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 ?
There is still hope for Non AD PP guys, got an email from the HR today regarding receipts still coming…. Stay positive
TCS guys..
Any update..?? Am from Chennai TCS..
Couldnt even sleep well bcoz of this fu***g result.. Sleepless nights killing me everyday..
At fdfu is saying. When they are expecting it?
Any news from CTS Hyd GIT team ? The wait seems frustrating once someone from CTS get the approved e-mail 🙂
Hey,
Just called up GSD-GM. They confirmed that those who got selected in lottery got the email. There might be other batches but the numbers will be very low. Almost, game over for CTS folks. Lucky ones can wait.
Game over for you is it ?? My game is still on
Did one any received from niche consulting both for PP or RP for NON_AD… please add your number or with approved h1b details.
Did one any received from niche consulting both for PP or RP for NON_AD… please add your details
Petty consultancies H1b app will not be picked…even if its picked by mistake…you will get and RFE and ultimately rejected..just saying!
ANy one get on this category. I dont see more people on this category who got receipts .
Still waiting too. Waiting waiting waiting…. Nightmare. I would just rather know yes or no now!
Any update from wipro GIMS.I heard GIMS will only update on 13th may
did you checked with them.?
yes i checked with them 2-3 times and there reply was the same all the time
any news from ooc?
Is any one applied through DEP here …
How many of us applied through Value Consulting in this Blog group?
I saw that very bad comments on this consultancy. Is it correct?
I saw very bad comments on Value Consulting. Is it correct?
Petty consultancies H1b app will not be picked…even if its picked by mistake…you will get and RFE and ultimately rejected..just saying!
Hi,
did anyone receive receipts working in CTS chennai
Some of my friends in Chennai got receipts. I am still waiting. This is second attempt for me 🙁 🙁 🙁
Yeah,even this is second attempt for me.. Really frusturating for me…
I received my receipt yesterday machi..
EAC151425####
machi.. congrats…
Cognizant Guys.. don’t panic.. it looks like cognizant filed petitions in both centers..
EAC – Vermont Service Center (old name: Eastern Adjudication Center).
WAC – California Service Center (old name: Western Adjudication Center).
now, folks who are all received confirmation – are all could be under Vermont service center..
California – yet to release the notifications on receipt numbers.. mine California.. still waiting..
@CTS- Hyderabad – How do you know your’s is WAC? who gave you this information?
u can go to “shipping and mailing logs” section in myvisa portal and check where your package was delivered. If was delivered in the juridiction of california, google it, then it should be WAC
This is brilliant piece of information. Thanks!
Mine is Vermont. So Game is over for this year 🙁 🙁 🙁
Dude, the assumption that California has not yet started sending receipts may not be a fact and at the same time, Vermont stopped sending receipts also isn’t.
Let us wait for the email in our inbox. Till then lets carry on with our respective usual stuff 🙂
For all the folks out there just wanted to post an update.
I received an email yesterday evening saying that petition has been selected in lottery and the details would be updated in 2 business days in my visa. Yesterday night, i received another email that my info has been updated in an app (forgot the name) with the receipt number and scan copy of the I-797C. I think I am the first batch, but looking at the volume of H1b petitions that CTS files, there are bound to be many more batches of petitions to come in the next few weeks.
Yes Bro!!! I do received the same mails. you are correct.. they released the receipts for 1st batch.
Me too got receipt no yesterday from CTS…Thanks Guys…For others still lot more to come… just wait…
Not spiritual or anything. Just giving a try with the name.
Here is me, the original slaughter who has had this name from last year wishing you to get it. I know this name no longer just belongs to me but all fellow members who are suffering in this ordeal together. Wishing you luck and God bless. Tomorrow hopefully is a better day for you.
Thanks. Even I am trying . Lets see.
Hi ..how can i check whether my attorney/company had really applied for H1b … is there any ack with name will be given ?
if you’re genuine, you won’t think like that in my opinion.
is there any hope left for AD/PP candidates?
Non AD/RP
Hope this name work, waiting for results.
Lol… if that was the case by changing the name if it gonna work…..then everybody out there will change even their real name as well 😀
It has been a long wait for 2 yrs…feeling less chances…Not able to concentrate on work..need this lift….
We will wait .. dont loose hope .. more receipts are yet to be dispatched
guys,
did CSC started sending receipts for NON AD/RP ??
i see lot of RP receipts are being sent from vermont but not from Cali
If Person X files multiple H1B from different employers A, B , C and D for different clients and if all of his applications get selected in lottery and Person X decides to go with Company A, then What happens to the other 3 applications of company B, C and D which were selected but are technically wasted. Does USCIS reassign it to someone else or they are wasted?
USCIS will select wait list candidates also in Random selection. (I am not aware of exact number of waitlist applications to be selected.
These wait list candidates will fill in receipt rejections, RFEs rejections, any other non approvals. This process takes months of time…
wasted; any unused/rejected numbers are added back in the next year’s quota.
I hope the Person X is not you
Some folks in CTS started getting receipt number for RP.I am still hoping for the good and waiting.
Let GOD be with us all…
I got a receipt . Am I selected ?
Police man standing near madiwala silk board junction gave me a receipt !
Yes you are selected in the Chu+!@ gang
I know that one CTS guy got the news that he was selected, VSC/RP/non-AD.
Wipro Guys…
Any update from GIMS…
GIMS told all wipro guys plz stfu and work…we will update you once we get the receipts.
Till when we can expect the Receipt number?? I am also waiting in queue.
Does any one from gdmanagement got reciept
Hi ,
Anybody from Tringapps has got any update.
They asked me to wait until 3rd or 4th week of May. When I asked them if they received any receipt they replied in negative.
Did you call them?
Hey guys did any of you have your status as “case was received?” instead of “case was received and receipt was emailed?”
Thanks in advance!
Any one AD/RR/ VT got receipts yesterday or today ?
Got my receipt AD/RP/CA….good luck to others
I am not sure whether my attorney has turned in our receipts late or is that we got them like few days back. Mine is a EAC Receipt, Don’t lose hopes AD guys !
Non AD guys – Please understand that you are already at home and you have nothing to lose at this moment, but it’s not the same for the ADs and ask Infy, TCS, Wipro, Cognizant, HCL to not to f*** around our lives !
completely selfish approach. you came here on your wish . RT? did any Indian company or anyone asked you to come to US for study? No RT?
so don’t curse anyone. Mind your own business , this country is for NONE and for everyone. so keep that in mind. bulling some Indian companies wont help you .. Mind your language too, eventually we will all die regardless anyone being in US or India or EUROPE and will reborn as brother\sister in one life..
Does your cases status say “case was received and receipt was emailed?” or just case was received?
hi what’s up, are you gone nuts?Who asked you to AD in USA and now suffer . H1B is work permit for everyone not just for the AD guys. What you learnt in your Master’s. PPl from other country are worth than your master and later some fake experience. You filthy idiot Get lost!!! Doesn’t matter whether i select in lotter because i already have H1B. To screw ppl like you i applied again !!!! Bad luck you idiot. go back to your school and wait one more year Game is OVER for you.
You have your H1B and you are just applying again to screw people? Wow! Surely you have a better understanding of AD people’s problems, and apparently your Bachelor’s or whatever education you have had (if any) taught you way more than it taught Optimist AD PP! H1B is a privilege and yea, many-a-times sh*t heads like you get it. Just wait for Karma to take its turn on you. AD people can go back to school, get another degree, or do anything. After all they’re here to learn and later work to catch up with their finances. Not to flaunt around like an illiterate with a work VISA without knowing its value or whether it is called H1B or BH1.
+1! I am sure the H1b-screw would have wondered if H1B meant a House with a 1 Bedroom when he first got it! LOL! Illiterate piece of!
Hahaha!! Loser h1b Screw
Hi,
Just got confirmation that H1B petition is picked up. Chq cashed. Non AD/ Ver. Dont know if it is PP or RP. RT no may be sent in 2-3 days.
Have Faith. Good Luck to all.
This forum has been very helpful.
Anyone from Microsoft Regular Processing Non Ad got their receipts?
Wipro friends , any update from GIMS.
Not yet 🙁
I just got an email from my lawyer that my application was approved and my approval package will be sent to me.
AD/PP/CPC
Is your law firm Fragomenn?
PP guys the Premium processing clock starts from April 27.
So the 15 days clock will be from Apr 27 to May 11.
So don’t worry if your petition hasn’t been approved yet.
Thanks buddy. You are kind 🙂
That time frame is for receiving approval notices and not receipts.
Any body got any news from Visa Now ? AD/RP/CSC
Waiting.. Are there lots of us?!
I think we’re done for.
That’s going to suck! Hoping to hear something till this Friday! :\
pray！finger crossed！good luck to all genuine petitions！
good luck to all the genuine guys, don’t lose hope.
No Updates from visa now. AD/RP/CA
Still waiting.. checking visa now website everyday.
Any idea in what order USCIS processes the picked petitions? Alphabetically or something? Or just random?
randoml
Guys,
My h1b got approved today. Wait is over. it was not picked in lottery last year.
Hi h1b finally,
Congratulations for your h1b approval. May I know what was the received date on you notice? Mine is April 13 AD/PP/CS, 15 calender days past haven’t received any status update. Not sure if I should be concerned.
I received the receipt on 20th.
I guess that’s the date you received notice in your mail/email. But what is the “RECEIVED DATE” as printed on top section of I-797 receipt notice (below receipt number)?
Mine was received on 20th too..No news from USCIS yet
Is yours VT?mine says 13th too no updates yet 🙁
Congrats! Which center did you have it processed with?
Applied H1b in non AD/ rp/ CA, did not receive any update till now, loosing hopes and feeling very sad, are there any chances of me getting receipt?
Hang on till May 14th.. U are not alone 🙂
+1
+1
I think below info will help for CTS folks who are still waiting:
Please wait until May 2015 for lottery status. Since we are receiving batch by batch from uscis, if your petition selected in the lottery you will get automated mail with receipt number.
Thanks and Regards
Global Mobility
Is it true that, if your name is not in the batch 1, the chances are very less??
Is this info from CTS GMT, I couldn’t believe it. It is really heart paining
Got the info from. GMT about me being successfull in the lottery. What a relief, thank GOD. Wish you guys all the best.
totally lost my hopes… this is my 2nd time.. no luck in my life 🙁 non ad/rp/vt … those who got receipts my best wishes to them and those who didn’t get all the best…………
Hard luck buddy…I hope you get it next time!
totally lost my hopes… this is my 2nd time.. no luck in my life 🙁 non ad/rp/vt … those who got receipts my best wishes to them and those who didnt get all the best…………
+1
Still waiting for Non-Ad/RP/?
What’s the last entry?
So how do one know in the case status if it is a Premium processing case or not ?
I was just putting random numbers and this receipt number EAC1513451769 has a status “On April 29, 2015, we approved your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC1513451769, and emailed you an approval notice. Please follow any instructions on the approval notice. If you move, go to uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.”
Now the word emailed tells me that is should be a premium processing case . Is it right ?
I got my receipt!! have faith folks..
So this was second attempt. Advanced degree/RP. Contacted my university DSO and they said my SEVIS record was not updated. Guess its a reject. Time for some green love. 🙁
AD/PP/CA:
My h1b got approved, so happy. I wish and pray for all who still waiting for the lottery result!
On April, 29: “Case Was Approved And My Decision Was Emailed”
Thanks My God!
How much time does it take for the status to change from received to approved?
AD/PP: On April 20, … Received… Then on April 29, … First: “Case Was Approved”… We will mail…, after 1-2h: “Case Was Approved And My Decision Was Emailed”.
Sevi`s transfer to another univeristy after H1B picked in lottery, is this OK to do?
Any one from Non-Ad/RP Selectsourceintl got selected in lottery?
When the h1b application is filed, do we get a receipt number for our application? I know we get a receipt number if we get accepted in the lottery for sure. But do we get one when the application is filed ??
No we do not get it when filing.
I can say yes there is a different number series they assign to each and every application they receive. For Vermont it is like VMP1602XXXXX.
Anybody who is AD/PP/VT and received back his rejection packet ? I am also AD/PP/VT and I just don’t want to believe that I am not selected in lottery till I receive my packet back.
I’m in the same boat. Still waiting.
I hate to say this but — earlier you believe the better; begin to think about plan B. There’s always plan B… and C… and D… Just need to be explored.
USCIS said they will begin processing PP applications from Apr 27th, which means that the selections would have been sent out before Apr 27th.
Good luck. There’s always hope……and reality too.