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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. This comment is not for all the negative nancies in here. The PP receipts will continue to come in till the 27th. If you have already made up your mind that you are not selected, then no one can help you, STOP BLAMING GOD! As for all the other people, a lot of attorneys have mentioned in their blogs that as of yesterday 4/16/2015, they had not received any AD/PP receipts. So please keep faith! These are tough times, don’t let anybody else’s negativity rub on you! Good Luck! – AD/PP/VSC

    Reply
    • That is what I am saying to people, that last date for PP is next friday. I like your positivity, stay blessed, you are gonna make it my friend…:)

      Reply
    • This question is for H1b positive.. what other blogs are you following? Just curious.. I agree that there are too many negative people here who have already made up their mind.. Stay positive guys & hope for the best..

      Reply
    • I agree that people who filed thru Attorneys are seeing delay in results. Also we cannot see if the checks are cashed or not. So fingers crossed. 🙂

      Someone mentioned check with your school. Can anyone confirm if that works?

      Reply
  2. guys tried reaching out to my DSO who was unavailable so still cant find out via that route. Now only option is to suffer and wait. Praying for everyone and myself. Come on God…please…please..please…show your mercy.

    Reply
    • Dude. Yes the possibility of getting a receipt is small but wait till April 27th. USCIS did say that they will start PP on April 27th, so there is a slight chance of us getting on 26th.

      Reply
  3. Just an FYI, I still haven’t received my receipt. Please feel free to use my name if it brings you hope and luck. Lets pray that everyone here gets it.

    Reply
  4. Hey Guys,
    Need a clarification, is it like all AD/NON AD PP receipts will be out by max Apr 27 and from then on its regular guys turn. Please clarify.

    Reply
  5. Guys, sorry if this is a repeated question, do we get an email notification if our case was picked or should we wait for a hard copy mail?By we , I mean the office that files it on our behalf.

    Reply
    • Hi karl,

      I seen u..always encouraging and answering other’s doubt. I pray u get it and am sure god has something good in store for you

      Reply
    • Unlike premium processing petitions, USCIS does not notify regular petitions via e-mail and will have to wait to be notified by the snail mail.
      I believe there is not way to anybody with regular petition would have received any info yet. My best guess is to wait until next friday and if you do not receive any info from employer- check with the International office if the SEVIS has any update.

      Reply
  6. Guys,

    I went to a twitter handle (@gsiskind) who is an immigration lawyer and this is what he has got to say on twitter:-

    ‘Greg Siskind @gsiskind · 1h 1 hour ago
    Neufeld – H-1B premium processing receipts will be finished by today; two weeks ahead of last year’

    Note: Donald Neufeld, Associate Director, Service Center at USCIS

    All the best to every one on AD/PP 🙂

    Reply
    • So I think today will be the last set of pp receipts we can expect to be generated and may b by mid next week AD/PP ppl who have no receipt can start plan B

      Reply
      • If you have option to check and you dint get it cashed then yea, may b its game over….. The reason I say this is they dont generate a recipt for app if the check doesnt validate.

        Reply
    • Seems like its all done if we dont receive receipts tonight. Also will be confirmed by people received non PP receipts on Monday if thats the case. Why god why? I was certain you would have helped me out this year….why 🙁

      Reply
      • I am not sure if you are the real h1bslaughteragain, but you are are surely going to get it, pray as hard as possible, it works and furthermore, deadline is next friday, dont give up. I am praying for you, Best Wishes…:)

        Reply
        • Sadly some people ruined my nick, well i truly appreciate from the bottom of my heart, for you standing up and offering a prayer for me…Thank you again…hopefully none one us suffer in this , i will continue to pray for everyone on these forums….dont want anyone to suffer. God bless!!

          Reply
      • i think its clear, if its not by EOD, its game over for us..others with my name can rejoice as much as they want….but the real me will be crying myself to sleep..somewhere back in my room depressed.

        Reply
        • Hi h1bslaughteragain don’t loose hope, you never know till you officially receive a letter saying you are not picked. Till then you have all the chances.:)

          Reply
  7. I talked to DSO at international student office in my university yesterday, DSO told there are updates on my sevis record, it shows something is pending and she gave me a receipt #. When I check receipt # on USCIS website, its valid and shows they have received request for premium processing and mailed a receipt #. But there are no updates to my lawyer/employer yet. I am bit worried, what does this mean exactly?

    Reply
    • I haven’t heard anything from them yet. I suspect that they don’t send the updates as they come… They compile a few and send them to the employer.

      Do you know anything about their process?

      Reply
    • This is what I got as reply when I asked the following to Fragomen yesterday (April 16) “If I did not receive any petition number by today, would that mean that I did not make it in the lottery?”

      “The USCIS is still sending out notifications for petitions that have been accepted over the next couple of weeks. There is still the possibility that the petition filed for you will be accepted and if we receive confirmation of this, we will be sure to notify you.”

      Reply
  8. they say god helps those who most need help, my overall situation is such that i would really appreciate his grace at this point, please keep me in your prayers, still cant believe i might not be getting through this year.

    Please keep me in your prayers.

    Reply
      • I know people have been making a mockery with my nickname, I can quote every since super long paragraph i have written in the past including the first time i quoted this :

        “Ho Shaam Bhi Toh Kya
        Jab Hoga Andhera
        Tab Payega Dar Mera
        Uss Dar Pe Phir Hogi Teri Subah”

        Reply
    • In recent days, god stopped helping people in need. cheaters and loafers started bribing him.. Being honest should not be an option these days. From now on I will start using all the loop holes in US immigration system to get me a visa

      Reply
      • some of us have walked the straight route and our on our last leg (read it as last attempt), as i still await my result..my dreams have more or less been shattered by this outcome. completely devastated. Now only gods miracle can pull me out of this. Sitting here listening to Gayatri Mantra and hoping someone hears me out 🙁

        Reply
    • Hello Bro,

      you will get your H1B, Even I would like to see your comments saying that” Happy to share my receipt #xxxxxxxxxxxxx, Thanks God for hearing my voice 🙂

      Reply
        • I already received my receipt number pal. This person who is using my name is fake. I see quite some guys who are using my name got the receipt. I believe it’s kind of lucky name, so more and more number of guys started using it. Hope everyone gets it.

          Reply
          • well well you are back, if that was the case, i would have got it first…thank you for using this name, just out of curiosity how long have you been using this nick..date please?

        • thank you kind sir. I appreciate the support but do we really have anything to hang on to apart from a false sense of belief that one day we will get ours 🙁 sigh…this has been cruel.

          Reply
      • bless you kind soul. dude you cant imaginge what i have been through and not getting this would completely wipe out all the efforts ever made from me or my family. I wish the same luck to you, hopefully we come out victorious because only we can understand the pain of each other and our fellow members who are still suffering. While i understand everyone wont get it i atleast want god to show his grace on the ones who are suffering the most or are on last attempts.

        Reply
          • well can you do me a favor, can i get my nick back, thats the only thing i have right now to communicate with my fellow members who are suffering, i am not sure why we are doing this. Please let me be in peace right now…really suffering.

          • If this nick will help you get the receipt then you are use it as much as you want., but just stop pretending that you are real.

  9. I have just asked my employer for updates, but they didn’t get any updates from VSC yet on any apps…

    Looks like VSC is too slow, might be they have more applications in there plate….! if that’s the case then its a good sign.. 🙂

    Reply
    • Just now my attorney confirmed the same.
      Most firms havent got an inflow of VT AD PP reciepts as of this morning!
      hang in der.. good luck.

      Reply
  10. No pranks; on a serious note I wannA know if h1b slaughter got it ?
    I felt really happy for him.. If the real slUghter is around , pls reply.

    Reply
    • I got it friend, but there are some guys who are using my name. I am praying for everyone of you. Thanks for your support guys.

      Reply
    • no i did not get it…..and i have been made a mockery on these forums. Really disgusted by my current state, I have this nick since last year, can quote every line i have written, you can actually see a writing in my posts…. anyways i am not here to reason out who i am …because i have been left high and dry without a receipt..with a single filing from a top company…..just dosent feel real..my dreams are completely shattered.

      Reply
  11. Advanced Degree/ Regular Processing:
    Anybody got SEVIS update info from university? ..Please all reply here guys…help all..

    Reply
  12. Someone.. please answer.. Are there any chances that AD/PP might still receive receipts after April 27th?

    Reply
    • Couple of observations.
      Vermont is Processing around 4K applications daily. (4500 in total).
      Assuming 30K will be processed by vermont, this will complete mid next week. All checks cashed, and receipt notices sent. For biggies Wipro, ACC, Cog etc.. it might take couple of weeks to get notified due to their opaque communication process. But by end of next week uscis will send information.
      PP AD, PP Non-AD , Regular AD, Regular Non-AD should be order.
      There could be few applications processed laters as well over next couple of months due to rejections in between, cases will be few but you have hope.

      Reply
      • So when can we come to conclusion, that we haven’t been selected? Am asking this because I need to get ready for Plan B.

        Reply
        • PP AD — Game over if not today
          PP Non AD- By Monday or so
          Regular – 2 Weeks after this week. Add your company/attorny SLA for holding info.
          Lucky ones will get (1-2% or so) till late June. Till rejection letter come, there is slight hope.

          Reply
  13. Advanced Degree/ Regular Processing:
    Anybody got SEVIS update info from university? ..Please all reply here guys…help all..

    Reply
  14. Another day of the terrible wait, cried myself to sleep and woke up the same way. Anyways let’s hope for the best. Good luck fellow members. Ad/pp/CA

    Reply
  15. Hey has AD\ RP checks has been processed or not. I know they would notify after the PP notifications is done, but was wondering if they would cash the check of the RP as well after they were selected in the lottery? or they would only do it after PP is done.

    Reply
  16. Guys, given that there have been fewer cases of Vermont receipt notice being sent, I am starting to wonder if the lottery results turned out to be biased towards west coast applications.

    Hope this is not true. NonAD/PP/VT

    Reply
  17. Hi Guys, I am PP/ADV/VT.
    I did not hear anything from my employer until now. I just want to know when are the checks usually cashed during a day? Does it always happen in the morning?

    Thanks

    Reply
  18. Guys has any one heard of receiving email receipts from vermont..as we can see in this blog there are very few with updates frm Vermont and those who do have got them by mail or have seen their cheques encashed..meanwhile there are lots of premium processing receipts sent thru Vermont ..so guys don’t loose hope..guess they are on your way!

    Reply
    • Guys do think most of these are new h1’s… bez I dont hear alot of ppl talking about getting receipts from vermont, although there are alot of ppl with cheque cashed…. may b all the numbers we see here which show they are received by uscis after 15th are non cap..

      Reply
      • Could be … but almost many of them have the similar statement like this

        On April 17, 2015, we received your request for premium-processing of your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker,

        Reply
        • yea , thats the only thing which makes me hopeful that those might be ours… bez it is uncertain to have so many non cap PP apps in just this week

          Reply
  19. Very happy to know that multiple petitioners not getting results.

    Thats a wonderful news dude, Are you that worth three clients sponsor you ..if they sponsor you , you should be a direct hire not through a consultancy .please stop kidding ……..i pray all multiple get rejected, unless they are genuine

    Reply
    • My friend

      This is not the case, as there are less multiple applicants in AD. You can see a lot in RP and when the result started coming next week then we come to know the exact details.

      Reply
    • I’m sure they will all come under regular process, which haven’t been started yet. No one have already paid consultancies hefty fees for the H1B petition and also send over $1000 check for premium process I think. Just hope USCIS picks more applications then before so they will reject more later, especially multiple fake petitions.

      Reply
  20. Hi,
    Apologies if I am bugging you guys on this forum. I have a query on cap exempt h1b and appreciate if anyone could share the thoughts on similar case.
    I have unused petition which was valid from Oct 2008 to Sept 2011.
    I have never travelled to USA. Can I use it for cap exempt H1B. I have seen on forums that if petition is within 6 years, same cap can be reused.
    Anyone know how 6 years are counted in my case. From date of approval (oct 2008)? or from validity of petition (sept 2011)? Many Thanks

    Reply
    • I’m in same boat. My attorney says it may work or may not. So we have applied in this year cap subject.

      If not selected in lottery will see.

      Reply

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