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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. Is there a criteria for lottery? Like say so many will go to software companies, so many will go to hardware or manufacturing companies?

    Also, is there a preference for higher salary professionals.. I tried searching for filtering process but couldn’t find any. I think there should be a process and not really “random” We just don’t know the real thing. Do we?

    Reply
  2. Be patient guys. For California Service Center(WAC), they are still dumping out receipt numbers for Premium processing at 8 pm PST. Last receipt no. when I checked was WAC1513553505. All AD-PP people, just remember that even if you don’t get selected in Master’s Cap then you might still get receipt in Regular Cap PP. I am not sure if this helps, but one of my friend got his receipt on April 27th last year under AD-PP. And all US law offices might be shut now, so even if they did receive any receipt emails in the evening they wont forward it until tomorrow morning. So don’t loose hope.

    Reply
  3. Hi, for people have consider plan B — Is it that easy to get a work permit in Canada for a non-engineer position with a valid job offer and an advanced degree? My employer have an office in Canada; Otherwise I’ll probably look for another job in my home country.

    Reply
    • It takes time. They are yet to send AD/PP receipts then they will start with NON-AD/PP.

      My employer applied everyone in PP. Not even one check cashed .So i can assume it not yet started for NON-AD PP

      Reply
  4. Personally, so annoying, and another needle that Vermont had to be the one center out if the 2 that’s delaying email notifications.

    Also ironic that the fraudulent folks who paid personally for the visa are able to get early information on their lottery fate, by checking whether the check’s cashed or not. So wrong.

    Reply
      • I don’t think he’s talking about PP… just the fact that they can check their own bank account. I don’t even have my case no. since our HR is the one who contacts the attorney.

        Reply
      • I don’t think he’s talking about PP… just the fact that they can check their own bank account. I don’t even have my case no. since our HR is the one who contacts the attorney.

        Reply
  5. So people have started posting under my name now, anyways are receipts sent alphabetically? That’s what someone mentioned just now, is that true?

    Reply
  6. Any one from Texas and Vermont center got picked ?
    ad /pp?
    Attorney said no Vermont receipts coming in yet as of 5 pm Cst.

    Reply
  7. Got an email from my Lawyer today at 5.30 pm PST,
    My petition was selected in the lottery. All the best to all of you guys.

    Reply
  8. This is the new me… I will not give up… I’ll get my visa… Good luck to everyone else….. And congrats to all that got selected

    Reply
    • I understand the point of being positive and negative and its probable impact. At the same time, with the least amount of intelligence, it is easy to realize that the act of lottery is done and regardless of your mood the decision has already being made. There is only a phase delay in when you would come to know the outcome.

      Reply
  9. Hi Guys, Just got email from fragomen that they have received email confirmation for my petition. This was my last chance as my OPT would expire in July. AD/PP/CSC. All the best for everyone who is waiting.

    Reply
  10. F……G h4 petitions and approvals…
    No preference for f1 students… with the increase in demand they need to increase h1’s too. 20k is not sufficient for present flow of students.
    How can they allow more then limited students for masters and make them invest so much in this country and later reject work permits.
    Guys sorry for that but it’s frustration.
    other options.
    1. go to school again
    2.find someone and marry
    3.go to canada

    Any more options in front for those with the last attempt…

    Reply
    • I understand your situation friend, I am in the exact same boat with my last shot. Cant believe its getting close to be over so soon. Thought we might have a realistic chance till April 27th but so soon.

      Anyways lets not lose complete hope, lets keep praying maybe God listens to some of us still. I will continue to stand here and congratulate everyone that gets thr visa because i know that feeling because i am still going through it. I will support all here till the very end. Good luck fellow peeps.

      Reply
  11. Question to PP folks. Why did so many of you pay for premium processing, often from your own pocket? Do you have some kind of urgency related to job planning? Or are you just anxious to learn the results that you are ready to pay for it?

    Reply
      • I don’t think there is such a big difference. RPs will get their receipts maybe 3-4 weeks later. As for case approvals, I’m not sure, couple months?, correct me if I’m wrong. Also, I think success rate in the lottery is much lower than success rate in post-lottery approvals, so people are mostly paying to avoid those 3-4 lottery weeks.

        Anyway, most will not be able to work until Oct 1, lots start working even later due to lack of a project. Of course, there are people whose OPT expires soon, but I feel like it’s the minority of PPs.

        Reply
    • we do that cause of situations..
      in my case my opt ends in june and if i don’t get to know my result before that i will end up going back to india or going to school again here.
      If i know the result as yes then i need not opt for other options.
      If the result is NO then i can plan for school again or think about other alternative….

      Reply
      • exactly my situation, with each day its getting tougher to digest that the dream might not happen.

        But i want to be positive again, somehow i still believe i might sneak in.

        Reply
        • There is absolutely no chance that you would sneak in now. Looks like you are AD PP. All AD PP are done by now. No more hopes for you.

          Reply
    • I got applied for PP because mental peace means more to me…whatever the result is I wanted to know faster…so that I can plan things….and not just sit and cry over it….

      1k-2k extra means nothing even if its out of your pocket…..my two cents…

      Reply
    • My visa (J1) is expiring in June and my lawyer told me to not file in PP, because as long as you are waiting for a visa approval you are legally in the US and not out of status. Your status will be COS (as you are technically not in the J1 phase anymore but you are still waiting for a decision to a filed petition). F1 holder can apply for the gap extension until 1st of October but J1 cannot. After you get the answer to the petition u have a 30- or 60-day grace period to stay in the States.

      Reply
  12. My consultant says he has applied for my H-1B but is not willing to share the Request number or any other details. Nor is he confirming if my petition has been approved or rejected in the lottery. Is it possible that I have been taken for a ride?

    Reply
  13. Wanted to post this as a main comment as it may help some people.

    PP guys, be prepared with a plan B if you do not hear by next week. I am very serious. I’ve been through this twice already (2013 and 2014). You will hear back in the first weeks of June that your application got rejected. There’s two months until then which gives you plenty of time to put together a plan B. Start next week! I’m very serious! Two months is enough time to land a good job in Canada or in Europe. Alternatively, you could find a research job at a university (those are cap exempt and they can apply for your visa whenever). DO IT!

    Reply
    • You are either trolling or in complete ignorance. This is the type of behavior which will get you back you your home land with no plans and no prospects for the future. I am free to share my opinion and you are free to ignore it.

      Reply
        • Did not want to suggest that going to your home land is a bad plan. It’s a very good one if you know what you want to do next.

          Reply
          • I am not referring to it as bad plan.. I said its ignorant one as keeping it as last resort. If you know what you want to do in advance it helps a lot and avoid lots of juggling at last moment..

      • You must be mad…And yes, I agree, going to home land can be a good plan if you make some arrangements for a new job there. You don’t want to be unemployed for months.

        Reply
        • Thanks, Kari.
          I am also planning for alternative since there are higher chance to not to get the visa.
          Your advice is helpful I am sure!
          Good luck everyone!

          Reply
  14. This is my second year of applying for H-1B (AD/PP/Vermont). My premium processing fee check (which was paid by me) was cashed in by VSC (Vermont Service Center) last night. Does it mean that I got picked up in the lottery ?
    I am yet to hear anything from my Lawyer (Fragomen) or Employer.

    Reply
  15. I am AD/PP CSC and haven’t heard anything back yet from Jackson-Lewis, the firm that my employer went through for H1B. As of this moment right now (1440 PST U.S.), I have been constantly refreshing the USCIS case status page with receipt numbers, and it looks like they have gotten to WAC1513551760 or so, which means 1760 AD/PP applications have been notified of acceptance. The stress is intolerable! I only have two more days I took off work, can’t imagine being able to go back and work before hearing back… ;( Good luck to you all!

    Reply
      • Request For Premium Processing Services Was Received
        On April 15, 2015, we received your request for premium-processing of your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC1513554000, and mailed you a receipt notice. Your premium-processing receipt notice contains contact information for direct inquiries on your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you move, contact the premium-processing unit directly to update your address

        Reply
        • this is to know that they r processing 4000 per day so that is the limit
          but these r all assumptions and nothing is official- this what vague analysis on observed data on net and so be calm and stable have nothing to loose approach and u can win the world, best of luck

          Reply
  16. A lot of people applied through PP which USCIS anticipated would get selected and hence kept the PP dates starting from May 11. But since not a lot of PP petitions are selected they have been brought forward to April 27.

    Reply
      • me too, this is crazy, does that mean i am not selected. Last year desperately want this to happen. Awaiting the phone call / email.

        Reply
        • h1bslaughteragain is such a drama queen. Take a break man. Get a life… Number of comment posted on RedBus2Us will not improve your odds in the lottery which is already done.

          Reply
          • you can call me whatever you want, i understand that i am freaking out but for good reason. So i will continue to post and i apologize in advance if it bothers you. For some of us its a life changing situation, maybe not as much for others. So let me congratulate everyone who gets it and discuss my plight with those that arent getting in.

      • You are talking somewhat sensible man.. Even my Attorney also told me to wait until 27th.. Rest of these are just scaring others..

        Reply
        • 27th onwards you will start receiving approvals or RFEs. They’ll get done issuing receipt numbers for all PPs by this week and you should have if by tuesday-wednesday next week max otherwise your chances, sorry to say, are very very very very very very very slim.

          Reply
        • Be prepared with a plan B if you do not hear by next week. I am very serious. I’ve been through this twice already. You will hear back in the first weeks of June that your application got rejected. There’s two months until then which gives you plenty of time to put together a plan B. Start next week if you don’t have one. I’m very serious! Two months is enough time to land a good job in Canada or in Europe. Or to find a research job at a university (those are cap exempt and they can apply for you whenever). DO IT!

          Reply
  17. Not sure why CIS works in this way. Keep everyone waiting…Once lottery done..Put everything in system and allow to search with Name/SSN/DOB combination (or any combination). We will simply know if we are selected or not..I think they also enjoy this game.

    Reply
  18. All I’m seeing are receipts from California service center.. what happened to Vermont?? What the f*** is Vermont Service Center doing??

    Reply
  19. YEEEEEEEESSSSSS!!!!!!! Got my receipt today!!!

    Non-AD Regular Processing, me and my husband will be moving to US in October from India.

    Reply
  20. In my team 18 applied all are AD/PP/CSC and till now three have received confirmation from their lawyers.

    Hopeful that I will too. Will keep everyone updated.

    Reply
  21. Fellow Applicants,

    I see a few of AD/PP people coming to a quick assumption that it’s all over. A friend of mine applied under PP/AD last year and he got his selected receipt in the second week of May. I understand that was one rare case, but thought I will drop in to ease some stress.

    I did not get through last year, have applied this year too, under AD/RP. Good luck guys.

    Reply
  22. Hi Guys,

    My attorney just send me an email. I got selected in lottery. I didn’t made it last year but i made it this year. i have gone this tough time once. it not easy. but you will too..i know the wait it killing. just hang in there. I will pray for you all. my case was AD/PP/CSC. All d best.

    Reply

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