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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. Does getting receipt number means I am thru lottery..
    Non AD/RP.. receipt date 22 April.. receipt# EAC151425#####.

    It would be great if someone confirms me on this….

    Reply
    • why no body is responding… please guys help me out here…I had multiple failures earlier and this time I had no hope..

      Reply
  2. This is my second time, trying for H1B. Called couple of times to employer and he is not responding on the check en-cash. God, please Bless me!! Let me thru the lottery!! OM Namah Shivaya!!

    Reply
    • Brother , I feel , he would not have control over lottery as well.

      Say from heart, does god is needed here to get us through in lottery or to prevent ppl from dying in earthquakes at nepal.

      Reply
      • Practical yes I agree. How do you say suddenly there is a earthquakes or cyclones are happening??? When it come to a question, Who is the founder of apple everyone know/ what about microsoft/ Google/. So there are creators. “When there is a creation there is a creator.”

        Reply
        • Brother, Dont mistake, Lets try to keep this site for h1b visa details. If you are interested, would like to see your comments on wordpress link for further discussion.

          Since , a question is asked , i should respect the question and questioner by answering it.

          Then who created the creator, it goes on and on, it means there must be some Null value before starting, lets figure out it when our human race evolves in scientific thinking a way much much better, as of now lets keep the subject to be suspect.

          please read this when u have time.. it is one of the nice blog.

          uwouldlike2read.wordpress.com/2015/02/23/sensitive-topic-to-be-handled-with-care-god-does-exist-or-not/

          Reply
    • Hi Buddy, I also applied thru Jeanmartin. Still waiting for the updates. Do post if you get any info. I’m from chennai

      Reply
  3. Anyone who filed multiple application (more then 1 application with genuine company and legally). Got any update? or picked in lottory?

    Reply
  4. Applied 2nd time.last time my application did not get through lottery .This wait is killing me.have least hope but need h1b desperately this yr

    Reply
  5. As per my employer check has not been cashed yet (Non AD/RP/VT) …can we expect checks getting encashed in next two weeks? Or it’s over??

    Please comment..

    Reply
    • I think you still can wait..don’t loose hope…i got my receipt on 27th Apr..I was Non-Ad/RP ..so i guess you can maintain hope till 15th of May…after that very little chance…

      Reply
      • Buddy I need confirmation…
        INSzoom is showing me receipt number.. this means that I am thru lottery right?
        somehow my comments are not getting published… usually they publish it right away..

        Reply
        • If you are using IBM internal INSZoom ..than if your receipt has been updated there…there is a button at the top..which says check status…after clicking on it, you will be directed to USCIS site with receipt id showing there with other details…

          Reply
          • When you say other details.. what does that mean. I just get below information –

            On April 13, 2015, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC1514#####, 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, please call Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283. If you move, go to uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.

            Do we expect any other information along with this?

          • What more information/details you are referring to.. when I click on link from INS it gives me below info –

            On April 13, 2015, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC15142####, 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, please call Customer Service.

            Do let me know if we get any further info..

        • Hi,
          Can you please tell from which part IBM had files H1B case . Cal or Vermont.
          If possible please let me know the few Digits of receipt number.
          I have not got yet.
          Its showing case is closed and no receipt number yet in internal INSZoom of IBM.Please let me know is it correct .
          Highly worried.

          Reply
          • The center is based on location.. e.g. if its NJ then it will go to vermont.. on this forum sometime ago they have published that information.

            Yes INSZoom will close the case and put it on hold until they receive the receipt. So don’t worry about it.. its been moved there i guess sometime in JAN-FEB. I guess RP still have some hope till May second week. But yes as time passes chances slim down.. if you dont get thru lottery the case will be there and they wont move it again 🙁 All the Best.

  6. News from Immigration girl – CSC not yet started sending receipts for NON AD – Reg .. waiting for that ….

    ***UPDATE 4/28/15 – Receipts are still coming in for Vermont regular processing cases today. Nothing new from California, but we do expect more will be coming.***
    ***UPDATE 4/27/15 – We have started getting receipt notices for Vermont Service Center Bachelor’s cap cases filed in regular processing today. These notices are dated April 23rd. We also received quite a few more Advanced Degree cap receipts from Vermont over the weekend. Still nothing from California Bachelor’s Regular processing cases. Here is where we stand:
    54% of California AD PP (I don’t expect to see any change in this number, I think it is low due to a smaller sample size)
    33% of California Bach PP (I don’t expect to see any change in this number)
    42% of California AD Regular processing (I still think we will get more of these receipts, this should be closer to 70%)
    No receipts for California Bach Regular processing (we should be getting these soon)
    71% of Vermont AD PP (I don’t expect to see any change in this number)
    36% of Vermont Bach PP (I don’t expect to see any change in this number)
    51% of Vermont AD Regular processing (I still think we will get more of these, this should be closer to 70%)
    4% of Vermont Bach Regular processing (I still think we will get more of these, this should be closer to 30%)
    Also, we received our first approval from Vermont premium processing today 🙂 … And our first RFE from California premium processing today 🙁 ****

    Reply
  7. Non AD/RP
    I have applied through one of the consultancies and dint hear any response from them after 30th March…obviously I m paying money for applying H1b visa..the person in charge dint give me any tracking number…whenever I ask him he says your petition is sent in a box along with other petitions…so what will u do with tracking number…
    And that makes me suspicious …..he is saying u ll get to know within few weeks about your result….
    I just wanna know whether he sent my application at all or just gobbling up my money….
    Is there no way to know if he has submitted my petition or not.
    I know him through one of my friends,last year the same consultancy has filed for her and she made it through….
    This time they increased the charge and dint file mine in PP though I was ready to pay for it…
    All I want to know if I was a part of the lottery…

    Reply
  8. Hi All,

    Finally, at 3rd attempt , I got email from employer that my case got picked up in lottery. RG/non-AD/CA, waiting for my tracking number. This time I was least hopeful ;), and after no luck in 1st attempt I moved to Singapore. I might think of moving to USA next year but Still I’ll be happy to have the H1 VISA.

    Never loose hope, keep trying. I Wish luck for all deserving guys.

    Reply
  9. Immigrationgirl update:

    ***UPDATE 4/28/15 – Receipts are still coming in for Vermont regular processing cases today. Nothing new from California, but we do expect more will be coming.***

    Reply
  10. Hi,
    Can we keep any hopes on non ad/ rp. I see most of them r getting reciepts. This is my 2nd attempt…. I lost hope this time as welll. I called my employer 2wice ,but no update…this hints me i lost the game…congrats every one who got the reciepts…all of my employer petitions r getting selected..mine was not..last time also happend the sam thing…have to continue with regular work instead of thinking at this..
    Cheers guy…just expressed my sad ness at my aplucation

    Reply
    • It seems last leg (Non-AD/RP) of H1b process is going on. But ryt now results are mostly from WAC or VSC, nothing much from cali. Hope for the best.

      Reply
  11. Hi,
    I got my application picked up from the lottery.
    Reg/Non AD/CA.
    Per my Employer, got 3 out of 30 and expecting more in coming days, until mid of May.
    All the best.

    Reply
  12. For those of you already in US start acting on plan b now.

    It is never too early. Infact if your last OPT is expiring this year, you should have started working on backups in January.

    Some things you can do now
    -> Look for cap exempt employers (universities). Maybe you can go back to your school and work there.
    -> For next year interview at multiple companies to increase your chances.
    -> Apply for PHD/Post doc.
    -> Look for opportunities in other countries.

    Also those who just joined your job, don’t buy a car unless you absolutely need it. And even if you have to really buy one get a low cost used car.

    Buy minimal inexpensive furniture. It is better to be prepared than to be sorry later.

    I will pray for all you second/third timers. Good luck!

    I didn’t any of this and had to leave the country last year, thankfully got my receipt this year and hopefully I can go back in Oct.

    Reply
  13. I called my DSO today. No change in status. Do cheques get cashed first, then sevis update or vice versa? Also, do they send receipts in alphabetical order?

    Reply
    • Last night came to know that my application has been picked up in random selection. Applied for RP. Wish you all good luck. Cheers.

      Reply
  14. Hi,

    Yesterday I received a note from my employer that my application had been picked up in the lottery. I have been following this site regularly from last 30 days. Except a few comments, everything was so informative. This is my 3rd year and hope all those deserve will have their petition picked up. Thank you do much everyone. I don’t have any receipt number as my employer don’t share it with us yet. I will post it here as soon as I get it

    Reply
    • Even i had a same question. What i heard yesterday on this forum is that the checks can be encashed over a period of time till may 11th.

      Hope for the best !

      Reply
      • Yes, my friend got update from gims yesterday.
        he called there and according to them him need to wait for an hour they will find out your case.
        By the way he is selected but still waiting for final email with receipt.

        Reply
  15. When can we start receiving for Regular processing NON Advanced degree holders?
    Any body received so far Regular Non AD receipts?

    Reply
  16. Anyone waiting for NON-AD/PP/VT receipts.
    Worried no reply till now. when i ask my employer he is telling non-ad/pp not even one receipt received .. What is the scope of my application getting picked in lottery.. 🙁

    Guys please tel me whats going on at VSC.

    Reply
    • request you to be patient, maybe the lawyer is holding back the receipts. They usually like to confirm in a bunch so as to avoid panic. I would suggest speaking to the attorney or the law firm.

      Good luck and lets keep praying. God bless.

      Reply
      • I got my receipt last night around 8 PM! 🙂
        Received Date was April 13th while Notice Date was April 22nd.
        First time applying…Non Ad/RP/VT

        Nothing is over until you receive your package back! Alternatives could be J1, H2B, H3 or L1 Visas guys!

        Reply
    • I am NON-AD/ RG/ CA and my checks got deposited today as our secretary noticed. So ya, receipts might just start to get sent. Also keep in mind, USCIS is now simultaneously working on approvals (for PP cases) and working on entering the RG cases

      Reply
      • Hey,

        Thanks a lot for your reply..I am just hoping to hear some good news on my case too.This wait is like silent poison….GOD

        Reply
      • hmm…I was following immigrationgirl.com ….she works with US attorney and she updated today on her website that there have been no receipts sent for CA reg processing…
        thanks for your info BTW..
        I hope we two will get our receipts soon

        Reply
  17. Hi,

    If I have used my full time CPT from previous collage, Am I still eligible to work on CPT if I start my second Master’s? I will appreciate your feedback.

    Reply
  18. Hi Guys,

    I am new to US and currently on H4. I am looking for colleges based out of minnepolis – MN who can provide CPT from day1 or atleast ASAP.
    Also I dont want to spend much money on my masters so it would be great if you can provide some names of college with low cost

    Reply
  19. Hi Guys,

    I got my H1 picked on Friday.
    I see a lot of AD ppl who havent git their receipts yet and are anxious.

    I really hope u ppl hear something soon.
    I did not get it last year and my OPT expired so had to enroll for second masters and worked on CPT. It has been one helluva ride, I know life will change if you dont get your H1 and if OPT is expiring, but there are lot of other options. the easiest being second masters and work on CPT, go to a diff country (Tough one), go back to home country (tough again), look for a H1B cap exempt job in universities or non-profit, Consider doing PhD.
    I really hope all the AD guys with OPT expiring soon gets H1 this year. Good Luck guys, be positive and at the same time start working on plan B actively if you dont hear anything by this friday.
    If your employer or attorney are not giving much info, try checking with your school DSO if there is any change in your Sevis status.

    Good Luck, God Bless 🙂

    Reply
    • Hey congrats. Which university did you go for CPT? Im also non it and i was looking for universities which gave CPT from day 1 . Would be great if you could share some details .I have also applied for AD/RP. no news yet
      Thanks

      Reply
      • You can look into Harrisburg Uni on Pennsylvania, ITU in Cali, Sullivan in kentucky n there are a few more not very sure.

        Reply
        • Hmm. keep doing this and there is going to be a lottery for F1 soon.

          F1 is for studying and not for bridging “out of status” gap. Peoplw with AD keep saying IT companies are abusing H1B. even this is abusing F1 visa.

          Reply
          • to ca:

            How do you know I don’t know the rules? I talked to many universities (as my H1B did not get selected) which are accredited and none of them had this “CPT from day 1” crap.

    • hey, just qq…do you know what is the sequence of event…

      1. Check cash, SEVIS update then receipt mailed…

      OR

      2. SEVIS update, check cash then receipt mailed!!!

      Reply
  20. They taken more than 10 years for MODI’s visa, so we all are little piece of shit in front of them…

    still waiting AD/RP…

    Reply
    • dude look like you hate india too much…
      but let me tell you i love USA more than you do…

      because It is Greatest nation …

      and what i was trying to say , everything here is by rules and regulations controlled by great nation…

      but some stupid indians like you trying to misuse it…
      so now sleep tight…!!!

      Reply
      • you are giving dude thats the reason you commented here…

        so now jerk off …for your case go for a pee because ur imature and sleep tight…

        Reply
  21. I filed as AD/PP, my PP check was cashed on April 17 but still haven’t received any receipts yet. Is this normal? Am I selected or not? Cause people are saying that yesterday was the “deadline” for PP… Do I still have the chance? Thank you!

    Reply
  22. Hi all,

    I applied in AD/RP/VT. All applications filed by my employer got picked except me and other guy. Does that mean i should loose hopes and start looking at plan B .

    Awaiting Response

    Reply
        • You have upto 2 months from Nov 6th to transfer your i20 to a new school. But the sooner you do it the better, if that is what you plan to do

          Good luck! I know what it feels like, my opt expired last year and I came back to my home country.

          This year my receipt got through the lottery.

          Just a word of advice, why don’t you start looking for jobs at universities (cap exempt) simultaneously.

          Also try to interview with multiple employers so that you can increase your chances next year.

          Last year i made the mistake of not being pro-active, take action now so that you have a better chance.

          Even if you get your h1b later it is okay!

          Reply
  23. Dear All,

    Just like most of you guys, I’m getting worried day by day…

    I applied for Non-AD / RP / Cali but didn’t hear anything so far.

    When should I start looking for plan b?

    Anyone received receipt fro NON-AD / RP / CALi?

    Reply

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