipt numbers this week so that other people can still have some hope.

    Reply
    • Wipro guys,
      I spoke with one GIMS senior person. He said most of the selection cases are received and hopes are very less. He also said we should be lucky enough to get confirmation now. They will receive rejection letters from3rd week of June and then they will update .
      So no point in waiting,,, sorry guys,,,? Let’s work on plan B.
      Good luck for next year.

      Reply
  10. As per the reply from GIMS(Wipro) last week, the mail asked me to wait till 1st week of June. So i’m just waiting…

    Reply
  11. Did someone get approval for AD/RP/VT?
    Can someone please tell whether USCIS started the approval for AD/RP
    Thanks in advance

    Reply
    • USCIS is very unpredictable when it comes to approving cases. One person i knew, AD for regular processing in Vermont got his approval on May 4 itself.

      My H1 is still in processing. Even my stem extension that i applied is in initial review even after 84 days and the USCIS officer said to wait till 90 days.

      Especially their new status check is disaster

      Reply
      • Thank you very much Mr. Rohan for your reply.
        I really appreciate you for sharing your views regarding AD/RP/VT approval.

        Keep updating and share if you come to know about any approval for AD/RP/VT.

        Reply
  12. In spite of the number of Tech jobs the plain simple fact is many employers other than the Consultancies do not prefer to hire people on H1B directly. They hire people coming through Vendors. So the maximum period you can stay in USA on H1B is 6 years. Unless your employer starts processing GC in EB2 or EB3 category. EB1 category is tough and there is strict audit in place these days. Many less experienced people used the EB1 category earlier to get GC and because of that they have made the process strict. The I 140 approval process is same for EB2 and EB3 categories because it takes around 12 to 24 months depending on your case. EB3 GC however will take 15 years to get. Till then you will keep on extending your visa every year. EB2 the wait time is till 7 to 8 years depending on your case. Things are really getting worse in terms of H1B. If the visa cap is increased more filings for GC will ensure that getting GC will take ages. Only people who are benefiting in the whole exercise are the ones who have opened the companies and their managers. For a mid level employee its simply battling against different things every year. Somehow the US dream is now turning into a nightmare.

    We should focus on creating more IT products in India and improving things here instead of trying to get to USA. If both people can work its much better quality of life based on the income in India than in USA. In long term USA dream is a hoax. Because of all the struggles and staying away from your family for a long time. Raising kids in an environment where you cannot control your kids. Paying hefty rents and taxes just to benefit the USA economy. They use these taxes to give wonderful schemes to their citizens. No benefit for H1B holders. Is there really any Social Security for immigrants. But taxes are close to 35% every year.

    The best option is to come for a few years earn money and then be settled in your job back in India. We need to seriously focus in creating more jobs, better products, better organizations in India. Our skillsets are getting wasted chasing this American dream which benefits only Americans or those who rode IT boom to get settled here.

    Just my opinion. You can express your point of view as well.

    Reply
      • In general the tax rate varies from 30 to 35% across USA barring a few small states. Major cities are based in states where tax rates are 35%.

        Reply
    • I think paying tax to US will be better than paying 30% tax to India.Because in India 50% tax money going to politician’s Pocket.

      Reply
      • When do you pay 30% tax in India? Then your salary has to be huge. How does it make any difference. In USA it is going into American pockets.

        Reply
        • It is not huge . In Indian IT Industry 8 lakhs and above is an average amount .We can see corruption everywhere in India. I don’t think US system is worse like this.

          Reply
          • Correction – Above 1000000 INR the tax slab is 30%. But then you can save money by using sections 80C, 80D, 80 GG etc. So that money will come back to you in retirement. What is the benefit of paying 35% to Americans for years unless you plan to settle. It will not come back to you at retirement. For medical insurance to their citizens they will charge us. For providing social security to their citizens they will charge us.

            I agree that in India politicians are corrupt. Bureaucrats are corrupt. Government officers are corrupt. But somewhere we have to stop it. With electronic media we can expose these people and teach them a lesson. Its happening in a slow manner but it is happening. Let us stop giving anything unjust for anything. we pay and so they are corrupt. If we stop paying they will struggle.

  13. Any update on TCS front? All who have got updates from FDFU by either calling/through mail or by visiting them..have they got formal email on the same or got updated their status in VTS?

    Reply
        • I contacted them on 05/26 and the Same day I got a mail. It looks like FDFU got a list on 05/18 itself. They will share list with concern managers first but you can get update by sending mail to Your local FDFU

          Reply
    • My FDFU din’t even bother checking.. jst asked me to check with ISU RMG.. everyone plays pass on the bal game. :p So wait game is on.. Shd be out by second week of June in our group – ISU Mumbai

      Reply
  14. To all cts guys,
    i got friend in 1C team, who got a friend in GIT team, DLF-CHN. Here is the update that I received last Friday from him…. “IT’S OVER, FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOT SELECTED, THEY’LL RECEIVE AN EMAIL FROM myvisa STATING “your case is closed” BY MID JUNE”

    So, please don’t get hurt… Accept and move on.

    Reply
  15. Hi

    My LCA was uploaded in month of March its self.
    But I can see something got updated on 05/26 – 5 pm

    Don’t know why, everything looks as it was.

    Just spoke with GIT, they are saying yet receive batch.
    Different ans from different ppl

    Reply
  16. In Myvisa portal my LCA got updated today and my case status changed to Inprogess. What does it mean?

    Reply
      • yes i am sure 100%, previously it was in “not started” status. I am seeing in Myvisa portal.

        Reply
          • My Case Status is ‘Open’ (Header Level)

            Rest all status are in ‘Not Started’ (Item Level)

            am I looking at correct area?

        • I think for the guys that shows ‘Inprogress’, probably they are uploading receipt details dude 🙂

          Reply
          • Thank you very much.For me also same status.Does every one have the same status(“in progress) ? Hence later please update at the earliest if you have received the “Receipt Number”.

          • I have got realeased from the project & looking for next project.Hence I think GIT share as only the status as “in progress” without receipt disclosed.What about you ?

  17. Can you guys share your thoughts.. Why USA?

    There can be n number of reasons, depends on person to person.

    My reason is to have a peace full life.
    want to go away from traffic, corruption, country where human is respected.

    Reply
  18. I spoke with GIT team, They are saying they will recieve only by June 1st week. Please please please do not sperad false news

    Reply
    • :(, I dont understand, why these GIT team says different answers to different people.. this is not a false news bro… This is what they said and I even checked with my friends but none has got it, it seems

      Reply
  19. Hi CTS Friends,

    Just now, I had a call with GIT team and they said they have recieved the FOURTH Batch and rolled out emails to all the selected people. Did any recieved it?? Please confirm?

    Note: Those who have not selected (even I am in the same boat like you all) we can wait till this month end it seems. They are sending it batch wise it seems.

    Reply
  20. Is game over or still their is hope ?

    No update from Accenture…. my status is Awaiting results .

    Reply
  21. they might increase to 1Lakh . But next year 4L people will apply.
    Again rejection percentage will remain same as this year.
    If they don’t increase ?

    Reply
  22. Next year we might see lot of H1B Visa
    thehindubusinessline.com/news/international/american-it-industry-calls-for-raising-cap-on-h1b-visas/article7250391.ece

    Reply
    • b’lieve me, its of no use being anxious.. it will take a toll on ur mental peace…i have been affected too… checking this forum, MyVisa app multiple times a day… but that will not change the lottery result which has already taken place… what is destined, will happen and we hav to accept it… be happy with it or move on with it

      Reply
  23. For CTS, what is the number of selections as agaibnst total nominations? Any idea? GIT has refused to give away figures

    Reply
  24. As strange and unbelievable as it sounds but GIT helpdesk is still saying like a broken record – we are still expecting batches of receipts till 1st week of June.

    Reply
      • The fact that you are still here proves you are hopelessly hopeful like others in the forum. At this point I just want a closure to this and that can only happen when we get a official communication.

        Reply
        • 😀 . I am just visiting this page only to see how many have still kept the hope alive. My managers have told us now more updates gonna come long back and after the mail from GIT it became all sure

          Reply
    • Of course the response will be like a broken record! Why doesn’t it get to your head that no one can confirm anything until they either get the receipt/rejection package? You ask them the same damn thing every time like a broken record, that is what you are going to get. Just shut up and wait for the result whatever it is.

      Reply
  25. Hi all,
    Guys nobody knows how it happens and what process is followed. Everything we read here is mere speculation. We need to wait that’s it. Let’s not lose our sleep by doing all the permutation/ computation and analysis. My company has told me to wait till July mid and I’ll be waiting till then. Analyzing and reading threads is only going to increase the BP and nothing else. Let’s not spread negativity by telling it’s all over bla blab bla because none knows what’s happening on the ground. Nothing is over until you get a note telling its over. Be positive and let’s wait. Hope everything will go fine.
    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Your company is trying just to hold u till July, So that u dont execute plan B or change your Job.. craze of H1B will be gone and you will move forward with ur day to day work, accepting the truth.

      Its over. accept truth now.. and execute your plan B. dont waste your time.

      Reply
      • Plan B might just not be shifting the company for everyone. It might just be to continue the work hoping to get it next year. In that case, executing/not executing plan B is still plan B.

        Reply
  26. Still not got any update regarding my case ??? So any hope now or it’s over ? I am in master quota n thus is my 3 rd year applying h1b… Kindly suggess …

    Reply
  27. Mphasis has rolled out names of those who are been selected. VMS is the tool where status shown as acknowledgment received. Those who status is not showing acknowledgment received may wait for another week but 99% chance that it’s over.

    Good luck for all.

    Cheers

    Reply
  28. Guys, This is the real fact. Its completely over from CTS point of view. CTS never holds back any receipts like other companies and they completely send the entire lot results max by mid of May. My senior manager too confirmed that its over. Even last yr by mid of May the entire result was out. Data Entry for Selected H1B Petitions was completed by May 4th this yr and May 5th last yr. By end of this week everyone who has not received the receipt nos till now will receive a notification mail from GIT saying that “for those who did not receive the receipt its likely that it is not being selected”. Then in June once we receive return package they will confirm that it is not being selected. So there is no more batch/hope waiting and request everyone to move on. Good luck!!!

    Reply

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