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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. So finally its official now that it has reached cap and it will conduct lottery.
    Fingers crossed,still i am note sure whether my shipped petition reached uscis. 🙁

    Reply
    • In 2013 , when they received 125,000 apps they straightaway announced number and that they conducted lottery.

      Last year they announced huge number of apps when they received 172500 apps and conducted lottery later.

      Same message for this year means a very high number of apps this year as well

      Reply
  2. Uscis declared that they received petitions more than cap count and there will be lottery. lottery date is still not finalized. You guys can check Uscis new releases section on their official website for more details.

    Reply
  3. so much noise up till the announcement and now everyone has gone quiet. Also USCIS does mention in the update they have received high volume of petitions, similar to what was announced last year.

    Reply
        • Can you do anything about it? No right? It’s not in anybody’s hands. This is a system being followed in this country. You cannot change nor can I. Stay positive. There are lot of good things to worry about. No point stressing and spoiling your health.
          Go have a beer and chill out.

          Reply
          • I wish i could sound as fearless as you do brother. I guess my situation is different and so is everyone else`s. To each his own and i appreciate you trying to calm me down but with this my last attempt dosent seem like i have a lot of options. Anyways i am trying to be positive and hanging on to hope to get through. If i do and so does everyone else here that needs it beers are on me 🙂

  4. WHy does someone spend money to get a visa? I see people posting they spent $5000 to apply for a visa. I thought the company applies it for you.

    Reply
    • It’s a bunch of folks who pay shady “consulting firms” to apply for them, that they’ll never work for; just trying to get into the country. I’m not sure what’s worse – USCIS not being aware of the extent to which this happens, or them being aware and choosing to not do anything about it (besides the few companies they bust every other year or so)

      Reply
    • @ anetjob, yes you are right companies applies for you if you are alraedy in US and working or you are working in a BIG MNC’s in india and working in US project, But if somebody don’t fill both the criteria then he have a one more option, Find a desi consultancies in USA who will sponsor your H1 visa but you have to bear all the visa cost which is 5000$ or more

      Reply
      • That’s a lot of money man. Just work hard, study hard and earn wherever you are. I am in US but not on H1. But that’s ok. Just go where life takes you. My friend who worked in southeast asia for 8 years and had a team under him. He came here on L1A and then got his green card within 2 years. Work hard.

        Reply
    • if you will compare the latest news posted by USCIS is the same they have posted last year, Just copy and paste only year change, i think this year too they will disclose the exact no of applications with the fact stating lottery has been conducted on 10 April as same as last year, so guys now we can sleep because we have to wait 3 days more to know no of applications

      Reply
    • Yes it is. What is the meaning they reached it just now..then minimum number of applications? If at all, then what is this “Due to the high number of petitions, USCIS is not yet able to announce the date it will conduct the random selection process.” – quite confusing

      Reply
      • Check last year news release from uscis on 7th April, almost same mail copy pasted….so surely count is high this time….

        Reply
  5. Half of you guys just want H1B for bigger monetary gifts during marriage. If y’all promise not to take money you will get it else NO. Effin losers.

    Reply
  6. I applied through 3 different employers this time. Spend a lot of $$$ just on the applications. Hope to get Lucky. If USCIS receives 210000 applications, I should get through. 210000/3 = 70000. Good chance of getting. Hope you are lucky with one application. I will pray for myself now. I dont care if you get it or not. Beast!

    Reply
      • That is high level of math. It deals with the probabilistic theory. One in three chances for the grand ole moi. Beast!

        Reply
        • That is not correct mathematically. Let me show you what the real math is for the given situation.

          P(1 app selected)=65000/210000=0.310 (roughly)
          P(1 app not selected)=1-0.310=0.690
          P(3 apps not selected)=0.690^3=0.329
          P(at least one app selected out of 3)=1-0.329=0.671

          That is essentially 2 out of 3 chances.

          Reply
      • Sorry to say that your math won’t work out. Last year a guy applied more than 6 companies and got nothing which he specified in this same forum last year.

        However all the best for you!!!

        Reply
        • Each application cost appox. $5000 – $7500. You’re friend must be rich or by now he must have become poor. But me, I am gonna get it this time. That’s Beast!

          Reply
      • You have one out of three chances with one application. I, on the other hand, have one out of one. Sooo Beast!

        Reply
    • @H1B Lucky This time,

      i am in the same boat man, i have also applied through 2 different companies and spend thousands of $$$$, lets hope for the best

      Reply
    • First of all.. you have mentioned that you have spent a lot of money, which means, you paid for your H1B which is illegal. Better hope that government is not keeping eye on this forum. Or else you are done. lol

      Reply
      • @ abcd ,

        It doesn’t matter if someone is looking in this forum or not, because email are not displayed here and also your personal emails are not linked up with your h1 visa application, so this is just a forum where people can show their faith, anger, and can have fun to read fake news

        Reply
  7. Hi All,

    for the latest news you can check the uscis facebook page as they update that before updating the uscis official website, hope in next couple of hours we will get some update. But don’t worry it doesn’t matter what will be the count, what all matters is our luck to get H1B, you all havr completed your part and now its a game of our LUCK, I hope by the end of this month most of us will come to know about the exact status

    Reply
  8. I don’t think we will get to know the total number of petitions received by USCIS today. Last year that number came out only on April 10th along with the fact that lottery had been conducted.

    Reply
  9. Breaking news,
    USCIS is going to select all petition as qota is increased suddenly,
    No worries ….. This is not end of world if h1b not selected

    Reply
  10. How can the news of Lottery be true while USCIS still need to accept the applications till end of the day(april 7).

    I guess this is the fake news and we need to wait for the real update from USCIS.

    Reply
  11. Enough…..

    Its getting bored now…

    Still another day to go..

    V all know num. of app. ll provide an idea abt probability of getting picked in lottery!

    Forget abt crap rumors.

    I am sure that I m there. All the best for rest of 64999!!!

    Reply
  12. Being on your last attempt makes this wait even worse. I wish god does justice and everyone who deserve / need the visa get it. Let’s all pray not just for ourselves but others as well and hope most of the ones in need get it. Everyone can’t but some probably need it to happen more this year than others.

    Reply
  13. Hello All
    I understand no body is liking any kind of rumours today but still want to tell that my manager today told me that our office in US has got a news that USCIS is gonna restrict their received petitions to 200,000 might be on first come first serve basis. Has any body else come across this kind of news?

    Reply
  14. Hi,

    I know every one is curious I will be positive. I have one query considering my name gets selected in Lottery then how its possible that my spouse can travel as well as work in US?

    I am not aware hence asking it right away from now.

    Regards,
    Ravi

    Reply
    • 1. Once your employer starts processing your Green Card, you can make use of the new H4 EAD rule.
      2. Ask her to apply to genuine employers, inform them beforehand you will need H1B sponsorship, go the normal/sensible route.
      3. Apply for H1B next year through one of those dubious consultancies by paying from your own pocket.
      4. Join a University, go the F1–>OPT–>H1B route.

      Keep in mind that most US employers are not particularly against sponsoring you an H1B visa. The real problem is the time frame as you have to start preparing the petition(AKA have the job offer ready) by Feb/March at the latest, yet you will be able to join the team only by October. And nobody plans their hiring so much in advance. Mostly they conduct interviews for people to join next month, if not next week. But if you are exceptionally good at your area of expertise, they might just be willing to wait 8 months for you.

      Reply
  15. I get a news from one of the uscis guy that so far they have 192,000 petitions and the official count will be announced US EOB hours

    Reply
    • Applications are still received to different USCIS centers. I believe it’s still pending to know the actual count.

      What is your source of authentication ?

      Reply
  16. Hi all,
    any idea when the lottery would start.I read in USCIS website premium processing interviews starts from May 11th . It means lottery will be end on May 10th .Is lottery a single day process or it extends to couple of days…

    Reply
    • @Srikanth Manchana

      premiun processing interview will start from 11 May, it means notification to each applicant will be send before that date and ofcourse lottery will be several week ago, According to uscis last year we can expect the lottery by this friday 10 Apr 2015

      Reply
  17. Hi All, I come to know unofficially the application count till is 1,70,000.
    Need to wait few more hrs for the Actual

    Cheers,
    All the Very Best…

    Reply
    • How unofficially?

      As per my guess 30-40% of applicents have multiple applicaion from multiple employer. if your number is true.. and consider only 1 application per applicent. then eveyone will get h1b. with out lottery. 🙂

      Reply
      • @Bobby

        All the applications will be consider it does not matter if anyone is aplying one application or 5 application through differenr different sponsors

        Reply
        • one applicant can file n number of application by different employer. Only duplicate application from same employer will rejected . If applicant will selected by 5 employer still they will subtract/minus only one from cap quota . Please take attorney advice before writing here . They are maintaining uniqueness by combination of passport number, country of birth , date of birth

          Reply
  18. Friends

    Every one is keep quite today !

    Let’s be positive there is no right predictions and hope that USCIS is going to annoyance the total number applications.

    Reply
  19. Friends

    Put all your seat belts. Today USCIS may announce the total number of application.

    Wish every one the Best of Luck 😀 and I pray to God this time I get selected in the H1B lottery and get this approved 🙂

    Reply
    • Hi All,
      I know, on 7th or 8th april uscis will declare the total petition. i’m very curious and wanted to total petition count till now.

      Thanks

      Reply
  20. Why you guys Beg for Visa.. I understand that those who are doing Masters and Currently in USA needs it desperately.. But others who are in their own country – Why so desperate .. H1 is not last mile..

    But – you all will hear good news tomorrow /day after that there are less number of applications than what you expect.

    dm

    Reply
  21. Hey guys, couldn’t sleep, last day of the window, super nervous ,anyway all I have is the final countdown playing in my head. …I want this to happen badly, I need it. …….really do. ..good night

    Reply
  22. See below link H2B applications has reached cap since 2009. Is it an indication for high volumes for H1b as well?
    law360.com/articles/639119/uscis-hits-h-2b-cap-for-fiscal-year-2015

    Reply
  23. My lawyer said their postal delivery service is reporting high volumes of petitions delivery. Didn’t say which service.

    Reply
  24. hi all, any idea when the lottery would start.
    Is lottery a single day process or it extends to couple of days…

    Reply
    • Lottery process would start this week… Probably after 7th…. Its just a one day process I belv.. An algorithm or somethign would run and randomly pick up all the applications… 65+20 – 85K

      PP confirmations should start by 15th….and then he RP’s…..

      Reply
  25. As per this blog “http://immigrationgirl.com/hday-receipt-notice-stats-fy2016/” there is a prediction of 2k applications.

    Reply
  26. All,

    You have to believe whatever happens, happens for the best. I did not get it last year and I was devastated at first, but it has probably been one of the best things to happen for a number of reasons. You can only ASSUME that your career is going to be best working at XYZ firm in the US, but the all-mighty really knows what IS best for your future, so have some faith.

    With regards to the number of applications, don’t worry about it. If God really wants your application to be selected, it doesn’t matter if the odds are 5%, 40% or 90%.

    Hope this helps!

    Reply
  27. Can someone please tell when will the normal applicants get notified about the lottery selection?
    When can we expect the lottery results – Date range for successful case and failure case. One of my friend got to know his selection only by June last year..

    Reply
    • I am guessing you havent read anything on these forums, but anyways, USCIS will start working on premium process no later by may 11th, so expect regular to go upto mid june in my opinion.

      Reply
  28. I am really surprised the way people are consoling each other on multiple applications. :), i know most of us did multiple filing, its legal but unethical, agree .. yes. but question arises why such situation.. Broken system is allowing us to do this, not seen any other country with such system… its a topic that will remain as is, I am in my last year in this country and like most of us praying at least it get through with one. so I can at least save my job, coming from a consulting firm from India is far better situation when you know you always have an option B but how about the people who dont have a choice except losing job, personal life.. no one will understand that fact, most of us here are praying.. God please me.. please me.. at least this time …please.. but ..

    Reply
    • I feel like a fool around here with 1 application, from my current employer, i feel like i did the right thing but might lose race to you people who are trying to outsmart the system and its essence.

      Reply
      • That is what I have been doing from 2 year.. be optimistic with one application.. what happened to me.. lost both times.
        luck for survival.. my friend- filed with 4 consulting firm last year.. I did not get one but he got all 4 approved.. and went with one only for job. He kept laughing at me and on my luck.. Well now I am praying helplessly..

        Reply
        • I am sorry if i am hurting someone..

          People say this is my last year. and unethical filing multiple application.

          There are so many people out there who wants there USA dream come true.
          Many of them could not afford the very expensive system in USA, So could not do Masters. but still they did not loose hope and find a alternative.
          Getting a job.. working like slaves for 12-14 hrs a day to get recognized in the team and getting eligible for H1b sponsorship from the employer. It take min 2-3 year of effort. After the current employer ready to sponsor, there comes a race of 200K applications.
          So prepare for interview, crack interview and convince employer for sponsoring me free of cost. is not a easy job.

          And i dont know what is unethical.

          Reply
          • Super Like.. yes.. working like a slave and being depend on lottery…. dont know what else to say.. well Luck.. I hate when I have to say luck favors some of worst who don’t even work hard or even try but still get through lottery.. well who to blame.. lottery or luck..

        • You did not got one and he got in all 4, probably if he would have applied only once you both could have been selected. He just wasted 3 opportunities for others. Anyway I don’t want to waste my energy on this multiple application situation. Good Luck to you!

          Reply
          • Thats what I have been doing.. well from my side I tried to be honest.. but.. did anyone else care about your dream.. no.. you have to follow and dream and then be in situation we are today

  29. Just for sake of consolidating information, lets do a voteout…again this is not helpful in anyway but its just to see if majority are right or wrong…Vote for options 1 ,2 3

    1. App count <135000
    2. App count 190000

    Reply
  30. 2 More days to go to know about the number of Applications for this Year.

    All the best to one and all …………..

    Reply
  31. immigrationlegalblog.com/2015/04/message-from-aila-on-h1b-cap-package-delivery-through-fedex/

    Go to this site to get idea abt application count

    Reply
  32. Am i the only one who feels that its unfair how someone who has graduated from one of the best American Universities and managed to land a job at one of the best american company at a professional position all by themselves has less chance of being selected then someone who graduated from non-American university, has very generic skills but has applied through not one but two or three consulting companies for jobs that can be done by anyone… anyone who feels this way??

    Reply
    • Its kinda unfair, but at the same time rules are rules and this has been in place for years!!
      It doesnt matter whether you passed out from a top university or you have a top job, cos ultimately it was all your decision to come to US and study, knowing that H1B lottery is REAL!!

      Its totally fair as long as the applicants meet the criteria to apply for H1B and employer pays for it, regardless of the university you studied or the job you have in hand…ITS TOTALLY UNFAIR WHEN you guys are put in the same lot as someone who pays for their H1B and that through filing multiple petitions…USCIS shud have better rules to tackle those!!

      Reply
    • I feel the dame f*cking way. I have a US JD and a foreign JD, I am admitted to practice Law in FL and NY and am still here, waiting on a computer generated selection. I feel you!

      Reply
    • This is a reason the USCIS has keep the 20000 cap for the Advance Degree. So that the US students can get first preference than any one else.

      Reply
    • I feel you man. I have worked my butt off for this job ( working for an OEM R&D) and it is not fair for people like us to go through lottery. But I have one word for you.

      CORPORATE GREED.

      Whatever is happening here, it is a vicious, twisted and convoluted circle.

      Reply
    • We understand. There are many, who graduated from best universities. Lost full-time jobs when it is not picked last year.

      Reply

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