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 ?
I see that most of the guys here are awaiting result from VT. Wassup with AD/RP/CA?
hope this name will help us too! we both are Non-Ad/RP/VT
Hoping you both or atleast one person gets it. Keep the faith, even though I have been lurking on these forums for two years and been in pain even now after my selection… I still come here to support all my fellow members because I was in the same stressful situation till a few days back. Here is me wishing you guys hear the good news soon. God bless
Thanks @Original h1bslaughteragain :)… Even we are trying for the second time…last year no luck!! I’m really anxious now.. I’ve my fingers crossed ..
Woohoo! My case status just changed from “Case Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was Emailed” to “Case Was Approved” I’m AD/PP/CA and I work at Disney. I just barely got my receipt number on 27th April, this Monday. So don’t lose hope some employers just take a lot of time in passing information down to the employee. Good luck everyone!
What is ur receipt#?
Dude no one asks others’ receipt number ok?
Hi All,
Many congratulations who got their receipt..
I think Its time I should just stop checking my email..Its been really painful …people are getting receipts everywhere and I am here doing nothing.just checking email and redbus2us with alt + tab..It over I think…people who are still waiting like me…..its not like we deserve any less ,its just that we are not lucky enough to be selected 1 among 3.5…..I give up now…thanks and bye everyone
I don’t know if your case is AD/PP or not. I believe for AD/PP, there is still hope until May 15. For the RP, you may expect to receive receipt number until early June. Maybe I am wrong, but this information I got from multiple-site research. You can also call you international student office to check Change of Status. Best wishes with you.
It’s almost 5pm and another day is over with no reciept.
Seems like 50 to 60 percent of people got their reciepts since they all say 5 of my friends got,10 of my coworker got…etc
I wish we can find out what is the percentage of the reciepts that are sent out already.
I will wait till next Friday (Non-ad /RP).Then maybe look for masters.
Tomorrow is a new day…
Today is not over for west coast. I am glad!!
RP is still on the table, don’t lose hope — good luck.
Guys,
My employer said me that my cheque has been cashed last thursday.
I contacted my school for the Sevis info to check whether its updated as few of my friends even got the receipt numbers from the school.
In my case my opt was expiring on may 24th so i applied extension and got it approved too .So i have my opt till end of 2016 . Does it have anything to do with it . Does DSO only know if OPT is expiring before october of this year . I’m confused, is there anything to worry . I did not get the receipt yet and its too early to expect the receipt.
From my employer point he is sure the cheque is mine. Any thing to worry about the sevis now?
Just got an email from my law firm telling me that I got selected:
First time, reg/ non PP, filed to California Service Center
I just got an email from my law firm telling me I got selected:
first time, Non reg/ Non PP California.
I just got an email from my law firm telling me I got selected:
Non reg/ Non PP California.
anyone still waiting? AD/RP/VT
anyone know if they sending receipt by last name? i started to lose hope by now….
Everyone in my company in this category got a response.
i did not and am moving on and figuring things out.
Good Luck!
Guys, any hope left for NAD/PP ??? Few are saying to hang on till 11th may till the PP is done.
No don’t have hopes!
Desperately waiting…employer says wait till next week…:(
Just got an email from my attorney in USA. Got picked in nAD/RP. All that I drank has come down… I want to sleep peacefully now. I will deal with my cheating wife tomorrow.
was she cheating because of your h1b? now you have it, just enjoy life together
Hi dear I got my H1b too, let us bury the past and make lovely babies in US
Despo,
Take your wife back.I am done with her.
Despo,
do you want to help me destroy a BMW?
No baby, get that BMW we will go for a long drive.
hope this name will help me! Non-Ad/RP/VT
Really? Ad/RP/VSC still waiting and hope this helps
It didn’t help me 🙁
hope this helps me
You guys are so superstitious …Its just luck…
will this help me?
non-ad/RP/VT.. .still waiitng and check hasn’t been cashed 🙁
Let me try this as well! NonAD/RP/VT here
non AD/RP/VSC still waiting !! Any chance? How long should we wait to start with Plan B
Do not wait anymore start working on PlanB right away. Be on a safer side
Non AD/RP/VT
Just got an email from my school’s DSO telling me that my SEVIS status has changed just yesterday and it became “pending”, she didn’t provide me with receipt number though, they said that they not allowed to, this is my 2nd and final attempt thank god! I’ve only made one single application both times non-AD/RP/Vermont, good luck everyone!
Just got a mail from one cognizant with receipt # and status saying Next Action to be taken: CIS to Adjudicate the Petition.
I applied from a fortune 20 company and still waiting for NON AD RP.
Heard that CSC sent less receipts for NONAD RP compared to VT? Is that true?
I too have noticed this 🙁
Why are my comments getting deleted you stupid admin
Please do not use swear words or foul language. You can use asterisk “*” to cover your bad language, and I will approve.
Good one redbus2us 😛
just check my status, approved. AD/PP/VSC, notice dated 20apr2015.
When do I expect to get the I797 documents since I have to have it to change my driver license and car plate.
Could anybody give me some advice? It’s urgent for me to have the documents to change car plate.
Take approval notice to DMV. They can verify on their system and issue license etc.
I do not think it will work. One of my friends took page 1 of I797 to dmv, but they did not accept it. It must have the 2 pages of I797.
I am on the same boat. I got my Cap gap extension to DMV. They accept it but there is no information on their system to renew my DL. Any suggestions please
Last year when I applied for STEM extension, I took just the receipt notice and got my license extended for 90 days. He already has approval so he should be good.
Dude… you got receipt and approval too… ENJOY!!!
here AD people seriously waiting for life changing receipt and you are just caring about your car’s no. plate…
I did not mean to show off. If I got pulled over by police and got driver license suspended, it will be headache for me. I wish you guys all the best since I also got through the pain of waiting.
if it is urgent, try to get an updated copy of I-20 from your DSO.
It might at least have your OPT CAP-GAP extension date or something. give it a try.
I think, you just have go to DMV what you have right now…so DMV will give you DL for short period of time as per the current docs and once you get hard copy of approval…then do it for long period again…
Wait for 4-6 days as it has to come through USPS mail.
EAC151345XXXX. Hopefully, this helps.
Right.
Whats your sequence number. Provide the number with last digits xxx.
A Lame question, do people get the reciept numbers through e-mail, or it is passed through the hard copy from attorney.
when i have requested for status, visanow has responded saying that they will update after recieving the hard copy of USCIS.
so just wondering how everyone gets notified if they are selected in lottery.
If your attorney has filed for regular processing, then your attorney will receive the receipt notice I-797 by mail. They can then send you a scanned copy by mail.
Well…. i am confused now, i just got an email from my university saying my application has been accepted and APPROVED(fyi… i know my petition was picked on the 14th of this month so no surprise there.) But “APPROVED!!!”,there is no update in my USCIS status nor from my employer!!!
Sevis information will get updated first then USCIS.
Officer, approving your case, is noting but changing their status in their records( like Sevis one of their records.) and forward it to other team will update it in USCIS application(website.)
Congrats.
For me. before I get the receipt or having my case number populated in the USCIS website, i got my information from the SEVIS ( university)
CONGRATS!!!
Any updates from Non AD/RP/CAL ..kindly update if cheques encashed or receipts received?
I see many vermont ppl getting updates
I haven’t seen either from CA. I am waiting on AD/RP/CA
Haven’t heard anything from lawyer yet, but just checked website and it said my case was approved~! Sooooo Grateful and beyond happy. I wish all of you best luck!!!
Mine is AD/PP/EAC.
When did you get the news?? AD/PP, so USCIS still processing PP?
COngrats man
My case was picked on April 20th, and it was approved today.
can u chare ur recipt number
It starts at EAC15136xxxxxx. Hope this is helpful.
My number starts with 135. It is not yet approved..
Be patient my friend, you will get yours!
Which website are you checking in?
just go to USCIS website and click check your case status
Guys, don’t loose hope, my application got selected today in Lottery. AD/RP/CA
Thank you God. Best luck to all those who are waiting.
Did you receive email or snail mail? I am waiting on AD/RP/CA and this is my second attempt. Thanks for sharing info.
I received an email from my attorney today morning.
Thanks for the update. Hope i will receive mine.
AD/RP/VT check not encashed yet. Give up hope?
I dont think so .. wait atleast untill end of the next week ..
Yup game over!
dont loose hope …wait till end of the week
Hello Again! (AD/PP/VT)
Didn’t got lucky and its clear now. Already started on Plan B i.e., PHD. Got two options now start my program from Aug, so need to go to india (opt expire end of may) and then get new F1 visa stamp (visa expired) or start my program from june (pay for summer classed by myself) and then go to india mid june (so that visa interviewer know i am on phd propgram already). Any suggestion
Second option I would say. I was in the same boat as you last year but I went for MBA and not PhD. I could continue working on CPT, Good Luck…:)
Hey, which university did you do your MBA that gives CPT? Also, did you get a receipt this year?
Which university and can you suggest some universities. My OPT expires in June
If you get an admission for PhD and transfer your sevis within 60days after your OPT expires then you can still stay in US because you have a new I20. The school should start within the next 6 months after you transfer the sevis. i would say talk to your current school DSO to cofirm what I said and you can get a better picture.
Going to India is also not a bad option as you wont be getting paid here and you can atleast spend that time time India
AD/PP/CA , waiting,
Do not take up CPT and work from Day 1 or whatever. F-1 is for studying and CPT is done to complete the degree, not for bridging the gap so that the candidate is not out of status. How do I know all of this? My H1 did not get selected last year and I talked to many accredited and non profit universities and also immigration’s customer service representative and did not get a positive answer. If an university is giving out or advertising this whole CPT thing, then they are after your money and they are surely not accredited and they are for profit universities. People kept abusing H1b and there is a lottery for H1B now. Do not force USCIS and ICE to bring a ridiculous method ,like lottery, for F-1.
Any news from TCS, IBM, Wipro or Infy. As of now I guess it is only CTS hyd who have got it.
R u sure TCS hyd got it?
Got receipt AD/RP/VT…….. thanks god all the best guys
Congrats, my case is also AD/RP/VT, but still waiting.
Hi, can you please share when did you get your check cashed?
Anyone from Genpact received any update from visa team? Any idea which center did they file petitions
Got pucked in regular mode. EAC15-14*-***** regular.
picked*
Is it just me waiting on AD/RP/CSC?? Is it game over for us??? I don’t see any updates ??
+1 and have lost hope this year
Mine also same case…but i dont think movie is over yet …its just interval…
many of my AD freinds got receipts…so i think they got selected in AD quota so they got receipt early…and we were not selected in AD quota.
Now i guess we got selected in general quota…so it take some time to receipt arrive…
wait, watch and be patient …we going to get it… it is just interval…
Thanks guys. This gives me some hope… I wish we all get soon. Good luck to us.
Hello everyone,
I am posting this as i am seeing a lot of people posting silly questions like “I got a receipt number, does that mean i am selected?” and few people are getting annoyed and i completely understand it.
I thought i would post few basic concepts about H1
Lottery – This is a process which USCIS uses to select random applications for the available limited Work Visas (for more http://redbus2us.com/what-is-h1b-visa-lottery-process-what-has-uscis-done-that-in-past/). This process is used because they are receiving more applications than the available visas. Most people who visit this forum are anxious to know if they are selected in the lottery.
If anyone receives an email/mail from employer/attorney which gives a receipt number, that means you are selected in lottery as USCIS has generated a receipt number for your application and that is exactly what you receive.
Approval – This only concerns the people who are selected in the lottery. USCIS processes the selected application either to approve/deny the work authorization based on several reasons.
Got my I-129 receipt today. Applied through Vermont service center – AD/regular processing. EAC151415XXXX
Hi Guys.. My case just got approved..I got my receipt on April 20th via email to my attorney. AD/PP/VT. Thanks god and thank you guys for your suggestions and support. Hope AD people get what they deserve.
EAC1513552XXX
hey was this through consultancy
Nope.. Through direct employer..have Full time job..
Anyone from Texas / Dallas center?
Yup, non-ad, PP…. No update till now… Attorney is asking to wait for one more week
Brother even i am in same boat. I think we have to loose hope now.. 🙁 NO Update till now
My employer han’t received my receipt yet 🙁
mine is non AD/reg/vermont.
please pray for me.
this waiting sucks….
guys, i just confirmed with my employer . H
Hi, mine is a premium processing filing – were i did not get any update which means i am assuming that my file did not picked. I read some where that there will a second lottery for premium processing when there are any rejections of the candidates who got picked in first lottery process?
No..only one lottery process. All the applications got selected in lottery can not be approved. So they will have some applications in buffer. Probaly yours may be one of that. Wait for another week and hope for the best.
Any hope left for NAD/PP ?
I got receipt num EAC15XX ……..in a mail from my employer. Does it mean I have been selected in lottery?
NON AD . REgular processing
No you are not selected.
i am tensed . please let me know what does getting receipt number means
It means your petition was picked in the lottery and your application is being processed. You can look up the status at the uscis case status link with this number.
That’s the phone number you have to call.
EAC :Emergency Access Call.
I guess your case is about to get denied.
You have been selected.
But please try to read previous posts and gain the basic knowledge before asking unnecessary questions.
Thanks for the positive replies. and those replied in a different waee.. thanks to u too
Hi,
My Case was approved just now. I saw my case status change to approved. Hope all the deserved get it soon as well.
hi which service center was urs?
hieee dolly are you from texas
are you ad/pp or rp?
Can you share your receipt # without the last 4 digits may be?
Did any CTS guys get email from GM team directly? I don’t have access to visa portal, so not sure how to check status
Wait You will get email notification from GMS team soon(if selected).
no need to check visa site for now.
Yeah, I got an email from GMT stating that I have been picked in the lottery.
Heard a great news. Because of whopping 60000 applications by tech giant, with 300 reported allegations of falsified credentials and duplicate filings, USICS had decided to ban I*** from participating in H1b programs!
USCIS made my day!
Source?
Oh come on!. Good joke
No such news on internet…. Why are u seeing it as one company why can’t u see it as individual who want these visas for themselves..
Almighty god blesses me. I am awaiting my result.
Got my receipt 🙂 Cognizant hyd. Keep faith guys its all coming now….
what is your case number
EAC151435****
Is it regular or premium
RP
Today they have uploaded the GIT-I-129 Filing.pdf.. at
Uploaded By:-Apr 29 2015 5:48 PM
What it is?
that is the actual petition that was sent to USCIS. Not sure if this is an indication of any potential approval or in the worst case the petition has been sent back :(. I have this document uploaded in my case as well.
Those who had received the receipt# already, can you confirm if you also had this document uploaded to your case before the approval?
Or Did everyone get this uploaded today.
I can also see the document uploaded today @5:54pm
HI guys,
Even for me , its uploaded ..Does that mean anything .Can someone who got the receipts confirm this ? Iam also waiting 🙁
Where did you see it? Which application? My Visa??
Did anyone getting receipts today or cheque encashed for AD/RP petitions ?
Hello Anyone from TCS,have any updates on H1B/2016/Normal Processing ?Pls share
Hi All,
I am currently a Non-AD/PP/CSC and work in a 500 fortune company. I have totally lost hopes and applied for my STEM which should be in my hand by August. I need to go to India in October for child custody because my parents got divorced, but my F1 visa expired last year. I know that I have to apply for F-1 visa again if i have to return back to USA to resume work. Has anyone been in this situation and succeeded in getting the F-1 visa??????? Please help me.
A close friend of mine applied for F1 visa while on OPT-STEM extension. He got the visa but it took him a month to get it.
I know India has something called Tatkaal (fast processing) but not sure if I can take that service for F-1.
I think that is for getting visa appointment. The time is required after it when they will do background check. They will ask a few more documents like your resume which you can submit via email. Might not happen in your case. But you need to make sure that your employer is alright with 4-6 weeks of break if that happens.
Thank you so much for your advice.
many in CTS got their receipts today from GM..Waiting still 🙁 also heard that it s tough to get it if we din get it in the first batch 🙁 worried
I understand you are worried. From Indian IT companies if you dont get H1 you can file for an L1 OR stay back in the current job.
But also please think about the people who have done Bachelors and Masters in USA and are on F1 visa. For them it is staying in a legal status. If they dont get it they will lose a job they have in hand and have to leave the country.
The plight of those who are already in US with L1B maxing out this year is equally worse. If I maxed out 2 years back, I would have gotten the H1 without this lottery thing.
USCIS seriously should exempt graduates from US Universities and those converting from L1 to H1B from the cap.
Agree with you, completely!
Yes man ! I got your situation and wish luck for all..but still all have commitments…