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H1B Visa 2016 – FAQs – Lottery, Quota, Immigration Reform, News

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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

  2. Just got receipt number from employer
    Advanced Degree Regular Processing Vermont
    EAC151405****
    Received Date April 13,2015
    Notice Date April 20,2015
    Called SEVIS Center on 20th but there was no change in status or opt end date (OPT ending on June 30 th)
    One application First and Last Attempt(MBA- One year Opt)
    Good luck and God bless

    Reply

  4. I m Non-AD/PP. checked with employer, he filed 5 , one check got cashed today which was AD/RP. Looks like game over for me…this year
    Good luck to all those waiting

    Reply

  12. If the expiration date of my OPT STEM is at the end of Nov, will the SEVIS status change if my petition get selected? I asked DSO today, but they said my SEVIS is no change, because I still have lots of time left on my EAD card. Really nervous and cannot concentrate on work : (

    Reply

  15. CTS first set of receipt for AD RP have come ..My friend got picked up
    AD RP.. nothing for RQ RP yet and GIT team will continue to update them in system .

    Reply

  19. Got receipt today.. in tears… Thanks god!
    This is my second attempt and mine is RQ/PP/CSC, Receipt date was April 17, but today only got the info from Lawyer.

    Thanks all!! and wish everyone good luck!!

    Reply

  21. Come on guys, give me some good news, awaiting good news for others who are still waiting for results….good luck all…as i type this i will offer a prayer for everyone who needs to get in. Keep praying and god bless all. IF you have any questions, ill be happy to answer them for you.

    Reply

  23. Hi Friends..I am AD/PP/VT. I kept my hopes alive till this moment.. But now I knew that game has ended for me. I am into non-IT with only 1 application..I gave literally everything to do my masters here in US after working for 4 years in India. I am screwed royally now..Not sure what to say ..Those who got through.Congrats !…And see some of you here next year…Until then Good Bye Folks 🙁

    Reply

    • No info yet.. but tell me are the gonna send all these comps at once???
      or they send all picked receipt for one company at a time??

      Reply

  25. Guys those who are selected please post the date and time of the application it reached uscis and the field for which u hve applied.

    Reply

    • I checked my status with an immigration adviser and got a receipt # from her.
      wac1514050***.
      It means I won the lottery?

      Reply

  27. Well this h1b thing is happen to be same as green card lottery.Even for green card you cant submit more than one application.
    Who you are is not really important to be selected for uscis anymore.They will decline half of those rfe holders and god knows whats going to happen.
    well next year number will be around 300K since there will be more graduating and returning apps.
    Half of the people who are not selected,are going to stay here anyways and be legal with a school or something and make money under the table.
    So this system is only gonna hurt the government.Imagine How many young professional will stop working legally and stop paying tax.

    Reply

    • Its easy said than done to make a system perfect….
      Nothing is free..going to school and maintaining legal status isn’t easy… many will end up paying close to 10,000$ by joining a school…Isn’t that improving the economy???
      And I strongly disagree with your earlier posts to give priority based on your years of stay, ssn, taxes paid etc since it will create much more chaos… I know lottery is not perfect but its not bad either since it has its own pro’s…..

      Reply

      • That’s fine.Feel free to disagree.
        I dont think there is any reason for chaos.
        question is simple:
        Do you let a stranger come into your house or you open your doors to the people you know for long time?
        Even green card lottery you interview in order to get it.
        H1B people submit fake stuff and resumes and there are chances they can go through due to the volume of applications.
        I am not worried.In may,I know that Im gonna get selected for H1B and Greencard lottery.People who apply for PP should make plan B If you havent heard of anything.

        Reply

  28. This forum has been extremely helpful, though it also builds up a lot of tension when you see others getting receipts and you don’t have any.
    My wife received the receipt number in mail today as I also filed for H-4. I was planning for back up options and also arranged an interview in Canada in my company. But seems like destiny wants me to stay here for some more time.
    I am AD/RP/Non IT – just one employer, MNC based in Chicago with OPT expiring in June.
    I do not have any receipts from my lawyer/employer yet.
    I had accepted my fate that I will do something else and move on and told myself that this lottery will not decide my future. I will work much more harder and be in a better position.
    So guys congratulations to all who get it but those who don’t get it are not losers, they are also winners, just that destiny wants to take a different path.
    Wish you guys luck
    thanks

    Reply

  31. Can I keep hopes until next week as well? Another question will my employer will receive receipt or BAL attorney.
    When i asked to my attorney about whether my check got en-cashed or not his reply is as below. And I really didn’t understand 1st line

    “As you note, we do not expect to receive receipt notices for cases filed with regular processing until May. Additionally, may not have deposited the checks yet for cases filed with regular processing. Ericsson will not conduct such an inquiry until we are later in the process (generally if we should have already received a receipt notice). ”

    Please Help !!!

    Reply

    • Your employer should get the reciept and your lawyer as well. My lawyer still didn’t get the reciept but my employer did. I am AD/RP

      Reply

    • My attorney is same the same thing. Mine is not BAL. They just don’t want the hassle of checking it. They don’t truly understand what we are going through. Because they already got paid when they submitted the applications.

      Reply

  33. Hey Guys,

    My employer informed yesterday morning that all the checks cleared. I know this means i made it thu the lottery but why dont i have my receipt number yet? I emailed my lawyer today and he said he received neither email or mail. do you know how long it takes to receive the receipt number after they clear the checks? By the way, i am AD/RP/VT. Again this is a good sign but i am still nervous ugh this year has been so tough!!! Your comments would be appreciated!

    Reply

    • my check had got encashed 2 days back and i got the receipt yesterday. I am sure you will get it by tuesday 🙂 enjoy for now!!

      Reply

      • Thank you so much! I literally cried all day long from happiness yesterday. It was my second attempt. I still dont believe it – had nightmares all night long last night – My first question to my boss this morning was “They didnt put the money back, right?” lol ugh i just cant wait to get the receipt number :/

        Reply

  34. AD/PP/CSV???

    God!!!! stressed to the core! I have no idea why god is testing me so badly since a while!!!

    only Half a day left to know if you got selected or no if you’ve applied for premium processing? Folks please answer

    Reply

  35. AD/PP/CSV ???

    🙁 :'( people who filed multiple petitions are getting selected. And I filed only one genuine petition, I haven’t heard anything from my attorney/school/from my employer as of now.

    As I applied for premium processing, I should hear something by this evening or I should start forgetting about it and go on with my routine pretending that this never happened. (Bluff myself).

    Anyone here on this forum still waiting like me ( AD/PP/CSV) ??
    it’s been so stressful and depressing since couple of weeks, I’m unable to concentrate neither work.

    I have no clue why USCIS is not being stringent on these multiple petitioners. And moreover encouraging single petitioners to go for multiple petitions for the next upcoming H1 Season!! which definitely increases the probability of getting selected! Why cannot USCIS think of this small logical thing. And how insane and illogical to RFE’S for multiple petitions and approving the petitions if they provide some fake evidences!!!

    SCREW THIS SYSTEM!!!

    Reply

    • I agree with you.
      USCIS is forcing people to either bet their luck in a 1 out of 3 gambling, or to go with multi-filings to increase the chance, disregarding if they are genuine or not. Themselves don’t have a clear definition about genuine thus encouraging more people to apply through multiple consultancies with no client letter.

      They are just like “Yes, we are the gods, now prepare to face your veiled destiny ,mortals, Mehehehhehe”.
      But what can we do? My best friends, A B C and D were all picked and got their notice. By far, all my friends who have filed PP have got their receipts. Even thought I have better grade/degree/ school/ skills/ ability than my friends, they got it, and I didn’t. I feel the sharp pain in my chest each time I asked myself “why?” when I finally accepted the reality. I have this terrible feeling that I’m the abandoned one by whatever supreme power is there.

      Now some friends (on H1Bs) comfort me this way: “Think about X, he missed H1B lottery twice, he is much more miserable than you! you should cheer up! ”
      So the theory is just because there is handicapped people who lost 2 arms, people who has only 1 arms should be grateful and not feel bad right? Humanity never failed to amaze me.

      But I’m here to dishearten you my friend, same boat here.
      AD/PP/CSV
      I had exactly the same negative emotions you have, I’m feeling much better now accepting the fact that mortals can’t fight god.

      If it helps, read those articles about mult-petions by Immigration Girls, in Immigration Girls H1B blog and you will find them.
      One is about NOIR (Notice of intention to revoke approved H1B). It might sound evil, but it helps me feel better that a small percent multi-filers will have their H1B revoked even after approval by USCIS, who are unfortunate enough to be picked for scrutiny and failed to provide evidence.

      Find a way to calm your anxiety, (psychiatrist if necessary), anxiety is bad for health. Discuss next step plan for worst case scenarios with someone who is on H1B also helps a lot.

      Take care, friend. I’m with you.

      Reply

        • @NervousButHaveToCarryOn:
          Thanks for the reply
          yeah, Almost all my friends petitions were picked. I’m the only one left here in vain.
          however, people started comforting me with too much philosophy.
          Man! Seriously!! will they stop thinking and worrying if they are in my shoes??

          I don’t think so!
          After all we’re humans and this is the necessity at this point of our life , we’re not being greedy!!!

          take care !

          Reply

  36. I am so happy to tell everyone I got picked. I am thrilled right now. AD/RP/VT. I hope everyone can have their dream come true too! Good luck my friends.

    Reply

  39. Believe it or not lottery is all about luck and this name has something to do with it.Yes, got a confirmation from attorney.Best of luck to everyone in this forum. Don’t loose hope.Keep Praying.

    Reply

  40. Hi h1bslaughteragain,

    DO you have your matrimony biodata to share. ? trust me you are unsung hero on this forum. You should get election ticket. My support is with you.

    Reply

    • I had no idea my name would catch fire like this, anyways i hope the admin on this site, keeps it a secret forever. The idea wasnt to try and raise panic or just keep crying but to standby for each other in these tough times. And i am glad to see everyone here is doing that and supporting each other. Keep up the faith and hopefully most of us get through.

      Reply

    • right now honestly i am just hoping i get the approval. A lot is riding on this in terms of my personal life and I am sure its for others as well. Hopefully it works out.

      Reply

  41. The whole lottery thing is simply bullshit. Applications who hold Ivy League degrees , top tier firms are matched and threw in the same pool to determine their future career path. For those who were educated in U.S. , lived in U.S., paid U.S. income taxes are forced to accept the loopholes of the idiotic system, eg, unpicked filers will receive the application fees in full. For those folks grew up overseas and work in U.S. definitely know how hard it is nowadays to have an employer to sponsor the visa. Tons of hours of studies at school and seemingly endless interview process we went thru brought us here, and now the furture of these hardworking and bright folkers ( who contributed to this once their top-choice nation) is hanging on this crap called H1B lottery. No bills/laws will be passed anytime soon to solve this structural issue as U.S. politicians do not give a damn about electoral valueless H1B petitioners

    Reply

    • Agreeeee.. I ‘ve been here for 11 years , got my Bachelors and MBA , working to find my way to stay here legally, getting rejected many times just to mentioned I need H1b during interviews, and now I got a job with a good company, STIILLL I have to put my life on the line with this random lottery. Bullshit

      Reply

      • The reason of our frustration is we tried so hard to stay here legally and for years never done anything wrong.now bunch of random people will come here because they treat this same as green card lottery.God knows their background,who knows what they are going to do here.

        Reply

    • I’ve also been in the US for quite a long time… from learning English, getting my degree in Eng, doing 1 year of full time CPT, half year of part time CPT, OPT, STEM… and now it’s my last chance to pursue my dream that I’ve worked so hard to make it come true.
      I think many people are like us right now suffering from the broken system. I hope our hard work will soon pay off and it will make everything worth it.
      Good luck! 🙂

      Reply

    • So you are saying all 233,000 applicants should be given H1B automatically since all worked hard etc ? good luck with that dream

      Reply

      • No System first should give priority with candidates with social security numbers and check their background,tax/income rates.How much they spent in this country,how many years they stayed legal.then do a regular visa process with interview.
        If they really want to immigrate from seas than add 20k visas on top of regular process and do them lottery and not allow multiple applications. this is the solution.

        Reply

      • Anyone in that is already working in US should be given priority. They should be in a separated pool. If the amount of people already working in US is more than 85k, then lottery should be conducted, but at least it’s fair competition, everyone is in the same situation. No one should get fired because of a lottery system. If there’s spot left out of 85k cap, then there should be a lottery for people coming from overseas.

        Reply

  42. Fragomen via email:

    Employers whose premium cases were selected in the H-1B cap lotteries should see initial action of their cases – either an approval, a request for evidence (RFE) or, in some cases, a denial – by May 12th
    Employers who requested premium service for their cap cases will learn whether their filings were chosen in the cap lotteries in the coming days, when USCIS begins to issue email receipts. Receipts for non-premium cases selected in the lottery should be issued by mail within the next few weeks. Cases not chosen in the lottery will be returned with their filing fees; this is likely to occur in June.

    Reply

    • Yes they send the packages back along with a rejection letter which states that your application was not picked up in random selection process.

      Reply

      • I got mine back in June last year.
        Applied again AD/PP/CA and it was not picked this year as well I guess. So, expecting the package back again sometime in June.

        Reply

  45. Hello,
    I finally got the good news from my employer that I have been selected in the lottery. My was AD/RP sent to california. Just got the news. So happy and relieved off the stress.I was ready for plan B as my OPT was expiring in June. Dont loose hope you will get it.

    Reply

  47. Called my employer/lawyer just now and they got 7 Receipts(AD/PP/VR) today. Although all are physical receipts. I am not in that 7 🙁

    Dont loose hopes, we still have chance till Monday i believe

    Reply

  48. My cheque is cashed, got call from employer. Its miracle. I am AD/RP/VT….sooo happy, have hope , miracles will happen!!!!

    Reply

  49. Hi guys
    I have been following herw regularly.last year i apploed but didn’t got picked in lottery. Today my employer told my cheque got encashed. Am non AD/ RP Vermont. All best for everyone

    Reply

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