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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

  1. Hi,
    Any one got today reply from “Virinchi Technologies Limited” regarding the selection or Rejection notice? Please reply guys /////////.

    Reply
  2. HCLITES,

    DONT LEAVE THE HOPE… Be POSITIVE !!!!

    Happy to share you all I got below mail from WPC today i am selected in the lottery

    Hi XXX,
    This is to inform that your nomination for H1B Is “selected in the lottery”.
    Receipt numbers are not being shared by ISG with employees nor with SPOCs and it will not be uploaded in iAura.
    Approval notice will be shared with the employees only during stamping process.
    We will keep you informed the further updates, please wait patiently until.

    All the best you guys… be patient.

    Thnx

    Reply
  3. Got the approval notice today on 10th June. Mine is AD/RP/VT
    Mine EAC15140XXXXX. Got the receipt notice on 13 April.

    Thanks to all those who posted the genuine comments. Really appreciate all you for being so supportive during the last 2-3 months. Thanks to the management team of H1B Visa 2016- RedBus2US.
    For those still waiting for approval, I would say keep your faith and trust on GOD, you will going to get the approval very soon.

    Good luck to all the members.

    Reply
    • Congrats buddy, Mine is also from same center number is EAC15149XXXXX.

      So I guess urs is 140 and mine is 149 So I guess may be in 10 days mine is also gets approved. fingers crossed.

      Reply
      • Congrats. Mine is EAC15143XXXXX. How many more days do you think it might take? Desperately waiting for the approval soon.

        Reply
      • Thank you very much for your greetings.
        I am sure that you will get approval within 10 days. Let us know when you get the approval. I can understand how tough and tense it is to wait for approval since the last 2 months but have faith & trust in GOD, everything will be positive and You will going to get approval.

        Good Luck!

        Reply
      • Dear Rajesh & Dear Sidkal:

        Thank you very much for your greetings.

        I am sure that you will get approval within 10 days. Let us know when you get the approval. I can understand how tough and tense it is to wait for approval since the last 2 months but have faith & trust in GOD, everything will be positive and You will going to get approval.

        Good Luck!

        Reply
      • Thanks Bro. I am currently in US working since last year with E&Y.
        Trust will you will get approval soon. I am waiting to hear from your side for the positive news. Will also be waiting to welcome you in US. Keep high hope and aspiration and start packing your bags. I am sure you will enjoy here in US.

        Welcome to the CLUB!!!!

        Reply
      • Yeah it’s normal. Keep hanging in there, I am sure and positive that you will get your approval within 10 more days.

        Be happy and keep smiling. Get your bags pack for US

        Reply
    • Rahul, I called them yesterday n told they got 60 receipts n mine is not there .they notified who ever selected so far. Any one got selected from collabera?

      Reply
      • So is it over or we can wait for some time?. I think they notifyying the candidates only after the petition gets approved…

        Reply
  4. Does anyone know how long it would take to approve regular processing cases? I’m expecting a general answer provided that no RFE.

    Reply
  5. Hi,
    Any one got today reply from “Virinchi Technologies Limited”or “KSoft Systems inc” regarding the selection or Rejection notice? Please reply guys /////////.

    Reply
  6. Hi,
    Any one got today reply from “Virinchi Technologies Limited”or “KSoft Systems inc” regarding the selection or Rejection notice? Please reply guys

    Reply
  7. Hi,
    Any one got today reply from “Virinchi Technologies Limited”or “KSoft Systems inc” regarding the selection or Rejection notice? Please reply guys…

    Reply
      • @ACN_PDC – I received mailer from PMSD on 18th May stating it in awaiting status post that I have raised several queries on Myrequest and they also told me my status is awaiting.

        No such update is present on RMS…. waiting for updates from PMSD.

        Are you aware if some one got notification of Approval/rejection post 18th may mailer ?

        Reply
      • 4th list has not released.. I just confirmed with ChennaiOne FDFU and they asked me to check with them after 15th June.. Pls dont spread fake news

        Reply
        • Yes, you are right, dont spread fake news. 4th list not yet released. Are u sure 4th list will be released on 15th Jun?

          Reply
          • Correct Bro! My fdfu shared few names with my manager as per the today’s list unfortunately name is not there gain:(

          • Why don’t your folks just inform employees as and when they get the receipts instead of these nth list n+1 list gimmick?

        • GI team still says no update as they are yet to receive the status of pending applications from USCIS. There will be one more list in next week is what i heard but not sure whether it is true.

          Reply
          • Hi All,

            I understand it is over by now, Why are they not disclosing Rejection List, Every Person in GI Team Talks Different Statement.

            Last Time when I called them They said, We are getting Rejection and Selection list both, But ur status is yet to be received.

            After some days back, I called them in 1 st week of june, They are saying that they have not got a single receipt of Rejected one’s.

            Today I called them, They are saying it will take mid of july, These people are changing there stance from Time to time.

            This H1 Process, is a tool for companies like infosys to stop attrition.

          • I dont think there is concept of lists in Infoys. They are updating it in real time. I got my status updated as “Acknowledgement Received” on May 26 and when I checked the USCIS website, it was actually “Approved” on May 25th.

    • We are still waiting. No information what so ever. When we ask we are getting the usual template as the reply. We need to wait, thats the only option available as of now.

      Reply
  8. Mine got selected lottery but didn’t petition status from tcs.
    I never traveled abroad so will mine go to rfe?what is the rejection ratio in rfe?

    Reply
  9. Any one receipts starts with EAC151425XXXX got approved recently?

    Mine is still in received status. receipt date was 13 Aprl.

    Reply
    • My lawyer also called uscis today and some officer told him there is no one by that name in the computer.. but my lawyer sent all papers by fedex so he’s got a confirmation( name of the officer) that our application has been received.. he is gonna send an official email tomorrow to uscis…Is anyone in the same situation or any clue what now ? Thanx!

      Reply
      • Hey Jack,
        We sent an email last week… I really don’t know what else to do. This is really stupid.
        We have the FedEx signature an everything.
        The email receipt to the lock box stated that we will get a response within 15 days.
        Please keep me posted if you get any updates. My story is exactly the same.. I’m pretty worried.

        Reply
        • Yeah I will keep You posted..I do not know what to think about that…I mean, apparently this was not our fault, we delivered everything on time so they should consider our applications just now if not, it would be easy to sue them. But it can be like fight a losing battle..Let me know if u find out anything. take care

          Reply
          • did your lawyer say anything about what he thinks will happen?
            Mine has no clue, he is pretty confused because of the situation. …

  10. Hi,
    Any one got today reply from “Virinchi Technologies Limited”or “KSoft Systems inc” regarding the selection or Rejection notice? Please reply guys

    Reply
  11. On what basis cases are processed once selected in lottery coz many people having receipt starting wid( E/W)AC15147/8XXX got approved while EAC15141/2/3/4 are still in initial staus .. any thoughts

    Reply
  12. Hi,

    i got my receipt number in May first week. The receipt number is WAC15144*****. I have also received a scanned copy of my ‘Receipt Notice’. However there the receipt date is mentioned as April 27. However, as per my receipt number (144) notice date should be April 25.

    Is this normal? Or there is something wrong with my receipt notice? I am really worried and make sure that nothing goes wrong. Please suggest.

    Reply
  13. This WAC guys are seriously slacking off! First with the receipt numbers , then the approvals.

    Anyone from AP/RP/CA got approvals?

    Reply
  14. this is so lame. The USCIS should move it’s bureaucratic ass and start returning packages. I want to get the f*ck out of the U.S. and move on with my life.

    Reply
  15. Open the Myvisa portal –> click on the H1B case–> what did u see, is it “INPROGRESS” or “not started ” page?

    Reply
    • Could please let me know when you got the notice and when was your cheque cashed…Should we just loose hope

      Reply
    • I got this mail today. I think I am not selected.

      So far we received 69 receipts out of 200 applications.
      We are waiting for either the receipts or the application packages of all the candidates. Until the package comes back, there is a hope that we may receive your receipt.
      We will inform you as soon as we receive either the receipt for you or your application package back from USCIS.
      At the present time, we are looking for candidates who has either current H-1B or H-1B in the past to file for H-1B transfer if they are in USA or new H-1B in quota exempt if they are not in USA. Appreciate your help.

      Reply
  16. Finally I got mail that mind got selected and stated that they will share the receipt number once they get it from attorney

    Reply
  17. Has HCL any more names after they have publised 1st slot before 18th May. It is almost a month since then..
    Shall I keep my hope alive?
    – Soumya

    Reply
    • Hi Soumya,

      I am waiting too….contacted the ISG team, They are telling me to wait till june end….nothing much to come….may be 20 to 25 more receipts is what they updated me…. Are u from bangalore? plz share your mail id, I shall update you …..

      Reply
  18. Hey guys… i am AD/RP/VST and very happy to share the news that i got my h1b approved on june 8th…. receipt notice was of 17th april….

    Reply
    • They don’t have to drive you nuts. You are nuts who cannot get some simple facts into your head. H1B is a process of patience and suspense. Until USCIS confirms the result, you bugging your company won’t yield any results. There is no timeline whatsoever on when USCIS updates each and every case. So shut up and wait for the result.

      Reply
      • I support the original post. They say 70 got selected but they are revealing who those 79 are & say they will tell only when the get rejection. Noting for rest

        Reply
      • You shut up mr nut. These 8kmiles guys are telling 70 selected and they are not disclosing the names of those 70

        Reply
        • I am from 8kMiles and I have been informed by Ravi that my application has been picked in the lottery. If you didn’t hear from him, you should be patient and wait. They are updating everyone who gets a selection receipt.

          Reply
    • I am waiting for update as well,My receipt starts with the same -EAC151445****. Receipt date is April 13th. What’s your receipt date??

      Reply
      • Hi,

        My receipt number is WAC151445****. I am also waiting for an update.

        My receipt date is April 13. However, my Notice date is mentioned as April 27. What is your Notice date?

        Reply
    • I am still waiting, no status update. Capability lead has informed, i am not selected in first list published on 18th May. But there is chance of some more name on selection list… Not sure, anyone is getting updates .. Please reply

      Reply
  19. We have stopped recieving notices from USCIS, So we will be sending the rejection package by this week…….

    Why we have less percentage on the selection ratio? its too bad when no one is selected from the project.

    Reply
    • 5 out of 10 will be 50%. 5 out of 100 will be 5%. If the only available seats are 5, and more and more people start applying, the selection ratio will obviously be less. 170,000 applications last year vs 233,000 this year. How can you even ask that question as to why the selection ratio is less!

      Reply
    • see, this is the IQ level of MNC guys in INDIA.
      Inspite of all the facts in front of them , they ask such silly questions.

      Reply
      • Yea, I mean, they should at least read through and learn the process of H1B and how it works before asking silly questions. Why is the ratio less? Why is USCIS not updating us? Does every company have a quota? Does every project have a quota? Come on!

        Reply

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