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 ?
Folks,
All are waiting for the last bus to get into the journey. As per my consultancy, the rejection list has not yet come.. and there are very little chances of trying our luck.
This is just a luck not a failure… “Karmanye vadhikarasthe maa phaleshu khadachana!!!”
Cheers 🙂
A question I always have in my mind if anyone could clarify please.
What is the average early salary people get when they go to USA under H1 visa from Asian countries.
It varies from job to job. I can tell about IT:-
Most Indian companies pay 60k dollars annually for 3-4 years experience and 80k for exp 5-6years. But if someone switches to other companies over there then hike can take a person with 3-4 years exp to 90-100k and 5-6 years exp person to 100-120k. And sky is the limit in case the person excells n keep on growing in experience and wisdom.
Thank you for the info.
When we can expect rejection mails, my consultant is saying once he get rejection mail, he wil refund my money.
Friends, there are few recipts which were picked even yesterday by USCIS. So, the lucky guys would get the receipt notices by the end of this week. Example: EAC1514050001 form I-29 approved on June 1st.
Hence Never think of rejection unless your packets are returned. Also, with all the rumours if you leave your company and join a new one atleast few people will suffer for rest of the life by missing a chance if your application is picked late like above case.
I know few people who received an update even in July last year. But the fact is that the chances are very slim after June 2nd week. Hence keep your patience and wait for a couple more weeks.
please understand that this is the 2nd approval that is done after receipt notice is sent.. it doesnt mean USCIS has sent receipt on June 1st. All receipts were generated on April 13th itself.
I have an example of receipts genetared on other dates as well not alone of Apr 13.
What do you explain for that?? if you are expert in H1 processing.
I guess ‘ Still chance are there’ is correct at this point but the example he quoted is of different/wrong scenario.
If someone apply for h1b renewal which is cap exempt then his receipt number may be different then 13th April.
sorry. receipt date
Any one applied through Neumeric Technologies, am yet to get update from employer. They are saying that need wait 2 more weeks.
I have applied through Neumeric and was told that, the chances of getting selected henceforth are very slim…
But still, until rejection packets come back, no one can confirm anything
Did you asked about refund money? how much you have paid? For me they are asking to wait till this month end or till they get rejection mails!!!
I applied from Hyd Neumeric Technologies. My application got picked in lottery . But no update from then.
I also applied through NTC. No positive update until now.
Have you applied from HYD? any info about refund money!!!
Any new updates from collabera?
what is the update that u have…
any success case from them??
Its a fraud company
I have been asked to wait for few more weeks and they have told me that my name is shortlisted.The next step is receive an email from then with all the attached documents relevant for checking your status on USCIS.
13 companies barred from H1B processing:
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/slideshow/13-companies-barred-from-applying-for-H-1B-visa/itslideshow/47497353.cms
Till now 3 lists are released. Does anyone know about the numbers in each list? We can get to know how many more are yet to come from 2200. Can we expect more lists to be released or it is the end of journey for this year?
We have to wait till mid of june.
How many more lists are yet to come? Any idea on numbers till now?
One more list is expected to come and after that it will be rare like hardly 20-30 receipts max
Sam , you can wait for a couple more lists. Mostly as per the pattern there would be a list by this weekend and one more by next weekend. And that should be all by June 15.
There will be lists coming even after but they are more like an updated ones. Example, in first few lists a person status is showing as picked in lottery, but later the updated lists will have an detailed status like approved/RFE etc..
Just a couple more weeks of wait period…. and we can give it up after that.
Where did you get this info that we can expect 2 more lists till june 15th? FDFU?
Well said! Yup there are few more left as lots of account yet not get updates like my project!! PMO said.. no need to be worried..its eminently possible to receive list… So for My entire project got 27 out 70, they are expecting another 18-22 to get selected..This example will give you idea 🙂
Yes..definitely there are many more to come. No need to worry. will for next two weeks . There are many accounts which have not got single reciept . Its just delay in the process , wait and wait thats the only thing we can do .
Expecting a big list tommorow. As per trend , its Friday then Wednesday then Firday for the last three results . So, Next would be wednesday that is tmrw which could probably be the final large list , there after i dont think there would be bigger ones . just a very few i believe
@Yes_TCS :: Even if there are many accounts with not even a single receipt yet, there is no certainty that there will be some receipt activity there. The process is random, and the odds are very low. They might never get it and so may not many others.
I am feeling a bit relieved after hearing from all of you that we can still expect 2 more lists till june 15th. Lets see how it goes. An source from where you have got this info?
*Any
I spoke with Global Mobility, It is over, From next week, we will get only rejection notices. If you want you can confirm from them.
Thats sweet to hear….atleast i can close this option now
Any news from Brillio?
Any one got any update from 8kmiles?
No. Waiting for that
whe ever we call they asks us to wait. some time they say they sent notification to those who got selected. Not sure which one is true
Shwetha told, this week results will come out.
Still not seen any Approval / Rejection mails from PMSD Team.
Still result is awaiting……. 🙁
🙂
GoodBye RedBus 🙂
Global Mobility confirmed, no more receipts, Only rejection mails 🙂
I don’t know why i am not feeling sad. In spite somewhat happy. Maybe because i can stay with my Family.
I had a dilemma in choosing between Testing & Development. I thought if i get Visa, i will continue in Testing, If not i will shift to Development (Dev is my passion).
Now God has took a decision, Development & Family outweighed Testing & Money
i called GIT.. they confirmed the same.. its really over this year.. feeling bad but cant do anything.
Anything from TringApps?
Yeah i got mail as i was picked in the lottery but they didnt share receipt.Waiting for Approval.Some guys share as Tringapps got 70 receipts out of 90.
How many are waiting for receipt or return package still?
same here….
Hi
Plz check EAC1514050001,EAC1514050002,EAC1514050003 all these three got approved yesterday.
All these should be RP (As the date is 140 from 139 it’s RP)
thanks sridhar…
stil there is a chance
You need to know the difference between approved and received. The applications you are looking at are approved applications, those which might have had receipts issues back in April. People want to hear if there are new receipts. Not approvals.
Friends,
Let me give you some relaxation. The people who are still waiting if give one SMILE 😀 surely get a good news this year.
Send one SMILE FAST 😀 else your chance are …….
Smile 😀
Smile 😀
Ha ha ha ha this is a good way to reduce stress. Send Smile 😀 friends.
Smile 😀
Smile 🙂
smile 🙂
????
haha:)
We can see practical 15-30% of the employees selected in lottery this year within the project people which we know nearby in Bangalore/Noida. If thats the case, what is behind ISG’s voice of asking everyone to wait till mid of Jun….
Any HCLites has hope on it 🙂
Did they really release all receipt copies to employees yet or not…
I hope every company must have received by now.
Lets move on with whatever may be and not worry about it. But still 🙂
Bro
Wait for sometime, keep patience. You will hear in 2 weeks with the final results.
Smile
ISG 😀
Hope is life, do not leave the hope as this is only thing which give strength.
I am not sure why every one is in so stress. Guys, life is beautiful, keep on doing the hard work & every one as per his hard work get the good results. These are the words from “Abraham Lincon”, become like him as every one dream to go in his country.
Cheer Up Guys, Cheer Up 😀
Today I got a reply from GIMS(Wipro) to wait till 2nd week of June. 🙂
🙂
Wait for one more week.. Then they will ask you to wait till June 3rd week
Still,any hopes……? 🙁
Why are you sad ?? Cheer up 😀 and every one has a next time. This is not a thing where no one get a next time.
Keep on doing the hard work.
Smile 😀
Anyone having P0 priority got the status updated in Aims?
Mine is P0. No updates in AIMS
How we can find priority? Can we check it in AIMS?
You can check with your manager. But priority is only internal to Infosys. It has nothing to do with the lottery.
Is there any hope left for us in infy :`( m done waiting for the status,,,
My manager told me today that I got picked in lottery but AIMS is still not updated. I do think Infy people can still have hopes.
I dont think manager will have this info.Either GI team or DM might have this info if they have received the receipts. Can you please confrim
Did you try calling GI help desk? If yours is selected, they will tell you over the call.
computerworld.com/article/2910327/it-outsourcing/it-workers-lawsuit-accuses-tata-of-discrimination.html
A company should try to recruit at least one American for the 10000 plus positions it apparently has open. I am Indian too, and an H1b aspirant, but the mass scale h1b hogging does nobody any good.
Did anyone got approval for AD/RP/VT???? did the case status changed from received to approval????
Thanks in advance
Dunno how long would it take for approval 🙁
Thanks for replying…
Same here bro waiting!!!
Thanks for replying…
I am also waiting for approval. Please update if anyone got approval for AD/RP/VT
Non ad- PP, Got my receipt notice on April 20th… But still de same status
For those who got it approved (Non-AD/RP) ,…does the status on the USCIS changed from ‘Case Received’ to ‘Approved’ or there is any other status in between like ‘Review’ or something else ? (Assuming there is no RFE)
Yes mine changed to approved ( post decision)
I did not find it funny,…I was replying to the actual post by Obama …. I felt it was utter nonsense so thought of responding him in his own way.
And he mailed u rt 🙂
He kept me in BCC…so that no one know I am in loop 🙂
Otherwise, I dont know who the hell has started this topic today that every applicant will be given H1B. I know no one believes it, but still..
And thanks comrade Putin for keeping me safe from Oh Bama 😛
No, he didn’t mailed anyone. It was me who intercepted the message and leaked it for the benefit of people. 😛
Yes, after yesterday’s Times Now Arnab’s show on “H1B Discrimination’ to Indians”, Obama cried for 1 hour and next day morning decided to use his superlative-executive powers and passed bill that all H1Bs filed from India will get approved even without any scrutiny. And it will be valid till death.
This is a cruel exploitation of AAM Aadmi of India. H1B should be given to all AAM Aadmis, not just software people
Dude vodka party to celebrate this news at Kremlin this weekend…??its been long..let call NAMO too he loves to go on foreign trips..
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
I need the answer to this question as well – does anyone have any idea? But, my F-1 is expired.
I guess as long as you dont leave the country, the employer can start.
Yes It can be started anytime. Only thing is your employer should be ready.
TOI : 13 companies barred from applying for H-1B visa – 13 companies barred from applying for H-1B visa
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/slideshow/13-companies-barred-from-applying-for-H-1B-visa/itslideshow/47497353.cms via @timesofindia
Can someone please clarify on below 2 things.
Pleas note that I have a project in hand and if everything goes well I will be flying in the month of October. But I am asking below 2 things just incase if my client changes his mind for some reason…..so to know my options.
1) If person has approved petition and eligible for travel post Oct 1st 2015, but has traveled in the 5th year after petition approval, say on Oct 1st 2020,…will his petition be valid for 6 years from there, meaning till Sep 30th 2026 ?
2) If a person has H1B filed by X employer and is picked in lottery and is approved….then is the person changes company, will the X employer have right to cancel the H1B petition of the person. If yes, then can the employer do it with out giving any valid justification to employee ?
2nd Question:
if you change employer (a–>b)
B will hold H1b ( transfered — actually a new i129, case number)
A will also hold ( or can withdraw ) — but that does not matter if already transfered to B
now it’s basically a new H1b ( by B , not a transfer but actually a new H1b–people call it transfer for simplicity of words) , but it’s considered cap exempt
First question : H1b is for 3 years ( and extended for 3 more years)
so, 2015 – 2018 ( start before oct 2018 ) — then you will have 6 years ( 3 + extended 3)
— just Check this info ( for Ques 1) somewhere else : I just mentioned what ( little) I know
But before B employer transfers it, can A employer cancel/withdraw it ?
They can. But you don’t have to tell them that you are trying to transfer to another company, and there is no way they know unless you or someone else actually tells them. USCIS will NOT inform them that another employer is applying an H1 for you using their VISA as the reason for cap exemption.
Any approvals for RP/ CALI center ?
I am still waiting…
I am Happy…
Ctsers..any news on 1 more batch being rolled out?
Its all over buddy…. GIT confirmed to me today…by 15th they will solicit the rejections and send them across.
MYVISA is down from evening.Heard they are uploading receipt in bulk.
you heard? from where u heard?
Its montly maintenance…Not for you.. Its Fr whole cts..by the way
They did not make portal down.. Whn thy r uploading receipts previously.
Only post processing app should b processed for uploading receipts
Thanks buddy 🙂 ..atleast its clear they will send the rejections from 15th.. Thanks to GIT
Anyone called then today? How long they planned to drag the result
Yeahh.. Spoke to Swetha. She clearly said they won’t disclose the receipt no.s until they receive the first rejected package from uscis.. Also She mentioned that receipt no.s are with attorney(69 receipts).. nd may start sending receipts any moment starting this week..
How come receipt number is related with the rejected package? 🙁
If some one is selected in the lottery then they will not get their rejection mail from uscis
That’s true.. But not sure why they want to wait for at least one return pkg :(( nd then disclose the received receipts.. May b they r still expecting few more receipts to come
On other side they haven’t received even single receipt in last 3 weeks..
I don’t see much comments from Infy guys.. What’s happening. Any infoscions got an update to share?
I heard from GI that they are expecting two more batches from USCIS.
Last set is yet to be received where ~50 more receipts are expected. This is going to be received by this or next week and then after all rejections. Hope for the best!
HI
Finally the waiting is over.
Today I received the good news from FDFU.
Seriously !! Help yourself first :-/
the reverse of god is dog..Pls don’t advice others and mind ur own buisiness
Hi Tcsers,
Quick update on the process being followed by TCS as per my observation.
Every week, TCS discloses one list and if that list contains your name they will immediately update your name to ur management.
You can check with your management on the same day when you have news about new list rather than checking with FDFU.
I got my name in Friday’s list. 🙂 🙂 Best of luck to all who are waiting !!
It seems I have not picked up from lottery, and my company is not e-verified. I have Ph.D. I have talked my director and he wants me to offer him other options. What do you recommend? So far, I have came across o-1a and eb-1? What do you recommend?
Just go with the e-verify application. It won’t even take a week. And its not a tough process. First do the stem extension and think about other options.
anyone has an update on tcs hyderabad 3rd list?
You and your wife should cry, if not you will surely do in near future- playing with emotions will get back to u some day.
Guys – get some sense, it took 6 months for executive action for H4 and it had to go through public hearing and comment for few weeks before even it was made as a provision.
Hi,
Please share genuine news as I did not found any news related to Increase of CAP this year.
Kindly share Genuine news, do not play with emotions.
Thanks
If you have seen the post please share the link. There are more families waiting for this kind of news. Pleassse share link
Every time the guy is saying laugh and relax but not able to share any such link..So guys don’t believe and keeping praying GOD.
Mr RB
God Help those who help themselves. If you don’t know how to remain stress free and be happy then nothing can’t help you.
Sorry Bro .. for using the harsh words for you but this is a fact.
God Bless All and Keep Laughing 😀
Bro thanks…but giving false hope and playing with emotion is also a crime..I am also sorry for using the harsh word for you..
Everybody will definitely keep themselves stress free even if they won’t get selected..This is not the end of life for sure.When One door closed other opened..But spreading rumors and giving false hope is not……..
RB which scl did you learn english?
False False…False
Plzzz send the link where it is mentioned that the h1b has increased……guess its all fake…cannot find such news anywhere.
true.. pls post the link
Hi,
Can you post the link of the page where this news are published?