Updated : November 25th, 2015
H1B Visa 2016 Filing Season Complete, Cap reached on April 7th, 2015.
Planning for next H1B season, Check out H1B Visa 2017 FAQs
As many of you know, H1B Visa 2015 quota was over in the first week and a whopping 172,500 H1B petitions were received in first week by USCIS. H1B Lottery / random selection was held by USCIS to select 85,000 H1B petitions to fulfil the work permit cap. Many of the unlucky ones are already wondering about next year H1B Visa quota. Also, some of you are planning for H1B visa for next year, you also would be wondering regarding the same. This article addresses many of the common questions, it will be updated constantly, whenever any changes to info. Bookmark this page ! To start with, firstly the news updates on this season, followed by many commonly asked questions.
Official & Unofficial USCIS News Updates Regarding H1B 2016 Season
- November 25th, 2015 : There is no special news as such, but we have our readers reporting that their H1Bs are still being approved that were under regular processing. So, if your status is stuck at one status, there is still some hope…
- July 14th, 2015 : USCIS released a note saying that they have returned all the petitions that were not selected in lottery for FY 2016. If you do not hear back from USCIS by July 20th, then you can contact them. Check Press note
- May 4th, 2015 : Data Entry for Selected H1B Petitions Completed
- April 14th, 2015 : Premium Processing H1B 2016 starts from April 27th
- April 13th, 2015: USCIS receives 233,000 for FY 2016 Lottery complete.
- April 7th, 2015: H1B Cap Reached for FY 2016. Summary of USCIS News
- April 6th, 2015: Guidance to file Second Petition, if Delivery Service Errors
When will the H1B season for fiscal 2016 begin ?
USCIS will accept petitions for H1B Visa 2016 season starting from April 1st, 2015. USCIS did a press release on March 12th outlining the details. Read summary of press release by USCIS on H1B 2016 .
Will there be lottery again for H1B Visa 2016 ? Predictions ?
We had lottery for FY 2015 and FY 2014. The total number of petitions filed for FY 14 were about 125,000 and for FY 2015, there were about 172,500 petitions… As H1B Quota did not increase for FY 2016, and the demand does not seem to decrease, we would very likely have lottery for FY 2016. Read H1B Visa 2016 Lottery Predictions, Dates, Results
What is the H1B Visa quota Cap Count ? Would there be any changes to H1B 2016 count ?
H1B Visa quota cap count is the total number of petitions that USCIS will accept for a fiscal year to provide temporary work permit for highly skilled workers. For the 2016 fiscal year, the cap count is as below :
- Regular H1B Quota : 65,000
- H1B Masters Degree Quota ( only US Degrees) : 20,000
- Out of the above, a total of 6,800 is usually set aside for Singapore and Chile citizens as part of the free trade agreement between them.
As per the press release in March 2015, the quota did not increase. To give some background, as per the Obama executive action in Nov 2014, no changes were announced to the H1B Cap count. There was proposal in 2013 to increase H1B cap from 65,000 to 110,000 and Masters quota to increase from 20,000 to 25,000 did not go through as of March 2015. At least, for this FY 2016 season, the quota is fixed and it will be as above and no changes.
When should I start planning for H1B Visa 2016 ? What are the steps ?
It depends on your situation. Below are few scenarios and your plan.
- If you are a student on F1 Visa in USA, you need to plan for your internship/ CPT or OPT employment at a company that can sponsor your H1B Visa for FY 2016. In my view, you should start now to find something for the fall 2014 and continue that for next spring so that you can file for FY 2016
- If you are in other country and planning for H1B, it is good to start your process around the end of this year 2014. It will give you enough time to find sponsors, search for job, etc.
- If you are on H4, L1 or other visa in USA and planning for H1B for FY 2016, you also should consider looking around end of this year i.e. December 2014.
We have published step by step plan, you can read the article How to plan for H1B Visa 2016 ?Step by Step Guide
Most asked Question – How do I Find H1B Sponsors for FY 2016 ?
This is a million dollar question ! One of the biggest challenges is to find a good sponsor that can offer you a job and wait for you to start work after 6 months of filing your petition. You should review the detail article on How to find H1B Sponsors for FY 2015. Your first place of start is to find the H1B Sponsors in an area or by company. Use our H1B Visa Sponsors Database to search and filter. Read this article on details on how to search in our H1B Sponsor database. We keep the database updated as DOL publishes data. Do NOT share your email or phone number on our website as comments, there are many people do H1B Sponsorship fraud by requesting money using your contact info. RedBus2US.com never provides personal guidance on H1B sponsors or seeks money from anyone, we only display publicly available data on our H1B Sponsors Database page. We DO NOT sponsor H1Bs or guide anyone. Beware of H1B sponsorship Fraud !
What about Comprehensive Immigration Reform ( CIR) – H1B Visa Changes ? What are they ?
There have been some proposed changes to the H1B Visa program to cater to the demand in the US economy as part of the Comprehensive Immigration reform. Below are some of the proposed changes.
- H1B Cap to be increased from 65,000 to 110,000 per year. Also have provisions to have it up to 180,000 in case of extreme demand.
- Advanced degree from US cap quota to increase from 20,000 to 25,000
- The Filing fee for H1B could go up to 10,000 USD
- Additional H1B rules to avoid H1B Visa fraud by employers
- Mandatory LCA posting for 30 days before it is certified.
These were proposed in 2013, but nothing has moved significantly and all the above are just proposed rules. We are not sure when they will be implemented. You can read Summary of CIR – Immigration reform – H1B Visa and Green Card to get an idea. The latest update is that Obama has taken executive action on Immigration in Nov 2014 and none of the below are included as part of that. Stay tuned for updates.
H1B Visa 2016 Fees – Any changes ? How much does it cost ?
There are various components of the fee. The H1B Application filing fee could range anywhere from $1,600 USD to $4,400 depending on the size of the company. The attorney fee can range from $500 to $3000 depending on the attorney. If you apply for premium processing that is another $1,225. The fees has not changed in the past couple of years for FY 2014 and FY 2015. Unless USCIS revises fee based on immigration reform, it should be same. We will keep you all posted. For complete details of the fee by components and break up, read the article H1B Visa Fees and Who Pays for What ?
H4 Visa EAD rule impact on H1B Visa 2016 Season ?
As you know, certain H4 visa holders are now eligible for EAD. The H4 Visa EAD Rule Passed earlier in 2015 and is effective from May 26, 2015. USCIS will start accepting applications for EAD from those eligible H4 visa holders starting from May 26th. The question is that will that have an impact on number of H1B petitions for this fiscal year ? It very likely will have certain impact on the number of H1B applications that are filed for this year 2016 quota. Many of the H4 holders, who would now be eligible for EAD, may not apply for H1B visa, just because it gives them more flexibility to work and more choices to work as well. We would have to wait and see, how much of an impact that would have, but it is very straightforward and no brainer for eligible H4 visa holder to avoid the H1B processing.
H1B visa Premium Processing Changes to H1B Visa 2016 quota ?
USCIS updated in their press release that the premium processing will be accepted for FY 2016 quota and they will only begin that “no later than May 11, 2015”. What it means for the petitioners is that the official 15 day premium processing clock starts from May 11th, 2015 and their petition could be adjudicated within 15 days from May 11th, which would be May 26th, 2015. USCIS can process them earlier as well, but their new timeline is just indication for setting the right expectations to meet the stipulated time frame for premium processing.
Track H1B Visa 2016 Cap Count updates ?
As in previous years, we have created a page, where would track the cap count updates for FY 2016. You may check out H1B visa 2016 Cap Count Tracker.
While you wait, you can check out April 1st – USCIS H1B Visa 2016 Season Starts Today, When to expect Lottery ?
H1B Lottery Completed – Official Tweet and Press Release
USCIS Completes the H-1B Cap Random Selection Process for FY 2016 http://t.co/fQ6EPUb8Y4
— USCIS (@USCIS) April 13, 2015
H1B Cap Reached – Official USCIS Tweet and Link to Press release :
We have reached the congressionally mandated H-1B cap for FY 2016 http://t.co/RTja7POWYY — USCIS (@USCIS) April 7, 2015
Any other questions ?
Guys.. my application got picked in the lottery. I wish all the best for the genuine applicants. Thanks..
Congrats!!! AP/PP or RP? and which center?
Are you AD/PP?
AD/PP..Center?
Hey bro! I am a genuine applicant. Did you apply for advanced/regular?
I applied for advanced/premium
I’m AD/PP/Vermont Center..
Fragamon?
Fragomen?
Nope.. I just filed from a small law firm
Any one got the receipt for Regular application?
Did any one got receipt from collabera
Any one from desi consultancies AD/PP got or not got
Did anyone hear from BAL yesterday/today on AD/PP/CAL ?
Did not hear anything from BAL. Also I do not know of any others in my company who are applying. Therefore, I’m not sure if BAL did not update their status page yet or if they did but there were no receipts for us.
They usually email you first after when they update their site.
I got mine a few days back. AD/PP/CA
They usually email you first after which they update their site.
I got mine a few days back. AD/PP/CA
looks like Vermont ended issuing receipts for PP. It started RP
Update for Fragomen people for Vermont: Just got off the phone with their paralegel who handles the case for my company. They HAVE heard back from California service center and they have notified people. They HAVE not got any receipt from Vermont service center at all and they are equally in the dark. There was someone who posted about Vermont mail reaching faster than email and it might as well be the case. So many people on AD/PP and thinking your game is over…well give it till end of next week to decide if it is over or not.
thanks for the update, even I have applied through fragomen and I havent received any info.
Me too… I got a standard reply from them to wait, nothing abt no receipts from VC . Though they were kind enough to reply immediately.
I spoke with a Fragomen lawyer in NJ, and he said he does not have news, Im non-ad/PP/VT
Thank you! It is a little relief I will say. Please keep on posting the updates.
What a relief… Thanks a lot…… I started to lose hope until I saw your comment… All the best of luck to you… thanks again for sharing
thanks for the info. Maybe VSC is busy generating receipt and sending them out… two ppl in my company got their receipt letter (both AD/PP/VT) today from attorney and they are scanned letter. So I assume VSC is sending receipt via USPS mail not E-Mail. In other words, it takes sometime to mail all of the receipts …
just FYI
Folks,
Today one of my friend confirmed that they have received the receipt for regular processing yesterday for their candidate. This is not fake news as I checked with my friend who owns the company.
My employer filed for me H1b through regular processing I am eagerly waiting and testing my luck.
Good luck for all the folks .
Regards.
Any Advanced Degree/ Regular Processing got any kind of updates…. Please let us know…help all…
Any update on SEVIS status?
SALLA
Fingers crossed..
Hello Everyone – Just spoke to my immigration advisor at international office of my university. She said nothing changed on my I20/Sevis record. I am under AD/PP. Please let me know if I am still in or move to plan B?
i am also in same situation. No update to sevis..AD/PP/VT .. Don’t know whats next..
Same here… We shouldn’t lose hope…
I’d say wait until next week to know for sure. If no news but next Friday, then we are definitely not selected. However, keep in mind that not hearing anything so far and not having an update on your I20 is unfortunately bad news. It seems that they will have at most 1/2 more days of PP (though some claim they were done today with PP). Don’t lose all hope because it could be that the service center (Vermont) or your lawyer is slow at sending the news. Be realistic though and ready to move on and start that plan B.
Fidelis/VT nyone???
quite irritated with vsc…even a snail could be faster…many Ad/pp are still waiting and not even a single update on non ad/pp..whats wrong with them if they send email receipts?????
Anyone here starting to see updates on AD/RP?
Not yet.
For regular processing will we first receive an email or receipt number directly via mail?
no email for RP, only mail
I agree. No email for RP
Are receipts sent first and later cheque gets encashed or vice versa ??
vice versa
Are receipts sent first and cheques gets encashed or vice versa..clarify dudes..
CA Service has started generating Non-PP
May you kindly tell where do you get this info from ?
Thanks
EAC1513852664 Latest Vermont
EAC1513852637 latest receipt number
Finally the wait is over. My lawyer just confirmed the receipt number to me.
EAC1513852660
all the best guys !!
PP or RP ??
RP/AD ???
Anyone got news from seyfarth shaw so far???
its very weird I heard the same too. Maybe that is the delay, I mean I still don’t know if they picked mine. This just means don’t loose hope:)
Then they have started regular processing looking at this…
On April 13, 2015, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC1513852300, 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 13, 2015,
Its okie guys..If I dont get , I will work from india. Big deal !! Thanks for all your support and motivation.
Good luck.
Are you in India, currently?
Yes, I am in india now.I have never been in Aeroplane all in my life. I so badly want to fly and want to enjoy the journey from a window seat
Window seat suck my friend for such a long journeys unless you are traveling in business class. I am experienced one.
Dude.. chill I see you worrying and commenting from the day one…Please be consistent with your feelings.. this is not end of world.. !!
Assuming sat is off ..if all the AD/RP receipts are sent via fedex it will take atleast 4 days(including sat and sun)..so ad/pp guys shud get their receipts by wed/thu..non ad/pp guys by 27/28/29..correct me if am wrong
Its government, guess would be usps:D.
Ofcourse you are wrong. If you did PP, you will get email receipt immediately and then paper receipt later.
Guys, I just spoke with my lawyers. My check has been cashed (AD PP), so I’m very thankful! No receipt number yet, but hoping that makes it a done deal. But they say that Vermont has been MAILING and not EMAILING receipts. They got a hard-copy mailed receipt for another client this morning. That may explain the Vermont delays.
EVEN for PP? no email?
I would Echo this !!! Yes… I know two ppl from my company( PP/AD/VT), they are getting the receipt letter by USPS hard mail … NOT EMAIL … and they just got them today …
So I called SEVIS service center and check to see if I have a pending status, and they said that I do have a status pending. Does this mean my lottery has been selected?
any updates on Non AD/ Non PP?
Any update form the side of RP
Hi All,
Any idea whether NON AD/ RP receipt start generated or not?
Thanks!
Any update reg Regular Processing
Guys, Keep praying…. Prayer really works. no matter what. !
How did you pray? going to the temple?
Got my receipt notice from Fragoman
AD/PP/CSC
Receipt date, which is mentioned in USCIS site, is 15th April but I got email today from Fragoman law firm.
Just saw people differentiating AD and Non AD..guys chill..all cases are not the same..i get paid in an MNC more than the guy who did his masters in US..what happens if they choose US citizens with basic degree than Indians with masters..dont be a hypocrite..
How much are you making ? I don’t agree with you. People gets peanuts in MNC at India.
Vermont has started sending regulars. Does it mean PP is all done?
How do you get to know about regular from vermont buddy ?
Go to USCIS web page, click on case status and then put on the receipt number startin EAC138XXXXXX
I am going to get drunk all weekend, this is so frustrating
Dont you have millions of dollars in poker money… why are you bothered about H1.?
MY SEVIS says Pending. Does this mean anything? Thank you
How do you know? Where can I check mine ?
Are you….AD/RP?
are you…. AD/RP?
AD/PP/VT. I checked with my DSO
When is your opt going to end
June 1st
Anyone aware about latest receipt# from vermont ?
I am not sure where to check this. I am curious to know what we could check by knowing the latest receipt numbers.
Would be appreciated if anyone explains please.
the one which I can see is EAC1513754500
EAC1513754501 @ 1:20 PM.. None has been posted ever since
this # EAC1513754501 is regular i think .. any idea ?
Advanced Degree/ Regular Processing:
Anybody got SEVIS update info from university? ..Please all reply here guys…help all…… !
I’ve decided to give them a call on wednesday.
Did you check with your International office?
AD/RP
I will call after some time…. What do u think for chances for AD/RP ?
I can certainly see many receipts being generated under RP ….. not sure if they update the SEVIS immediately. Its definitely worth a shot to check with the international office and if you do hear good news you can have a stress free weekend atleast.
Some schools do not cooperate
AD/PP
I just heard from my HR that my application check got cashed, does it mean my application got picked in lottery?
Yes, congrats.
CA
which center? CA or VT?
California
Congrats
CA
Guys,
I paid for the premium processing fee myself and the check got cashes yesterday. Does it mean anything, or everyone’s check get cashed, regardless of you got in the lottery or not ? Thanks..
it means u got selected..congrats
Wow ! That’s awesome ! I thought they deduct the fees irrespective of whether you get in or not. Thanks for the great new buddy ! My best wishes for you !
hey everyone
Mine was applied under RP and Non-Advanced degree
I know it’s early hear to anything regarding my petition … But the thing is I have another job offer and I want to take it. I have enough OPT till next year. But my problem is what will happen to my application if I take the new job? Will by current employee still send me the receipt even if I leave them.. What do I need to provide my new employer to prove that my h1b was filed ? What does my new employer needs to do so that my application remains valid? Suggestions please..
If you get picked in the lottery and leave your current employer, your employer can revoke your H1B petition. i.e You can very well take the new job and file for H1B in FY17 and go through the lottery process again. It is suggested to stick with your employer after filing your petition till it is processed.
Thanks… What if I get the receipt… Can they still revoke it ?? Does that mean I am stuck here till it gets approved??
got email from my attroney today.
Hurry….. i am soooo happy….
I,m AD/PP/Vermont
Guy’s i see some people posting that all AD/PP are done…
Nothing like that and dont freak out…hang on their and pray for good luck…thats what i was doing since morning…
So AD/PP still have chance….
Did you file through Fragomen?
Yes
Where is your work location TX?
No, murthy law firm.. someone else posted the previous reply
Got Email From Employer that my petition got picked up.
very happy :).
I pray for all the guys with last shot to get this time .
Congrats are you AD? which service center?
AD/PP/CA
Which service center?
Vermont
is this for premium or regular
On April 13, 2015, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC1513852300, 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 13, 2015,
Regular
Looks like it is regular processing, premium says that the receipt is emailed. Hope this helps…:)
Anyone from Shah & Kishor? Any updates?
anyone from aamir & dev anand? any update
any one from chiru and balayyah law firm?
Hahaha
Any one from Jatin – Lalit
No dude even I been waiting for updates from Shah & Kishor !!!
but I now started waiting for update from aamir and Dev anand law firm.
Are you AD/PP, AD/Non-PP
Non-AD/PP, Non-AD/Non-PP
WAC or EAC?
i am. no updates.
Anyone from Naresh & Aruna? Any updates?
That means they already sent him/her email receipt on 13th April and he/she should receive the paper receipt by May 13th though post. I got mine on April15th and it said me to expect paper receipt by May 15th.
Guys,
I just checked with my school advisor and she says sevis record is updated today saying cap gap extension happend till 9/30/15. very happy.
AD/pp/vermont
Congrats when is you opt going to expire ?
My OPT expires on June 30th. I am still waiting from attorney on receipt number.
Guys,
I just checked with my school advisor and she says sevis record is updated saying cap gap extension happend till 9/30/15. very happy.
AD/pp/vermont
Congrats! And what happens between 9/15/2015 and 10/1/2015?
Alright guys.. I think its time to say good bye to you all.. With very little hope left for AD/PP guys, and huge amount of loan waiting back home, I dont want to live on this earth anymore.. all the best to u guys..
Wait till evening its still 11.00 am there , you will get it for sure by evening. you are AD you deserve it.
Don’t be stupid, we still have chance
You AD guys are crazy. Ending life for a lottery.
Are you kidding me you ass!! This s my second attempt, still I didn’t get.. E have so many options man… Chill.. We are all on the same boat
Bro Don’t do anything stupid. Did you took every decision in your life based on lottery..no right.. then why do you take stupid decisions based on this dumb illogical lottery..I know its sad to be at the wrong side but but but its never over..
Wait mama, ostadi uko endku pareshan aytav
If you have already decided, go to the USCIS office and jump off from the top floor. They may increase the quota next year at least because of your novel deed.
P.S – I’m freakin kidding, if your serious? If you’re joking then I’m not.
May God give you serenity to accept things you cannot change, courage to change things you can, and wisdom to tell the difference.
A few ours ago, my check has been cleared, but I heard nothing from my lawyer. (AD/PP)
plz, don’t give BS philosophical lecture here. You are going to make already pissed off people even more agitated.
Congrats btw.
Congrats btw
No my brother, please do not even think of ending your life for reasons such as this lottery. There is a lot of life beyond any trouble in your life. How do you know H1 will solve all your issues. New problems will start immediately, like uncertainty in getting a visa stamp, moving to a different place with short notice, new project stress, unable to plan your moves, extensions, LCA & PERM, GC, and citizenship. Every step is hurdle. Remember, we are making USA stronger by living here and working here. No immigrants, no America. Have some courage and confidence. It’s alright, it happens if it has to happen. Something will come up on your way.
Will your family be able to pay those loan alone? Will they be happy for rest of their life? Think positive . Do not go like a looser. Think about your family friends. Make plan B. Work on it and make it success instead of ending your life.
Grow a pair! stop worrying and start working on Plan B. I was in same situation last year and my plan B worked out pretty well for me. I have applied for H1B again this year but this time around Im worry free because last year before i even got my rejection packet i started working on my plan B and did not worry a bit. Good Luck 🙂
What waso ur plan b
Bro, I am sure that we who don’t get h1b will be doing even great things. Learned this in my life, great people are successful people and are talented people. SO you are talented and can be great and successful.