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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. My Attorney confirms that no receipt has come from VSC yet. She said it seems to be the consensus so far from from other attorneys as well.

    Reply
  2. So my lawyer (BAL) said my application got selected in the lottery. When I look at the lawyers portal, they’ve updated it with the receipt number. When I check the case status in the USCIS website, it says “On April 15, 2015, we updated your name for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC15XXXXXXXX”

    Can anyone tell me what this means ?

    Reply
  3. Hello All

    I just got my receipt from my employer. Please don’t loose hopes.
    I pray for everybody.
    My opt STEM extension is expiring in July.

    All the best.
    God Bless us.

    Reply
        • i am in your exact situation and yet i havent received mine. Please pray for me because i feel someone like you would totally understand the gravity of the situation. Think of me as you but 1 day before…thats how tensed i am right now.

          Reply
    • Hold on my friend, I am also AD/PP/VT and I think VSC this year just get delayed since my lawyer told me they have not received any single case from VSC yet. Give it some time and we can make it!

      Reply
  4. Hi Guys,

    Have you seen the update below?

    ***UPDATE #2 – 4/16/15 @3:30 pm – We received our first email notification for bachelors quota premium processing from California Service Center. Again, it is just the beginning! There is still plenty of time for more receipts to be sent.***

    There is still a lot of time. Be positive and practical.

    Just wanted to share my story

    Last year my OPT Extension had expired in Nov and I packed my bags in December and came back to my home country.
    My company was very kind and they allowed me to work from home at the same compensation, which was very nice of them.

    But I still miss all my friends and California. Hopefully this time I will get lucky. If not it is okay.

    I know this wait is painful, but stay positive. Even if you don’t get lucky, belive in yourself, there might be better things for you to achieve.

    Stay strong and don’t let some lottery take over your life!

    If you are hardworking and have the fighting spirit nothing can stop you!

    Cheers!

    Reply
  5. So far, checking the USCIS Case Status webpage, it looks like as of 1700 PST 4-16-2015 now, both CSC and VT have processed about 4000ish receipts each. So 8000 total. I am sure there are some that are not new H1B lottery petitions (like I-539), so I think even for AD/PP folks there is still plenty of hope. There has to be more than 8000 PP applications being picked out of what, 233,000 right? Anyhow, I am AD/PP/CA as well, in the same ride as many of you.

    Reply
      • egov.uscis.gov/casestatus
        It is very simple… just put in receipt numbers like WAC1513554045 (CSC) or EAC1513554010 (VT). The last four digits (4045 and 4010 here) correspond to the numerical order of petitions being receipted. By the time you try it out, they will be a little further ahead, it seems like every few minutes petitions get receipted.

        Reply
      • egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/
        I don’t know why my followup comments are automatically put under moderation…but there is the link.

        Reply
      • I don’t know why my followup comments with the link to the case status page is automatically put under moderation…but just google USCIS case status it is the first link you see.

        Reply
          • The total count can be inferred from the last four digits of the receipt, so for example WACxxxxx4000 means it is the 4000th receipt processed in CSC. Last time I checked, both CSC and VSC had about 4000 or so applications receipted.

  6. I was told by someone working at a big law office in the Bay area that a lot of petitions for h1b this time are for nurses from Philippines and Indonesia. The IT industry has to compete with them now.

    Reply
    • You are right
      gmanetwork.com/news/story/372308/pinoyabroad/ofwguide/more-foreign-nurses-may-qualify-for-h-1b-visas
      and I thought the number increased because of multiple filings.

      Reply
  7. Based on my previous year terrible experience of waiting, Im no longer expecting mine to be picked up this time. I would say, just start planning for other options.

    Reply
    • All multiple applicants are regular otherwise it will be too expensive for us cheats as McKain calls us. HAHAHAHA!

      Reply
  8. Guys the petition has touched 19K. Thanks for all your support. We need more signatures. Please keep signing.

    petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/remove-and-ban-cheaters-who-sent-multi-petition-h1b-lottery-selection

    All these cheats need to be stopped.

    Reply
  9. So after inquiring a bit I found out that only 4 people have received their H1b notice out of 18 in the lottery in my team. Rest all of us have been rejected. I have hope til early next week but dont think we will see any more AD/PP/CA applications come through. Will update once again tomorrow. I am a little too disappointed. 🙁

    Reply
    • this is 2nd time I see your post. I can feel your pain. But I guess as AD’s have about 50% chance this time you may expect some more receipts for your team and who kns you may b one of them. keep hope bez it never killed anyone.

      Reply
          • @h1bslaughteragain I guess everyone on this blog kns your nick… you seemed to become a VIP here… I am just hoping to have that vodka once we get our approvals … cheer up

          • Raj me too brother, as much as others are making a mockery out of me here, i am hoping against hope and all probability that i still get mine. And so do you …really in tears right now and my family who were really banking on me are baffled too, we cant get ourselves out of the shock.

  10. I just got the confirmation today for my H1B approval. I went through premium processing this year and the result just started coming out I believe. Good Luck everyone!

    Reply
  11. i Have applied through a MNC in india,its RP..may i know when will my employer will get to know about lottery results?

    Reply
  12. hey guys. I am with you guys in this! You guys are holding on to your nerves. I guess that’s all we can do. To those people who have made it, Congratulations! I am happy for you. To those who are under extreme stress, I would like you to know I am as stressed as each one of you are. Let’s hope and pray that all of us get what we deserve.

    Reply
  13. Hi Kumar,

    I request you to please delete the blog and just keep the comment section.
    It is a nuisance scrolling down each time I want to check latest comments.
    😉

    Reply
  14. Hi Guys,
    I am in h4 is it possible to apply for L1 thru consultancy. I don’t know what will happen to my h1b lottery.

    Reply
    • L1 can only be filed if u have worked with same employer for atleast one year outside US and are looking to get transferred to US office. Please be advised even after recent relaxation in rules L1 requirements are more strigent than H1B.

      Reply
  15. Yeah i am done with this forum and wait, couldn`t be more disheartened in my life. Last attempt thought God might help me out this year. Thoroughly disappointed. No more comments from me.

    Goodbye fellow members and Good luck to all those waiting.

    People are free to use this nick to make fun of me or otherwise. Peace.

    Reply
    • That is sad….but dnt worry…have a back up plan…see if they can transfer you somewhere..i mean your company…if not then whatever time you have in hand here in the US…make most of it…work harder…get certified in your field…build your resume….if you do this…no country or visa or anything can stop you…..do not waste your time on crying or cribbing…life is unfair ! accept it ! at the same time….every unfair situation is an opportunity to do something awesome ! 😀

      Reply
      • if you met me you would know how many situations i have fought in my life, much more than the ordinary but at this point, you eventually come to a point, where you are tired of fighting and you want things to happen normally, like getting selected in the lottery and when these dont happen you are devastated.

        Perhaps for once things could have gone smoothly for me but that isnt the case to be based on my previous conversation with my attorney.

        Thanks for the encouraging words, but it will take me a long long long time to recover from this blow. Call me weak if you wish but i am truly tired and exhausted to my core.

        Reply
        • I know….all of us have gone through something or the other…..I want you to look beyond this now….see when you hit rock bottom…and have nothing going for you…and feel sad…and exhausted….that is when magic happens!!! provided you stay on course !! sooner you get rid of this feeling…you will start seeing doors opening !! and if you wanna talk or meet…I am here in the south of bay area…let me know…I assume you too are her ein the bay area…

          Reply
        • @h1bslaughteragain,
          Don’t give up just yet – remember, it isn’t over till its over. There’s every possibility that your visa didn’t get picked in the AD lottery round but may have been picked in the 2nd round, which is why it may be taking a bit more time for an update. Hang in there, good luck to you!

          Reply
  16. Anyone from Deloitte Pennsylvania? How are we supposed to get the lottery result? USCIS or H1B filing company who will mail the result? By 27th April H1B premium processing begins in that case we should get the result by 27th. Is there anyone who already got through.

    Reply
  17. I am guessing all of the receipt numbers here are PP, it will take few extra days for RP since they will mail it not email. Am I right?

    Reply
  18. Guys just spoke with my attorney, they said they have received around 35% cases for my firm and not mine yet. He also said chances arent looking good since they have already received some cases for my firm.

    Reply
        • This time 30 – 40 % is expectation of each company. Sorry to hear that update mate. I know the pain even I am applying the 2nd time. Just keep hope till mid next week

          Reply
          • Yeah i am done with this forum and wait, couldn`t be more disheartened in my life. Last attempt thought God might help me out this year. Thoroughly disappointed. No more comments from me.

            Goodbye fellow members and Good luck to all those waiting.

        • That is sad….but dnt worry…have a back up plan…see if they can transfer you somewhere..i mean your company…if not then whatever time you have in hand here in the US…make most of it…work harder…get certified in your field…build your resume….if you do this…no country or visa or anything can stop you…..do not waste your time on crying or cribbing…life is unfair ! accept it ! at the same time….every unfair situation is an opportunity to do something awesome ! 😀

          Reply
    • Nothing to worry.
      Even if AD/PP/CA are done, we may have our receipts being processed under NON-AD/PP/CA (Since for us the lottery is twice), which may take some more time for us to get informed.
      Hope we may get it there

      Reply
        • Not sure…..
          But last year some of my colleagues got it in the very first day. And during the last days they were few more receipts. So i’m assuming first AD/PP are released. Then next comes the Non-AD/PP receipts. [I applied in AD/PP, so i should have gone through the lottery twice. May be i’m not selected in the first one]

          Reply
    • That is sad….but dnt worry…have a back up plan…see if they can transfer you somewhere..i mean your company…if not then whatever time you have in hand here in the US…make most of it…work harder…get certified in your field…build your resume….if you do this…no country or visa or anything can stop you…..do not waste your time on crying or cribbing…life is unfair ! accept it ! at the same time….every unfair situation is an opportunity to do something awesome ! 😀

      Reply
  19. I just received an email from the attorney with my case number for AD/PP/CA
    So relieved! I wanted to thank everyone here for the helpful info throughout the process. As well as for the encouragement of one another.

    Reply
  20. Hi I just got the news from my employer that the payment fees (the check) were cashed and they are waiting for the official receipt.
    Does that mean I was selected?

    Reply
    • Dude, did you applied for H1 ?
      If yes, please withdraw it. We dont need you in USA. You dont even know the difference between Form I-539 and h1b. Please do us all a favour and withdraw you application .

      Reply
  21. Can someone tell me how to interpret the Receipt number which I see every where? Does that indicate the time when the last receipt was issued?

    Reply
    • Can you please give your recipt number with last 4 digits masked. I just want to see how the numbers in those range have status info listed as… usually it is either sent mail or sent email and mail

      Reply
          • Hey Ram,

            I saw your research on 2 stages of receipts notice. But here h1b finally is saying he/she received the receipt but I don’t see any of cases starting with “EAC151355” moving to the 2nd stage(“Case Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was Emailed”). What’s your take on this?

          • Hi Kay,
            This is the message I see when I type in my receipt number. Hope this helps!

            On April 14, 2015, we received your request for premium-processing of your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC151355XXXX, 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.

      • @Kay :

        It says the case was accepted by Apr 14th. May be the receipt number they got is via mail rather than email.
        There are also chances that my analysis in wrong but I observed it in WAC receipt numbers.

        Reply
        • Thank you Ram, I hope you analysis is correct because it seems logical to me.
          @h1b finally – Is there any way you can get to know from your attorney if your notice was emailed or mailed..

          Thank you

          Reply
  22. could someone clarify this for me

    so i am a little confused WAC1513651590
    WAC – Cali
    15 – Year
    136 – Day
    51590 – Total amount of receipts sent

    Is that true or am i mistaken? I am guessing i am completely off but still would like to know.

    Reply
  23. This looks like RP petition.

    On April 14, 2015, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC1513651580, and sent you the receipt notice that describes how we will process your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your receipt notice by May 14, 2015, please call Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283. If you move, go to www(dot)uscis(dot)gov(dash)addresschange to give us your new mailing address.

    Reply
      • No. Looks like they give priority for PP but that doesn’t mean they wont send out receipts for RP.

        See the below. This receipt is for PP with WAC# after the above RP petition.

        On April 16, 2015, we received your request for premium-processing of your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC1513651590, 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.

        Reply

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