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 ?
Did anyone get response for AD/RP/VT??
Advanced Degree/ Regular Processing:
Any updates guys on SEVIS update or any notifications…
Please reply all AD/RP here….. Help All…
Any idea for when would we hear news for AD/RP cases? ! !
My OPT expires in DEC 2015. Can I do a SEVIS update check?
Please Respond. Thanks
My check got cashed I am eagerly waiting for lawyers response. I was not hopeful at all after looking at application counts but looks like god has other plans for me 🙂 and ya the good one. Before you all ask let me tell I am Non-AD/PP/California.
Hello Hope,
Yours Check got cashed today? I am working at Vegas AD/PP, I heard AD/PP for Cal. completed on friday. So bit worried
Sorry I should have told that too, no it was on Friday evening I guess.
Hi, I just called our International Office and after begging for 30 mins the officer finally gave me a receipt number. Do you guys know if that means for sure that i was selected? Thank you!
HI Alex
That means you got through, congrats. Are AD? which service center and when is your opt going to expire?
Hi Dan,
Thank you for the answer. Yes, I am ADV/PP/VT, my OPT expires on 6/30. I havent heard anything from the lawyer though. Good luck to everyone here. It’s been very stressful to read the comments here but it is necessary. I wish everyone here will hear the good result soon!
Hi guys, any AD Regular folks who found that sevis has been updated from sevis center?
Please respond, thanks 🙂
Hi,
Is there any chance for AD/PP (CAL), I am from Vegas, I guess it is cal.
Hi, Will there be a SEVIS status update even though my OPT is not expiring before/on OCT 1st 2015?
Yes your university’s international advisor and check.
Sorry for the confusion. It will only be updated if your OPT is expiring before Oct 1, 2015
Sorry for the confusion. It will only be updated if your OPT is expiring before Oct 1, 2015..
Vermont has started issuing RP’s now.. Don’t see any PP’s being issued.. Is it done for all PP’s except for few who might have their receipts on their way through mail.. Thoughts??
Friend. As per the comments from many VT sending receipts through mail. It may take one more week for PP receipts.
AD/PP/CA, is it all over for us. I know I had already lost hope but some part in me kept waiting to see if I was selected. Thoroughly disappointed with my fate and destiny.
H1bslaughteragain: Do not worry, people are still receiving their receipts. Couple of my friends are AD/PP/CA and their employers/attorneys did not get any email yet, seems like there is a discrepancy with email notifications. so keep calm and watch IPL 😀
thanks mate, sorry for the capital “H” in my initial post, kinda adds to the whole confusion with my nick. Default letter from phone is caps.
Anyways coming back: I hope that is the case, i am really desperate to get in this year. I cried on my way to work this morning just thinking about my luck. That is how much this has affected me. Hopefully everyone here gets what they wish for the most 🙂
I thought you already got selected…I saw some posts saying you got through and all….
dude h1bslaughteragain, do not lose your confidence bud. If not this time then try and get a job in a university or a research organization whose H1 is cap exempt. This is also my second attempt, i absolutely feel what you are going through but crying and weeping for H1 is not worth. This is all a game of luck and there’s nothing you and me can do about it.
#GameOfLuck
#AllMenShouldGetH1B
same here.
Regular premium ka update kab aayega…. Feel tense 🙁
Is there a chance for non AD/PP/VT? Please help me.
AD/PP/VT
Got the receipt today from lawyer. Finally got picked up. Have faith guys. I didnt get through last year.
EAC-15-135-XXXXX
is that email? or regular mail?
Congrats!!! All the best of luck…
Congrats Friend !
I wish that I also get picked up in lottery like yours 😀
My lawyer and my employer both received hard copy of the receipt notice today. I was under the impression that for premium cases, USCIS sends email notification. But this is not the case it seems.
Congrats…! can you please tell us in which state your lawyer or employer..? So we can get an idea on USPS’s delivery time..
Lawyer in Michigan and Employer in Maryland and both received the receipt notice by post today.
Thanks,
Mine check was cashed on April 17th waiting for Receipt….Anyway you are informative.
Don’t worry yours also will be picked soon. My wishes to you
Hi,
Anyone contacts Fragomen NYC today on whether they start to receive the receipts from Vermont? Please share your information.
Nothing yet, my case has been handled by Fragomen NJ
My company told me my checks was cashed today, no receipt yet, but very grateful~! Good luck guys. W
Mine is AD/PP/VT
Can you b a little specific. you were told today? or the check got cashed today?
My checks was cashed today.
Thanks for confirming…, All the best!
This year is my last chance and i got mine. I am sure you will get yours bro~! Be strong and patient.
guys I saw last week alot of ppl sharing information on their check being cashed… do normal companies share such info with their employees?? this wait is killing me
Bro. There’s nothing wrong in asking such information. You are not asking confidential stuff. So, my company is normal too. There’s an accounts division. I go there and ask once a day. Non-AD, PP
hi all,
any updates regarding advanced degree + non premium?
Hey, look like they have just started sending out receipts for Regular-Premium. Once they are done sending these out, they will get to advanced-regular. I think it will be atleast a day or two more before they start sending regular ones.
I got my receipt today. RP/Non Ad. All the best!
Receipt number?
Congrats,can you pls tell us which centre and receipt number?
Dude,
Pls don’t spread false rumours, if so could youy pls share the reciept number.
Non-AD/RP? Wow, that was quick. Congratulations mate!
@H1b, Congratulations!
Please provide the receipt number except the last four digits. So we can understand when it got processed. And also if you can give some more details like, is it via e-mail or postal, which center it processed would be highly appreciated!!
Is there still hope for AP/PP/VT?
I think Vermont is mailing out receipts no, my receipt no was sent by mail and not EMAIL to my employer. Hope this helps.
I agree !! Receipts are being Mailed not Emailed !!
Any updates on AD/RP/Vermont.?
I haven’t heard anything..
not yet!!!
Hope soon…
Any one from PP/VT got check encashed after friday ….
If you are students, you could use SEVIS number to check lottery result through SEVIS phone number. Just ask representitive if there is a ‘change of status pending’ showing on your ID.
Are you sure if we can do that? If yes can you please share the number where we can call to confirm. Thanks
What if I’m working under my CPT now?Does my status change as well?
Yes. CPT and OPT are only given to candidates on F1/student visa. Therefore you will see a change if there`s any update
Is this the number to call? Did you call?
SEVIS technical help
•E-mail: sevishelpdesk@ice.dhs.gov
•Call the SEVIS Help Desk: (800) 892-4829 between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. ET
Does this approach really work out?
I am also wondering whom to ask. Is it to the DSO of the international office at the school. I heard it works only whose OPT is expiring on OCt 1 or before ? Or it will work for everyone on OPT?
@Rajan,
Hey I dont think DSO gives out any information. Only few selected Colleges does. I think he`s talking about the below number but I am not sure. May be we can give it a try and see. If you are calling can you please update us aswell.
SEVIS technical help
Call the SEVIS Help Desk: (800) 892-4829 between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. ET
Can you please confirm us the above number. Thanks
If the representative confirms that a “change of status” is pending, does that mean the petition was selected in the lottery?
Yes!!!
Will SEVIS number be updated just on application selection? I though it will be updated only upon approval? Plz confirm?
I checked my SEVIS status today and it says active. AD/RP/VT. I think once its receipted changes reflect. Not sure though
I called today. The representative said my last working day is September 30th(my OPT expires July 10) and the status is currently active. Happy thinking that I might be selected but also cursing myself that I should have if there was a change of status pending, I called again. But this time they just asked the Sevis ID (on the first call they asked the number and confirmed some details) and no other questions. And they said status is active. I asked if there was COS pending. They asked me to call USCIS. I asked what is the last working day for me on my OPT. They asked when did it start. I said Feb. The representative then said July. I think they have figured that people call for this. Now, I don’t know what to believe. Well played SEVIS.
Dude, same thing happened to me.. They didn’t give me any details about any cos update in my sevis instead asked me to call USCIS. They said you are on F1 and its active and that’s it. and sevis is active doesn’t mean that i got selected. It says you are a student with a good standing.
AD/PP/VT ..Still have hopes..fingers crossed.
The latest news!. SEVIS has refused any call regarding question if they won lottery due to the big volume calling in.
i have called them already, but she told me that my sevis status is active, but my checks were cashed on 16 April ??
Guys any one got receipt or cash encashed for Non AD/PP/VT. I did see some NONAD/PP from California getting receipts..I dont know of any one who got it for Vermont.Kindly post if you have got…This would help people like us to know if we should still have hopes
Any one got receipt for Non AD PP from vermont ??
I’m waiting for a decision still. No updates in BAL portal, nor Oracle..
Did anyone you know at Oracle / BAL got updates from VT?
Guys,
I have been following this blog since April 1st, 2015. This a great support tool / website.
To all those waiting for AD/PP/Vermont, please be calm. Looks like the receipts are being sent by MAIL instead of EMAIL. I just got a scanned copy uploaded in my tracker today morning.
This wait it Nerve-wrecking / Brutal / Painful .. But hold it guys .. you will get to hear the good news soon 🙂
– Regards
Congrats! Did you get the email from the lawyer? are you located in the Northeast?
Yes, I am from the east. I did not get any email from the lawyer. We have a online tracker that has been shared by the law firm and the status of the filed H1B can be tracked there.
AD/PP/Vermont – I would like to add that though I received my receipt number today (Uploaded in tracker), the Notice letter was dated April 13th. The receipts are on its way :).
Guys any one got receipt or cash encashed for Non AD/PP/VT. I did see some NONAD/PP from California getting receipts..I dont know of any one who got it for Vermont.Kindly post if you have got…This would help people like us to know if we should still have hopes
Just got my number PP-AD
Guys keep hopes ,PP AD is not done generating receipts yet.
wch center and can you plz share when was it processed?
Congrats.. Which center?
Congrats. Center??
Hi,
Anyone hear from Fragomen regarding AD/PP/VT?
Non AD/Reg first timer.. Hoping for my share of luck. I hope by may first week Non-AD/RP candidates will start getting receipts
I think premium processing petitions not yet completed. Probably regular will start after 27th apr
This week dedicated to NON AD\PP.. Jai Ho…
EAC1514051400 – Latest NonAD i believe…
Dude that receipt is Non-PP and was processed on April 13
Just checked my sevis status. No updates and still active 🙁 . AD/RG/VT
Not necessary it should change.Can we expect results starting next week?
ok guys GM! lets start the war, i applied h1 from indian mnc, this week is may fate deciding week, no hope after that.
Any updates on Non-AD/RP/VT?
Hi Guys,
Is it over for non-advance degree in PP (California Center)? Also, anyone from apple got his reciept?
Thanks in advance!
Anyone heard back from non-ad/PP/VT through Egan?
I’m checking this site like crazy to know Non AD / PP / VT receipts.
I am on same boat. Non-AD/PP/VT through Egan.
Did you hear back at all? Still no news…
Does it mean we start looking at Plan B if we don’t get any receipts within April 27th or is there any hope after that??
If you are PP and don’t hear back by the end of the week start looking into plan B. For RP you need to wait some more (mid – end) May for the result.
My checks were cashed on 16 April 2016, but until now i did not have the receipt. is that OK?
Same here. Someone on this blog just confirmed me that I am picked in lottery but I still have no word from attorney or employer.
Same here. On April 16th, My employer said, check was cashed. But till now, I have got my receipt. I am on AD/PP/VT. How about yours ?
same here.
my cheque was cashed and i we haven’t got any email from VT as mine is PP. Also, I was checking with my DSO and my sevis got updated.
Does it mean we start looking at Plan B if we don’t get any receipts within April 27th or is there any hope after that?
Hi All, My PP cheque got cashed on Friday evening does that means I am selected in lottery? Thanks in advance.
Yes.. That’s cotrect.. Cali/VT..Ad/rp?
OMG thank you so much, well mine was premium processing, and non AD . I think its California as the fed ex tracking system showed the package is delivered to California.
Hi
Mine is same as well. Non Ad/ PP…My check is not ecashed yet 🙁 and I’m little worried
Can you confirm is that AD or NONAD
CA or VT ??
Congrats. AD or Non AD??
Can someone confirm if this is the latest receipt number from VT.
EAC1514051145 . I found it through random number technique. Mine Non-AD/RP/VT. Have they started sending the receipts already ?
EAC1514051195
non AD / RP / VT, Last Friday my lawyer told we won’t hear anything before next 3 weeks. Is that true?
Non AD/RP guys should get receipts from Post 27th April to Till first week of June
Buddy this is i guess the latest receipt number from VT center. EAC1514051145 although i could not make much out of it.
Guys
I heard that this year USCIS going to be rejected all the multiple case means same employee apply through multiple employer ..
is that true?
From which source you had heard this news ?
As per the Official Website the USCIS has announced if there is a duplicate filling than it is not going to entertain that application.
To file from different employers and if the documents are LEGAL. It should be legal.
Please share your source of information ?
If same employee had filed multiple petitions through different employers then no issue.
Applied 1 in AD-PP and 1 in AD-RP. 1 is selected AD-PP.
@multipleADPP, same here man. I am praying that other one didn’t make it. you were cali or vermont?
Hey @AB mine is from Vermont. Wat abt u. I think RP is not yet started. r u in PP or RP. I wanted this ADPP petition only to get selected. The other one is RP and employer is also not good. The selected petition is from one of top 10 fortune company. I wish mine other don’t get selected and the deserving one gets it. This was my third attempt. I filed single for last two years but wasn’t selected in lottery. Both times it was ADPP but my luck eluded me. This time finally I made it. Thanks God.
Anyone from cognizant got the email?
Anyone from L&T infotech got the mail????
Anyone from redbus2us.com got the mail??? 🙂
Non AD/RP guys should get receipts from Post 27th April to Till first week of June.
non AD / PP / CA
anyone received receipt today. Pls share.
Is it the end of the story for AD/PP/CA?
Friend
Do not worry ! You and I will get selected please wait and watch. Till April 27th please keep your figures crossed.
Best of Luck to every one 😀
I am waiting as well.
Be positive and Happy Monday!
Hi Guys,
Did any one got the receipt for Regular Processing(RP) from Mphasis India.
ive seen on friday that several RP cases were updated in USCIS..Still no one ot their receipts.. am i missing something??
Did any one got the receipt for Regular Processing(RP) from Mphasis.
Probably they were mailed, so will take time to reach.
today will be non ad/rp and non ad/pp for few in VT.. Just an educated guess.. hopes for all are still alive IMO
When can we expect RP results