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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. Good one Bob !

    But its too late and who can authenticate that we are legal candidates signed on this page. I can sign many time or create a small program which click the button every time and bring up the signature figures in millions ?

    Reply
  2. SIGN THIS PETITION TO BAN FAKE MULTIPLE PETITIONS::

    petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/remove-and-ban-cheaters-who-sent-multi-petition-h1b-lottery-selection

    Reply
  3. I think the wait and this summer heat is frustrating many, resulting in their venting out their feelings here on the forum. I am from a top 3 company by size, and at least here there is a group and other candidates who had gone through this last year. Reading comments on this forum is fun though. So the wait begins, at least Game of Thrones will be arriving this Sunday.

    Reply
  4. I signed it bob.. Though it is too late to sign a petition but atleast it will be stopped in the future. I request all the honest applicants to sign this petition and spread this to as many people as possible to raise our concerns to the White house.

    Reply
  5. any idea when the lottery will take place? Also when will they start sending in the notificatiosn for successfull petitions.

    Reply
    • I noticed one thing. Most who applies from india’so top3 company will get selected. Do they have any settlement with Uscis?

      Reply
  6. I was coming to US on L1 visa since 2009 and I was very satisfied with those few months visit to US. When I realized I should go for H1 visa and work in US it was 2013 🙁 when all this started cap filling in few days, lottery etc. I feel sad that why I wasted 4-5 years and didn’t applied for H1 I could have easily got it then, now I am just struggling every year 🙁 this feels bad very bad.

    Reply
  7. Guys, I have been seeing there are so many perceptions from everyone on duplicate filings from different employers.
    I would say that these applications are not going to be scrutinized (except fake consultancies) . It is absolutely valid. Bear in mind, according to USCIS H1b is not for employees, its for the US employers who can avail the foreign workers when there is no availability of local workers. In that way USCIS should give equal chance to all the employers in the lottery and whoever got luck will get selected. So there is no way of neglecting the duplicate applications if comes from different employers until unless it is found fake. Hope you understand guys!!!.

    Reply
    • Yes Right Vijay. Even I have spoken with my attorney yesterday. As per him we can apply H1B from different employers.

      Reply
      • yeah.. you can file as many applications as you can with multiple employers and steal away others’ opportunities. There wont be these many applications in the first place if everyone files one application. We create the problem and then we start worrying about that problem. I hope USCIS will find this H1B lobbying this time and impose strict rules.

        Reply
  8. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-news/H-1B-visa-system-is-broken-needs-to-be-fixed/articleshow/46862226.cms

    Reply
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    Reply
    • you are doing marketing in this forum. All are looking for a way to make money.. and you are asking to send..

      Please send money from your link to me

      Reply
  10. Today I had a talk with my employer. As per him total number of applications received are nearly 190k and those who are in regular process, will come to know their result by 1st week of May.

    It is very difficult to wait…

    Reply
  11. Last Year one of the Law Firm Selection Ratio in Lottery

    Vermont, Premium, Masters cap: 80% of cases were selected
    California, Premium, Masters cap: 86% of cases were selected
    Vermont, Regular, Masters cap: 75% of cases were selected
    California, Regular, Masters cap: 75% of cases were selected
    Vermont, Premium, Bachelors cap: 38% of cases were selected
    California, Premium, Bachelors cap: 33% of cases were selected
    Vermont, Regular, Bachelors cap: 48% of cases were selected
    California, Regular, Bachelors: 33% of cases were selected

    Reply
  12. Multiple or Duplicative Filings

    According to an interim rule announced on March 19, 2008, employers may not file multiple or duplicative H-1B petitions for the same employee. To ensure fair and orderly distribution of available H-1B visas, USCIS will deny or revoke multiple or duplicative petitions filed by an employer for the same H-1B worker and will not refund the filing fees.

    http://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations-and-fashion-models/h-1b-fiscal-year-fy-2016-cap-season

    Reply
  13. Guys,

    Don’t pay attension on this kind of rumours if someone is saying his cheque has been encashed already, I confirmed this with my employer who is very well reputed firm in US and also talked with Attorney, According to them cheque can be encashed anytime on or after 15 April to 15’th of may, But before 15 april its not possible in any case it does’not matter if a person is a neighbour of any authority person or even a son of that person

    Reply
    • Mr PK

      Can you please check with your attorney is there anything that USCIS is doing for the multiple petitions which are filled from different employers.

      There is a big debate going on about this but no one is sharing any evidence on it.

      If this is the case than the number of the application is going to be far less this year.

      Thanks

      Reply
      • @H1B2016,

        I have asked them 2 week ago and posted my communication already in this Blog, according to them USCIS will consider all the applications except the applications which comes from one employer for one employee more than one, It mean if a person filed 3,4,5,6 or whatever amount of applications from different different companies or we can say consultancies they will consider all that files like same as last year, Some people spreading a rumour that it will cause RFE i want to tell them definately no untill and unless all of your petition document is on order and legal no body will receive RFE, and RFE is something which does’not depends upon the no of applications, it can and will happen for those people also who filled one and only one application and their petition documents is not in order or legal, i know this is a big whole in h1 selection process i asked the same to my attorney and they said yes it is, but we can’t do anything and even USCIS is alo not gonna do anything on this, this year, may be next year they will make a rule for that but whatever rules or steps they will take they will announced that prior to lottery in their website, So i just want to give the relaxation to those people who filled multiple applications, and also if your more than one file is picked up in the lottery and document is legal you can go for stamping for both cases, But you will work with only one employer at a time and you can work with your second employer whose file is also picked up in the lottery in future without any additional H1 transfer cost, i hope you understand

        Reply
        • Thanks Mr PK !

          But this law firm has denied whatever you said “http://immigrationgirl.com/hday-receipt-notice-stats-fy2016/”

          Reply
          • @ H1B2016,

            please read second blog of the same layer firm ,

            immigrationgirl.com/danger-be-careful-of-multiple-h-1b-filings-in-the-lottery/

            According to him if we have a same client letter for both employers than there can be a risk, otherwise there is no risk

  14. The guy who claimed yesterday that his cheque was encashed by USCIS seems to have disappeared today. No comments from him today. Created unnecessary panic and left a few ppl anxious before going into his shell.

    Reply
  15. How much is the expectation of application this years ? I think today or tomorrow the USCIS is going to confirm but still what is every body thought ?

    Reply
  16. Last Year

    April 11th : USCIS announced that it received about 172,500 petitions for the H1B Visa 2015 Quota. Read USCIS : 172,500 Received – H1B Lottery Summary

    April 7th : USCIS H1B Visa 2015 Cap Reached on April 7th.

    Reply
  17. Why USCIS still not disclosed # of applications? Its more than a day that filings are completed! Last year #of app. were announced by 7th Apr…

    Reply
  18. @All,

    Just want to share a story that happened to one of my friend and a person whom I knew well. As there is so much fuss going on for multiple application through consistencies

    Friend of mine got selected in lottery and got approval from USCIS. Applied from one of the consultancies in USA and had advanced degree. Then she got job in reputed software company and transferred her H1-B to that multinational comp. She visited to India for vacation as well as stamping. and her VISA got rejected due to the reason of blacklisted consultancy/employer.

    Don’t want to panic anyone but wanted to share the story.

    Good Luck again…

    Reply
  19. I see lot of comments and discussion about multiple employers filing for same candidates. It is said if any candidate is picked in lottery for 2 or more companies then candidate will have to select any one. Obviously he can not work for multiple companies same time. So when he opts for one and other opportunities are lost for other candidates.

    USCIS should understand if these type of candidates can select one employer after lottery why can’t they select this before. Why they are allowed to kill opportunity for other companies/Candidates?

    Reply
    • I think why USCIS allow multiple applications is because you don’t need to be a full time employee to apply for H1B. One girl I know is a replacement of someone else’s maternity leave and getting hourly paid yet sponsored. So it is ok if Microsoft file you an H1B for a 20 hr/week position and Amazon file you another for a 20 hr/week, once both application get picked you can work at both companies. It’s just the reality is that almost no company would do that for a part time or contractor position in office (I don’t know how other industries work).

      Wasting the opportunity definitely hurts the candidates and the companies, but it doesn’t hurt US government — their responsibility is to make sure get skilled talents to contribute to US while not jeopardize their own citizens’ employment… One wasted H1B slot means one more opening for people who don’t require a visa… So I think the only way to prevent such thing is the employers to be smart. I think many would ask you to start working soon after the offer signed (before April 1), then they will find out about your commitment. Even if you are during your last year at school you intern on CPT/OPT and use your spare time to do your thesis. Companies that take foreign candidates who could only start 6+ months later should just fire their legal departments :D.

      Reply
  20. This is from Murthi Blogs.

    What exactly you are trying to convey here ? This year there is any special process of lottery ?

    Reply
    • Not sure bro! Just an info from the law firm wanted to share. One thing i can understand is they are clear in their point if the petition is genuine USCIS will process application. Also we can see there are some confusing conversation below based on multiple filling.

      Reply
  21. This year the USCIS has formed a special team to scrutinize H1B petitions submitted by Indians. According to USCIS, last year 99% of all the fake petitions were found to be of Indians. The delay is because of this special scrutiny. Those found guilty of submitting multiple petitions will face some strict action this time. USCIS is also submitting a list of all the fake Indian companies/consultancies/employers to DOL so that they can be de-recognised by DOL. Only genuine petitions filed by genuine employers will be sent for Lottery.

    Reply
    • James , Out of Curiosity , please tell us that you are somehow lined to the Immigration services…?? your statement makes me think so

      Reply
    • Even if the statistic is true, I don’t believe a federal government agency is going to conduct such a filtering targeting a specific nationality… That sounds racist to me. And I’m not Indian.

      Reply
    • James, I agree with u, Thats reality.
      Hope USCIS will take some strict action against multiple applications by different employers(consultancy) for a same employee.

      I believe this time not many multiple application by same employer for same employee BUT I CAN SAY DEFINATELY THIS TIME MANY APPLICATION WILL BE FROM DIFFERENT EMPLOYERS FOR A SAME ONE EMPLOYEE.

      I heard some have filled 5, 6 …to 9 applications by different employers for same (one) person.
      In this specific business an individual employee paying different 2 to 9 consultancies to file his/her h1b application to get more opportunities to pick his/her application.

      As of my information, last year lottery a single persons three application from different employer picked up in lottery….I know this person end up with RFE but he wasted three seat(opportunities).

      Reply
      • I am also known to one my closest friend. He had filed 2 and his 2 get approved.

        There is no authentication of this news till there is a source in the USCIS website. But my question is how the USCIS come to know which case is true and which one is not ? There are candidates who are working in US and have two to three offers without paying anything and it’s LEGAL. If this is not, than USCIS should had disclosed in there earlier press release.

        Please share your source of information.

        Reply
        • Dear H1B2016,

          As of my 15 years experience in this field, I dont think so any US Reputed company filed any individual h1b , if this person don’t deserving.

          Dont deserving defination–> if an individual also playing with other reputed company to file his/her h1b application.

          Yes, only US based many consultancies can file anyone’s application for Money…and outcome end with an individual person have multiple application by different employer(consultancies).

          Reply
          • I agree with you but not sure what is true and what is wrong. This year thousands of people has filed applications from different employers. If USCIS can make the law about it than it’s really good but as of now never heard.

          • Someone mentioned that his/her friend get both Amazon/Microsoft filing H1B for him/her. I believe the person cheated both companies into such situation and would cause at least one of the companies big loss. However I’m also surprised that Amazon and Microsoft would make such a mistake (filing for someone who’s not in their office yet). Per I know Google tried hard to avoid such issues. So I kinda feel the companies deserved it :/

          • The H1B jobs are for the future employment. If are doing there Masters than different companies are interested to get the good candidates on there payroll.

            I can say this cheating get started only when there is a Lottery system started and no one see which candidates are deserving.

            I got the job offers from 5 companies but got selected for one of them.

            Even for the cost point when any one is not selected in Lottery the entire money of the company is refunded.

            I am not arguing that you are not correct but this is a fact and only USCIS can create a strict law to avoid such situations but never heard about it.

            I had read the blogs for last year the same conversion I had noticed where it’s mentioned that different employers can’t file more petitions for one employee. Still the candidates got the petition approved.

            Not sure if something is different this year. Every one is saying there is a different process this year but no one is showing the evidence from where they get this information.

            Experts please comment on it.

          • See my comment below about the cost. It is not about the few thousand dollars of the petition fee. Big companies don’t care about this money – they are already filing for hundred and promising paying every of them 100,000/yr so what’s different about one more? The cost is about they have to post on job boards for months, screening applications and interviewing candidates, and they have projects waiting to be done (that’s why they hire). If the employee fails in the lottery and has to leave the company, they have to again spend months to look for someone new that is qualified, and the the projects have to be paused due to the vacancy. And since June/July is not the best timing of hiring, the process would take even longer. That’s why even Google and GE don’t hire people who only get one shot.

          • And that’s why Microsoft wouldn’t be happy if you get through the whole H1B process but end losing your friend to Amazon.
            I think why USCIS allow multiple applications is because you don’t need to be a full time employee to apply for H1B. One girl I know is a replacement of someone else’s maternity leave and getting hourly paid yet sponsored. So it is ok if Microsoft file you an H1B for a 20 hr/week position and Amazon file you another for a 20 hr/week, once both application get picked you can work at both companies. It’s just the reality is that almost no company would do that for a part time or contractor position considering the cost and effort (I don’t know how other industries work). But surely the big brother wouldn’t care.

    • We definitely need fair treatment from the lottery. I hope this year USCIS will conduct stricter scrutiny into multiple filings. They will for sure know a guy who get sponsored by both Microsoft and Google, and one gets multiple filings from Indian consultancies. If not, we can definitely raise our concern to USCIS by writing a petition with thousands of signatures. If you guys like that idea, we can prepare that from now

      Reply
      • Mint this is a good idea !! But this year looks like it’s too late as I heard that the Lottery was already done. The USCIS is going to inform today or tomorrow.

        The other thing is what is the authentication that so many folks has signed on this agreement. I mean to say a one person can sign and send it to USCIS.

        It’s a nice thought but this year this thought come little late.

        Reply
        • I might not in a mood to sign if I don’t get picked :P… But I don’t mind to do it for upcoming employees even if I don’t get benefits from it (actually, who knows ?! :P). Also signing a petition to push the H1B Reform… the whole idea that you pay 60K+ tuition and 2 years getting an advanced degree from reputed universities and multiple job offers from world class companies but still may not stay at US just doesn’t make sense! It even shocks my US friends!

          Reply
      • In my opinion it’s only a legit sponsorship if Microsoft and Google knowing that each other is also filing for the same candidate for a full time position and still willing to do so. I think this is Please be an Honest’s point too. I don’t think Google would do so. The team and HR have spent months screening and interviewing qualified candidates for projects that waiting to be finished and monetized, they are not going to risk going through this tideous process again if knowing that there is 50% chance they lose the employee to another company. They will not accept the person’s “fake” signature on their offer letter in the first place. This is not like you signed one offer and a better one came later (shit happens). It is someone intentionally plays with the companies for his/her benefits and jeopardize the companies’. However I know some other world-class companies not as smart and strict as Google when calculating their cost in hiring. So I can’t say for Microsoft nor Amazon. Ideally the employers should be able to verify the employee’s availability before filing for his/her H1B. Once getting into the process, they are left with very limited options.

        Reply
        • Maybe different cultures have different work ethics, I’m just analyzing based on what a Google recruiter told me. Actually I’m surprised that US don’t have any measurement to prevent such problem… In my home country your contract with your employer includes how many years you are going to work for them, and if you don’t carry out it you have to pay for penalty as breaking a contract. It is troublesome in some way but it definitely works for the company’s favor…

          Reply
  22. Everyone knows how things work here. The do not go overboard in the beginning , but the work is being silently done in the background. for a solid future…..They do set up a process … Last year itself, lot of AD folks didnt get through after spending much on their edication here , so all this would have definetly been considered before framing the ruiles this time…They woudl have defiently expected a larger turnout on the peritions, and would have been ready….
    you will get to know the impact only after the result is out.. This year seems to be a lot different than all these years w.r.t the lottery system.. Somehow i feel there is a lot of Scrutiny happening….anywaz, if the lottery is delayed then this is for sure .. Somethign in in store for the Fakes …

    Reply
      • No Source mate as I havent said anything with proof there.. it was my thought staying here in the US for sometime… Could be wrong, but that is what i have observed.

        Reply
        • It’s a big hole in the whole process. I think there are candidates who got many petition approved but there is nothing you or anyone can do on it.

          Even for the USCIS they don’t had a way to verify which case is actually deserving. I agree there are maximum which are fake but few of them are actually TRUE cases.

          I don’t think there is any such situation. I am reading all the blogs and checking all the sites, it’s clearly mention that if a employer file duplicate filling that is a condition where it is revoked else it is not. I don’t think before lottery USCIS even open the packages.

          Let’s wait for the actual results and you come to know in one week of time.

          Reply
          • You never know how that lottery process / algorithm works… but yes, again its If’s and But’s and ASSUMPTIONS ….Just to console ourselves… 🙂 in a week or 2 we will get to know…………….

  23. USCIS started making database last year itself. Check companies acting in concert section

    www(dot)murthy(dot)com/2015/02/11/h1b-cap-season-reminder-multiple-h1b-filings-for-same-beneficiary/

    Reply
    • This is a good thing.

      However how would USCIS know the detail if they conduct the lottery before opening up the files?

      It will make no sense if they just audit those cases later on. The lottery has been done and the cheaters got what they want… Even they got rejected, this slot simply goes to waste… nobody will get it afterwards…

      Reply
      • I think this is why they need more time as they want to do the ground work before the lottery. If they can process 172k last year in 5 days, they can certainly process 200-220k in 7 days.

        Reply
  24. According to an USCIS insider, USCIS has tracked all the duplicate H1B applications (Same applicant, different Employers) submitted this year and have decided to reject all of these duplicate applications as well as blacklist that applicant for applying for H1B in future.

    Reply
    • i know a guy who got offer from Amazon and Microsoft . Both the companies are filing his H1B. So according to you USCIS will reject him and ban him from applying in future.

      lol hahaha……
      go and wash your face

      Reply
      • This guy will get it. USCIS recognizes these companies very well……Now everybody knows how people are faking job offers…….similar client letters etc…they will be punished.

        Reply
  25. As per my conversation with my attorney today, USCIS have done lot of automation this year to maintain all the data. That’s what really takes time. They started keeping all the companies and applicants information in their Database from this year on-wards. So you may expect little more time delay for the announcement. Doesn’t mean that they received huge no of applications.

    Reply
  26. I heard the amount is deducted from the bank account for two premium process people . I think they did already lottery but not yet announced.

    Reply
    • Strange that uscis is acting so secretive. My employer will never notify me about fee deduction.
      If true then these are from some shady consultants who might have shared this information with the employee.

      Reply
      • Whoever filed through consultancies can collect all the information. I got my tracking no on mar 31 from my consultancy to track my application. it should be on your name. Also once uscis deducted the amount from attorneys account, they will notify you on the same day. Not like india, in US they will attach screenshot of cheque when they deduct. So the attorney can find the name from the cheque and will notify to the corresponding person

        Reply
        • I am in US working with top US MNC and my employer filed H1b in PP for me this year as well as last year.
          They only tell if the petition was picked in the lottery or not. They never shared any screenshot or bank transaction with me.

          Reply
          • I know they wont do. Only with consultancies where you are paying the full amount, you have all rights to ask them everything. Am paying for myself. So am keep disturbing them often 🙂

      • Here you go!!! Grammar and all!!! Why are you so worked up?
        Grammar or no grammar, were you able to understand the message or not?

        Reply
  27. Hey
    My employer has filled my H1B but now I have another job offer from another company which I want to join. It starts in 3 weeks. What will happen to my H1B application if I take this new job? I am in the USA currently on my OPT

    Reply
    • You can start working for anyone you wish on OPT. Continue with existing H-1B petition. When it comes through, file amendment.

      Reply
  28. AD: RG = 1:2
    Advanced 40000 45000 50000 55000 60000 65000
    Regular 80000 90000 100000 110000 120000 130000
    Total 120000 135000 150000 165000 180000 195000
    AD Odds 88% 81% 76% 71% 67% 63%
    RG Odds 60% 52% 46% 41% 38% 34%

    AD:RG = 1:3
    Advanced 30000 35000 40000 45000 50000 55000
    Regular 90000 105000 120000 135000 150000 165000
    Total 120000 140000 160000 180000 200000 220000
    AD Odds 89% 82% 75% 69% 64% 60%
    RG Odds 60% 50% 43% 38% 33% 30%

    AD:RG = 1:4
    Advanced 30000 35000 40000 45000 50000 55000
    Regular 120000 140000 160000 180000 200000 220000
    Total 150000 175000 200000 225000 250000 275000
    AD Odds 83% 76% 69% 63% 58% 54%
    RG Odds 38% 32% 27% 24% 21% 19%

    AD:RD = 1:5
    Advanced 20000 25000 30000 35000 40000 45000
    Regular 100000 125000 150000 175000 200000 225000
    Total 120000 150000 180000 210000 240000 270000
    AD Odds 100% 89% 79% 71% 64% 58%
    RG Odds 60% 46% 38% 32% 27% 24%

    Reply
      • Please enlighten everybody with what you infer from this data unless you know the number of petition filed this year. At least people who are talking BS will gain some knowledge from your analysis.

        Reply
          • I understand what it is. But what additional information it provided if we still do not know number of petition filed. To me this is huge data which solves no purpose.

          • It’s just a spreadsheet I spent 10 minutes put together. If it’s a “huge data” to you, I feel sorry for you. You are right, it is just a chart that gives you a rough idea what the odds are and doesn’t serve any other purposes.

          • Well putting it together might take 10 minutes but once you start analyzing this data for various combinations it is too much. I appreciate your effort in coming up with this data though.

  29. Can you imagine PhD, MS folks from MIT, Stanford are in this lottery with the rest. I feel for them and folks with US advanced degrees.

    Reply
    • This is the most pathetic thing. I know a guy with a PhD degree in Economics from CMU last season, not eligible for STEM extension had to go back to India. And people are discussing about filing 10 applications

      Reply
    • Students who did their masters in US are special? Better university – even more special? Well, no one asked us to come here to study. It was our choice #Mychoice. I am sure folks from MIT CMU must have done there risk analysis before coming to US.

      I did my MBA here, got through the lottery last here. I visit this blog for my girlfriend. I am surprised with how people feel special when we are US AD.

      It is and it will always be survival of the fittest plus some luck factor.

      Well, good to luck to you anyways. I know it is tough.

      Reply
  30. Why do uscis need so much extra time this year if it is just about running a lottery on a computer? I think they are up to something this year…maybe they want to do thorough scrutiny before running the lottery.

    Reply
    • Not scrutiny, entering petitions in the system takes time. Since it is taking longer than last year, amount of petitions must be higher. I am guessing 200k.

      Reply
      • Well last year it was around 172k, increase of 30k more application do not warrant over a month of extra time. They said they will process PP by May 11. Last year it was not so late.

        I do not think somebody will be entering the info manual….they might be scanning the bar code and info might directly go to the system as and when they receive a petition.

        Reply
        • Dont want to ruin everybody here’s hope but…

          If you follow that, 1 month more time to enter the info means…

          Even larger number of petitions…

          Reply
          • This could be one reason but we cannot be sure.
            Still not able to digest that they need such a long time just to enter the petition detail in the system

          • USCIS announced the date before the season started so the date cannot tell you anything on # of pettitions this year.
            And even if it takes only 1 minute to intake a petition it would take 2500 man-hour =~ 312.5 man-day to input 150k petittions. I am sure it takes more than 1 minute to tear open, inspect, remove clips, look for the check etc.. but it would take quite amount of time.

  31. Why isn’t there any relevant content in the discussion? Also, could somebody tell me what does wipro, tcs, infosystem stand for?

    Reply
        • son esas companias k mandan 20k application para gente de India. pero muchos no intienden jamas trabajar para esas companias – fake. that is the reason why we have so many applications -.-

          Reply
          • Cool down bud… The companies that you are calling fake are all genuine international multinational companies. I understand that you are frustrated and anxious like most of us are but please keep your frustration to yourself. The fact is that there is a loophole in the way USCIS conducts its lottery and there are people out there willing to exploit it to their advantage. There is no point in blaming any individual for filing multiple applications since the system permits it. If you want to blame anything, blame the system. What you are seeing are just the consequences of not having a fair system. I have a Master’s Degree form a reputed university. This is my last chance to apply for an H1B and I have filed with with one legitimate employer only.

  32. Hi All,

    Sorry for my last post. I am under a lot of pressure as this is my last chance so I am making up stories to make myself happy and others too.

    Reply
  33. Hi All,

    I got update from my neighbour who works in Vermont USCIS that the lottery is conducted and they received 153K

    Reply
  34. I hate to disappoint you but it is not the case. I know of three companies that filed H1b for their staff and not even one was picked in the lottery. One of those companies was my employer. We filed for 2 H1b petitions but neither got picked in the lottery. Best of luck to everyone.

    Reply
  35. I heard few scenarios guys pls share your views…

    1. Experienced folks gone through the system before: Based on our observations, Random section will be picking applications SOC wise. it will be pre-programmed that number of app. to be picked from each SOC.

    2. Applications will be picked from all the organizations that are participating in lottery. None of the org. will be left out with empty hands.

    as mentioned source is from exp ppl who faced it before…

    What do you think?

    Reply
        • That is absolutely not true!! The lottery system never maintains any history nor does it perform any classification before conducting the lottery. What that essentially means is , there is equal chance that every petition from a company gets picked up or that none of them gets selected. Realistically it might be anywhere between 25-60% which makes ppl think that every company gets a fair shot at the lottery which is not the case here.

          Hope it helps!

          Reply
  36. Hey all, This is the first time am applying for H1b. I got offer from a company one of my US manager referred me to get the offer. Now am afraid of this H1b lottery system. Coz in my organisation am the only person they are offering H1b. My question is as its one application whether my application will be selected. ? Also the lottery algorithm is structured in that way?

    Reply
  37. any news regarding total number of applications for this time??
    is it true lottery is already done!!! or USCIS will inform before doing lottery?

    Reply
    • USCIS will never do that. In fact, after 3 days they would say the lottery is done. But they will not disclose when it was done. Probably it might have done by now. One of our forum member check got encahsed.

      Reply
  38. Hi all,

    I have applied with only one applications… But keeping faith on all my favorite gods SHIVA (SRISAILAM), TIRUPATI BALAJI, CHILUKURU BALAJI (HYD), SHIVA (SRIKALAHASTI)…

    I am confident that my application will be picked in lottery!

    By the way I have also consulted Jyotish. He said my Kethu period is running and I will earn well in this period.. as well as I will go to foreign lands….

    So its confirmed. 🙂 all the best for rest of you for 58199 slots!

    Reply
    • I dont want to spoil your belief. However I would like to say that my astrologer also said last year for me. But I did not. Let see this year.

      Reply
        • What if the time is’nt right for the said astrologer? LMAO . Not trying to scare you or anything but an astrologer told I would get H1B last year and guess what… I did not get selected..

          But in all seriousness I hope all the legitimate applications gets picked.

          Reply
  39. hi guys, can anybody tell me how to track the application . What my employer gave me a 12 digit tracking number of fedex which is not helping me much to track application.

    Reply
    • You can not track your H1b application until you have assigned the petition number after you have gone through the lottery. Once you selected in lottery, your check will be encashed and the petition information will be sent to your attorney only then you can track for further process like approved/RFE/Rejected. No way you can track the progress of it now.

      Reply
    • Nita you can only track whether ur application has reached uscis safely or not. Nothing related to lottery process can be tracked.

      Reply
  40. One more day of painful wait, losing hope as I only have one application but praying like crazy that I get through. My last chance. dint get through last year and year before couldn’t find a sponsor so it all comes down to this once chance

    Reply
      • As part of the STEM porgram, you can apply as many times but I can stay here any longer if I don’t get my visa

        Reply
          • Thanks DON, i am hoping like crazy as well. I almost had tears in my eyes last night and then again as I woke up this morning. Its been a hard couple of months for me personally and I am hoping this tortue would end soon. I know people ask me to chill, but not everyone is the same neither are thr sitautions.

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