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 ?
Please check the latest USCIS tweat, Hurray 😀
Hi i checked uscis twitter page. I do not see any update. Please share link if you see anything.
Fakers…
If they are going to accept all valid petitions, They will not be using lottery /random aka lottery system previously. fakers they already notifed us by sayin data entry has been completed.
Stay calm for get the returned notice.
if they found any false petitions they may be replacing with waiting true petitions.
Being first timer itself, I am having lot of hopes.. some ppl here are 2-3 timers.. pls. don’t spread the false news..
Is the H1B is the only hope to survive ?
I think we should not think in a limited way. If you are going to be so stress and the others who are still waiting. Did we get selected with the stress ?
Laugh Laugh Laugh Laugh 😀
What the hell are you trying to say?
Please go and check with your employer.
Please keep laughing 😀 Life is too short the GOD have think about every one and we selfish human beings only think about our self.
Life says be happy whatever we got in life.
God Bless All 😀
Hi all. Is there any approved petitions from CALI center for non AD/RP?
Hey Folks! its a plain rumour…dont believe him…some one is playing with our hopes. some of my mates already got their packages back..those who got selected keep smiling and those who didn’t get…better luck next time.
Check the Immigration web site, there is no packages return not even a single petition are returned back. Only those employees are updated for those whose H1B was not applied by the employers.
There is no return package till date from USCIS.
I know of at least 4 people whose petition returned last week.
Stop spreading rumors please!
The news about everybody getting the H1B visa seems really fake. Can any genuine guys confirm about this if they have received official communication from the immigration department of their companies be it CTS, TCS, Accenture, IBM etc.
It is really not funny to play with hopes. Some of us are really waiting for a miracle . 🙁
Why are you so stress ? Stay calm and we all will get the good things whatever we deserve.
Chill friend and laugh loudly. This will remove your stress 😀
Laugh 😀
Please share if you all have authentic news about the cap being increased. Please do not share any rumors just to give hope temporarily to all who are waiting. Its important to know the result whether positive or negative to move on with our lives. Such rumors only stop us from moving ahead .
No CAP increase….now please move on…bye…
Please share the link that is indicating increase in H1B cap…
This is obviously a fake news. Someone playing with poor desperate people here.
Only Congress can increase or decrease the H1B Cap. So, as of today, there’s no news about increasing the H1B Visa cap for 2016 cap season.
Current cap numbers are
General Cap – 65,000
Advanced Degree Cap – 20,000
TRUE – I just checked with Immigration Department
It’s a FAKE News
Playing with Emotions ha?
Obama is having all the rights and can pass the bill. You mean to say when the congress government is going to be selected then only the Quota is going to increase ?
This is not a true statement as any elected government can pass the bill.
Has anyone applied through Verudix, Hyderabad?
Did anyone receive update of second batch result in HCL…
ISG official statement “we have to wait and keep yourself relaxed.”
Chill Down 😀 and looks like as per the below blogs that every one is going to be selected.
Still waiting…..mid June is what ISG mentions ……what’s the update from your side ???
I guess people are spreading rumours that cap count is increased.
the guy who is saying its true either please post any link related to it.
Mr Sambhav
If you don’t trust go and send an email to your immigration department and get it confirmed.
I had checked with the employer and it’s told this is a reason not one is getting the return package. This year every one is given a chance to be happy 😀
I wish it would true news….
It’s a true news. Now smile and send a smile on this blog 😀
God Bless All 😀
Are you all guys feeling relaxed now 😀 😀
This is a great news, please update who ever is feeling relaxed 😀
Fake news, I checked with my Immigration department…
Hi,
I could not found any link regard increasing of H1 B cap? Could you give me any link?
🙂 🙂 🙂
Whats the news? please confirm and is it official…
🙂 🙂 🙂 Smiling from Accenture Bangalore. Hailstorm here.
This is a true news, I checked with my employer.
This is a great news. The GL of our project had heard the same thing but he said it will be official in 2 weeks.
Keep Smiling 😀
what is the source of this information regarding h1b cap increase?
Please send the smile first whoever want to know the source. I will share the link with all of you. But I do not want to see your tense faces. So send me the smile first, I want that every one should smile.
I will share the link with all of you, only when you send the smile 😀
If you don’t trust, then send an email to your Immigration department.
Be Happy & God Bless All 😀
🙂 I smiled pls send the link 🙂
Hi,
I could not found any link regard increasing of H1 B cap? Could you give me any link?
Is this true news?please confirm, i see that many of your are agreeing to this. It would be great if any one can provide some valid source of information.
Then what about the ppl who already received rejection confirmation????
Rumor dude
Four of my friends already got their petition back- so please don’t spread any rumours.
Hope is life. In 2000 there was 200K + applications & the governments had decided to increase the quota and give every one as H1B.
Please wait you all will heard in 2 weeks.
Hurray !!!!
This is a good news but looks like the Indian MNC is not going to reveal it. Because these companies has filed petition for few candidates so they may not disclose this information.
Iam not sure if there was such news of increase in quota.
If there was such news , our news papers would have been filled with that news.
This is a Fake news
really……
can we have one more chance
Where did you hear this news ?
Jackie rocks!! 😀
Thanks Dood!! Epdum ila nu aagidchi!! Atls v can reduc stress in d way!
Vara vara daily status check pannum podhu oru paraparape ila!! :p “seri dhaan ponga da.. ningalum unga lottery um” feeling!
Is it from this year or from next year?
Fake news i think so..
Please give reference for reference
Quota increased? what does that mean? this year? Do we still have chance? any reference please?
Thanks God……still hope the good news
still there is any chance to get lottery mail…
Thanks God……stillhope the good news
No Rejections …. Hurray
Yes Bro .. I also heard this news.
Waiting for your reply dalu bro.wats the news…
Hi Accenture Employee,
Is anyone aware.. … will Accenture send second batch results and when ?
Or the game is already over for Accenture… Loosing Hope.
People Mobility Team told me that they will only get to know by end of June and they are waiting for second batch of results but have not received yet…also there is no increase in CAP as others are saying.
Wats the news bro….reply
Wats the news bro….reply
what’s the news?
What is that good news bro ?? !!!
wat good news ?
I inquired Mumbai FDFU@1st June, and they replied me back as status=Active and “Awaiting Lottery Result”. Is there any hope for selection in the lottery? Lottery results are already out, so why would they reply as Awaiting Lottery Result?
Has GIMS started sending rejection mails?
We need to wait till weekend to get any mail (approved/rejected). from GIMS
Called GIT, Response I got as below
We will be sending the rejection mails from second week of june to June end.
We will not get any more selection batches. Mostly likely we may get one or two slection recipts based on USCIS waiting list
Anyone from PwC received receipts or rejected petitions recently? Looking for some non-usual updates we get from PwC-IL,
Any updates from TCS?
As per last batch released on 29-May-2015, My name is not there.
Can we still expect another batch? or is it over?
any update on third list for Hyderabad ?
Tata… Bye Bye…!!! 😛
About Collabera, they keep saying will update in next one week.
15-20 days back, they said that they had filed around 200 & out of them received for around 50.
Is there anyone who has got selected via them?
Do employers hide about selection for any reason?
No one selected, we need to know they really raised or not
Hi All,
My petition approved on 26 May 2015.
RP/Non AD/VT
Receipt date : 23 April 2015
Receipt No: EAC15143XXXXX
U r from which location?
Pune.
Congrats buddy..How many days it took for Approval.Whats next step for you..Visa Stamping??
Thanks buddy, I got the receipt on 29th April and Approval happend on 26th May.
The next step is stamping, but i think the earliest the stamping can happen is 3 months prior to visa start date (1 Oct) so it will be July.
Prior to that GIT shd get all the documents like petition and all the supporting docs.
Are you also from CTS Pune? u got ur receipt?
Thanks a lot for valuable information.Yeah i got receipt on May 15 it means i need to wait for some more days.I am from Bangalore,CTS Hyderabad.
Hi All,
I got my H1B receipts on 10th May.I filed under Regular processing and Non-advanced degree and I am waiting for approval.Can anybody please share if they with the same case and got approval.
Thanks,
My h1 did not get selected. Does anyone know if my company can still start PERM processing (the first step of employment based green card) while I am still on F1? I’m planning on taking CPT from day 1 and work with the same company
Thanks
Today is June 1st. Fresh week & month started. Let us hope good news this week.
waiting for good news
mubaarak ho aap baap ban ne waale hai
guys how many petitions got selected in Infosy in this year lottery? ….I heard more than 5000…is it true?
From where did you get this info??
I don think so :`( I barely have heard anything about my status yet :`( ,,,,are they receiving another batch ???