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 ?
did anyone received approval for RP?
Will the checks need to cashed for generating the receipt number. I am AD/RP/VT, What will be the max time I can wait. Thanks for the info in advance.
Till this weekend
Hello All,
I have been reading through the blog posts everyday….several times in a day. This is my 2nd attempt this year. Last year i applied under Non-AD/RP/VT and was not lucky to get through. This year i was hopeful and positive to get through under Non-Ad/PP/VT however still haven’t heard anything yet. Is it game over for PP candidates? Some are telling me to wait until May 11th. Disheartened…..luck is more important than hard work apparently…..
Its over for PP april 27th was the last date for PP
NON-AD/RP/CSC, still waiting….
USCIS cashed the checks on April 27th but have still not received a receipt. I did only one application. How long does it typically take to get the receipt after the check are cashed?
Same doubt, Any inputs?
Mine cashed on 23rd and no receipt yet man.
All the best
Wish me good luck too!!!
All the best
Wish me good luck too!!!
Still waiting non ad /pp/ csc. Fingers crossed.
same here.
No use waiting…you know it and I know it…
My colleague received the notice on Tuesday (AD/PP/CSC). Maybe there is hope.
Cognizant Global Mobility team is giving goosebumps by sending emails with subject “H1B Conversion Notification”, “H -1B Visa – Important Update !” today. Opened the emails expecting a good news, but both turned out too be a broadcast message to everyone!!!
Ha ha same here buddy. was excited to see that e-mail though. Made me happy for a minute 😀
Hello,
Any approvals from Vermont center?
How many of you got picked in lottery and got it approved as well!!!
Congrats to all who got through the lottery till now and best wishes for all others who are waiting. 😉
NONAD-RP-VERMONT, is there any hope still?
Same question…NON AD/RP/VT, is there any hope? 🙁
Same status here. My colleagues in same project received the selection mail . I have not received. Its Vermont/RP/NonAD. Seems no chance for me 🙁 . seems long wait ended in rejection only.
still waiting, check hasn’t been cashed yet. Acting as if I didn’t get selected in lottery even though a small part of me still believes i have a chance. Who knows. Best of luck
I’m also from Cognizant. How do we know that whether they filed in Vermont or California? Does our H1B Nomination APP Show that? And, by the way, what i see in this forum, Vermont usually delays in sending receipts.
Wipro Guys,
Lets wait till 2nd week of May i.e. 11-12th.
GIMS will not share any update before that. I confirmed with my delivery manager as well.
So, lets wait till then.
eNjoy the extended weekend, and lovely weather (if you are in Bangalore)
Take care.
My manager told me that Onsite OOC has already received receipts .Next week they will send mails.I think managers know who are selected .they are not sharing .
Hi ,
Do we still have hopes left for AD/RP/CA ??
My lawyer is still hopeful. What to expect now ??
I am in the same boat !!
+1 same boat
Has anyone tried contacting the university for the change in SEVIS ID ?
I am in the same boat. I had contacted my university DSO to check my SEVIS record as well. They said it wasn’t updated. I guess its done for this year. I am going to back to university for second masters as this was my second attempt. Good luck to all.
I am still waiting on AD/RP/CA. One guy in this forum received email yesterday for the same category. So don’t loose hope guys. Good luck to us.
My lawyers stated that as for FY2015, they received the receipts until the first week of May. He is hopeful that for FY 2016 he should receive the receipts until the second week of May as the processing time is slow for this year. Wish you all the best of luck 🙂
+1, We can wait till 14th may it seems
Hi All,
I am new to this terminology…
Please help me understanding if I got a receipt number something like W..15….(13 digits), is my application already selected in lottery(as it seems from some comments) or they give it to everyone.
Apologies if this is a repeated question or nonsensical in nature.
Thanks in Advance
Yes, it got picked in lottery. Congrats!
Congrats Bud , you got seslected. And you can check your status at https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do by entering the 16 digit code there.
Jisey dekhney ko barson tarsey aankhen, unse log confuse huye baithe hai
Like ++
Congrats ,
you are the lucky one picked in lottery!
Wish me good luck too!!
NonAD/RP/VT – Cheque encashed yesterday. I think for RP it has just started. Employer told that just 4 out of 45 have cheque encashed till now. But not a single receipt received yet. So don’ worry guys.
Employer name please..
Hi! Thanks for your comment. The average number of candidates that will be selected out of the 45 from your company is 13.5 assuming that the lottery has a 30% success rate (the mean of a binomial distribution with N people and p probability is Np). If only 4 people from your company had their checks cahsed so far, that means the Vermont Service Center is roughly 30% done with NonAD/RP (dividing 4/13.5).
Bottom line: NonAD/RP/VT candidates that haven’t heard anything still have hope. This is not a surprising result, given that we’re not even in May, but it’s good to confirm with some numbers.
What are my chances if I’m the only application from my company? Non-AD/RP/VT
Good logic, I hope it works.
I like your analysis… Good one… 🙂
Congrats!
Wish me good luck too!!
Anyone applied from fakhoury immigration? Have you heard back?
Do we have any hope for NonAD/PP/VT still waiting Receipt confirmation ??? anyone in the same boat??
Yup, still waiting…
still waiting
anybody received Receipt number today ?
I did my H1b this year NON AD/RP/Vermont. Many says the chances are nil from End of April so do i need to go ahead with Plan B……?
I guess no AD/PP/CA. is left. Everyone got through. Correct me if I am wrong.
I am in the sameboat..
TCS …. any update?
No update from TCS so far
Multiple Applicants
Did any one get more one application selected ?
Yes my friend got 2 receipts
My fiend’s lawyer applied for about 30 AD/RP and got 13 picked in the lottery already. Hoping to see more positive replies…
Any one non-AD/RP/ VT got receipts today (April 30th)?
AD/RP. Got selected in the lottery. My employer informed me yesterday that my petition was selected and they will send me the recipt in a few days. I wish everyone luck.
Congrats! Please share your service center. CA or VT?? Thanks! I am waiting on AD/RP/CA.
I don’t know. I haven’t been informed of any detail. I didn’t ask. As soon as I receive the recipt I will share the info.
Hope you get yours soon. I know it is very hard waiting. Wish you luck.
Got my PP approval email from my attorney today.
Interesting information is, I never received my receipt number mentioning my petition was picked in the lottery. I was totally believing that I did not get the visa this year. But, somehow got the “approved” email yesterday.
Congrats!!!!! Hope the same thing happen to me and everyone here!
Congrats bro!
Was it because your attorney never sent you the receipt notice or the attorney didn’t get it either and directly got approval notice? It would give me some hope if latter is the case.
Any hopes for bach/PP lottery selection?
Pls comment.
Having a backup plan B always helps
1. If you are Masters STEM with OPT left. Just extend and stop crying here.
2. If you are Masters STEM but NO OPT left. Come on still don’t cry. Any person doing masters spends max 50K to 70k including all expenses. If you worked for 29 months your annual salary will be atleast 60k so you must have recovered and also save some. So take up a second masters and work your way. It’s not that bad.
3. If you are non stem then extending OPT would be difficult but still you have enough money to pay back for your 1st masters and spend some money to maintain status in some not so costly university. Trust me there are many.
4. If you are in India just stop crying you already have a job there. You can come next year
5. If you are stem bachelor’s then same applies to you as stem masters. Only difference is you would have saved much less or even nothing. But you can do masters and it will add lot of value to your profile.
6. Non stem bachelor’s I know life is unfair. But you guys have to live with it. Try doing masters. If someone should definitely get an h1b you guys are at worst position. Spending 4 years and just 12 months of OPT.
7.if you fall in the category of h4. Don’t worry yaar there is h4 ead.
8. If your spouse is here and you are out. Just get an h4 and take EAD and work (if he has applied for green card)
9.if I left anyone i can still suggest plan B.
It always helps yo reduce anxiety
So do you think it is done for AD/PP/VT candidates?
Your question is like completely reading Ramayana and at the end asking who Ram is.
Obama
Good knowledge of Ramayana and Mahabharta
and yoga too…
Har Har Modi
Obama ne khai choclate bar , abki baar Modi Sarkar!
Well said sir !
How about you start your masters degree this fall ? Given your experience it should be easy for you to find an internship next year on CPT and eventually when you graduate you can start working full time on OPT. While all these are going on, try for h1 again next year.
Once you get your h1b, its upto you whether you want to discontinue your masters or better just complete it and get a degree.
HI ca,
I Have 8+ Years of Genuine experience with top Indian MNC.I was on L1 till last year, my company applied H1 last year it did not pick .My Wife works for the same company she was also on L1 till last year our company applied H1 last year and it picked. I moved to H4 ;not working from last OCT.
I applied this Year NON – AD/RP/VT no update till now.I don’t believe in praying and crying I would like to know whats best Plan B?
As you already know for applying EAD on H4 you need I-140; Our company doesn’t process green card. Even if we move to some Consultancy if they start green card process immediately it may take one more year to get I-140
Its not about money but siting idle in home doing nothing is the worst thing and the last thing I wanted t do
I really liked your approach towards the problem with 360 degrees view what your thoughts on my case?
PS: I will not do anything against law
Can somebody tell me if we can still expect AD/RP/VT? or is it already over. Logically I think that we can wait for 1 more week.
i am on the same boat. i will keep my hope for another week…
Dear HCLite,
Did anyone get updates from ISG?
Do we have any hopes left?
To be frank…No..sorry!
I did my H1b this year NON AD/RP/Vermont. Many says the chances are nil from End of April so do i need to go ahead with Plan B……?
NON AD/RP you can still have hope as you see the receipts are still coming…But plan things according to your gut feeling…ATB!!
Thanks
Obama
Wish me good luck , I am anticipating nonAd/RP/VT receipt !!!
@Anyone from TCS?Update pls…
I’m from TCS..what update you want???
Hi,
I got selected by a company in US and they applied my H1B under Non-AD/REG processing. I called them last week and they said they haven’t still started receiving NonAD receipts.
Now after reading the comments that majority of the NonAD-Reg candidates have started getting the receipts, I am very worried. This opportunity is very important for me and I am getting very nervous now on not hearing from my Employer.
Till when should I have hopes?
Till mid of May or in worst case end of June…
Thanks for replying.
I didn’t want to call my employer again and again or frustrate them through load of emails. Though they mentioned no matter what time they get the confirmation they will just give me a call and let me know, but I am the one getting impatient.
They offered me H1b in 2012 when I refused due to some family issues, there was no Lottery for H1b at that time. God knows why am I so unlucky but I hope to get it this time
Dont worry, what happens happens for good…
I didn’t get any mail from GIT/GMT but the receipt notice got uploaded in the digital docs. Please verify your documents to see whether you selected r not
Have you got the Receipt notice uploaded or just GIT-I-129 Filing.pdf?
GIT-I-129 Filing.pdf is uploaded on 29th and GIT receipt noitce is uploaded on 30th
Boss, whether your petition filing was sent to Vermont or to California? Just for a confirmation, as many say that California lottery list is yet to be rolled out. Thanks.
@CTS – no mail .. the I-129 in not a confirmation, its just an application which is sent to USCIS.
@Raam, are you sure CTS didnt receive any from California or GIT didnt process yet.. please give more info in this.. my application went to CA.
I am from CTS, got receipt number from CA yesterday night.
I got the I-129 receipt notice ( I-797c) received date is Apr 13 and Notice date is Apr 23.
can u plz guide me where to check exactly , i checked in myvisa digital docs and i am able to see education, experience, resume , passport and form-I-129 only there , not able to see any receipt kind of.
Any folks are there, who has applied through AITC?
Any updates!!
can we still put hopes for NON AD/RP.
No Buddy. Seriously waiting for NONAD-RP-VERMONT. i got fedex number from HR last week. I checked it in FEDEX.com and saw my name and it says my package reached USCIS vermont service center on 1-april-2015. Thanks to AITC for atleast filing my petition.
Me too can get the FEDEX num from HR “M***** R*****” Thank you for updating.. 🙂
Guys,
I got my receipt number yesterday. any idea when can i start applying for dependent visa?
@All_Is_Well_Ctsian…!!!
Can you please share first three letters of your receipt number or tell us California or Vermont
@ All_Is_Well_Ctsian, Still more process are there buddy, initial review, RFE, and so on. Sit tight and wait 🙂
At the time of filling DS 160 for you ( for H1b Stamping visa) , Mention 1 Dependent , then and there a new DS 160 for Dependent=Wifewill open ( after you fill ds 160 for you)
Fill Ds 160 at that time for wife and fix both appointment for Visa interview together and the you both can go together for H1 and H4 visa interview ( fee need to be paid for both = * 2 times)
H4 does not need any addition document if going with H1 person for Visa stamping
All the best
Admin,
We are facing the same issue as last year i.e. Comments posted dont show up many times…and then suddenly start appearing…this is quite annoying…Please clear cache or delete the older posts to avoid this issue…Suggest deleting the first half of the comments…
A humble request.
Thank you.
Anyone from Sohosquare Solutions?…Any updates?
First time applying H1B.
My lawyer informed me last night that my petition has been selected in lottery.
I will update on receipt # once I get it.
Best of luck to all candidates.
Non-AD/RP/VSC (Industrial Design)
GIT has mentioned next list will come from USCIS in 2 weeks
In have heard bin.IBM they disclose d reciept no.alphabetically???is it true…
One of my frnd name starts wid P had got d reciept…he told me that…plzz help
nothing like that, dont worry. They will send mail according to they receive packets. So wait till 15th May.
Okkk… Thnx..its it first tym??
yes
Okkk… Thnx..its it first tym???
Anyone from Sohosquare solutions?…any updates?…
Please, no petty bodyshop consultancies.. their applications are all thrown away.
If you are from a direct employer in USA, you have a right to comment like that. If you are from an Indian MNC like Infy or Wipro, please get off the high horse. Applying thousands of petitions and then sending those who get through in any random project that come, whenever they do, is no better than what a consultancy does. The consultancy first gets the VISA and then finds the project, which is EXACTLY what your Indian MNCs do, although in a veiled manner. The consultancy takes up only a fraction of the quota, which actually makes it slightly better
Any one got receipt numbers for Non Ad/Regular California. Pls let us know
Will get it.didn’t get any mail from employer yet.prayer will help me to stay calm and relax.jai Sai ram.
Hi,
Any application got selected from VISANOW.
Any one hear any update from G3 Infotek? Employer saying they got PP receipts and NO regular processing yet!!
any update fro ssinfotek
all applications from these fake consultancies sending fake people have been thrown away.
AD/PP/VT
This is my second time. Last year I was not picked..I put in two applications this time. I got selected in one, but not on the one I wanted. I guess it’s over now
You can always do a transfer once it’s approved and all. Congrats
Good news for you. When did you get the receipt? Do you think PP is still coming in?
People like you should be actually barred from applying for such visas. You go to some low ranked college, scrape through, get a job through some fraudulent consultancy and apply for multiple visas and whine even after getting it. There are people here who have gone to the best schools in this country and work for reputable organizations and are being screwed over because of you assoles. Seriously get a life and stop whining like a bitch!
Very well said. The nuisance of these bodyshop consultancies is becoming more and more. All these fake applicants should be banned from applying for Visa anymore.
YoungSoft guys!!!
Any update from team ?….Anybody received receipt NonAD/RP I am still waiting.
USCIS has decided to throw away applications from petty consultancies .
Wipro guys,,,
Any update from OOC….
Anybody received receipt from GIT in Cognizant Interactive.. I am still waiting.
Hi, anyone got the receipt from California service center? (receipt # WSC15**)