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 ?
Is h1b receipts are sending in alphabetic order ???? Can anyone know about this….till now my friends first names m and n got the reciepts……till how many days we can wait for the result??? Can anyone know please tell…..
I don’t think so. One of my friend first name “v” got receipt LSAT week (NonAD-RP-CA).
It seems like alphabetical, because in my company two of my friends got receipt from VT were having names starting with “KAR”.
KAR ? Is it this names first name starting letter…when did they got the reciepts
Both name starts with K ….if it is K then the reciepts are not as per alphabetical order…..y because my frnds m and n got in back to back with in gap 4days….now some one posted that “v” got reciept last
week…as per you KAR got reciepts on which date….please tell so that we can get clarity….please send date when they received with starting letters of their first names
April 29th, night.
That’s good to hear…..my friend m on got recipt on 27 another Frnd got reciept on 1st may……still waiting for others reciepts…..is anybody there who has doubt on firstname reciepts sending…..if so please tell
Hi frns, my frnd starting letter B got receipt on 30th(non ad/reg/VT) so I guess receipts are not sent in alphabetical order..
This is our second attempt.. hope this name brings lucky charm for my husband’s h1b 🙂
Waiting for result
I don’t have any hope but this is final week for everyone
Hope I get Selected in H1B lottery this year…Its my second attempt..
My wife just got the 797c notice of her L2 to H4 COS from mail.
However, I still did not hear nothing from my lawyer. Does this mean I got picked?
RP/non AD
yes you are through…
Non AD/RP . Still waiting for the result. I hope This name brings me success.
waiting for results next week..this name will work for me tooooo
Plz god help my friend to get h1b lottery -NonAD/RP
waiting…… Has any one applied thru dataformix received file number?
hope so… Still waiting
I am also using this name for my friend who is waiting for h1b lottery NON-AD/RR.
Got my receipt number- NonAD/RP/CA
WAC-15-143-XXXXX.
Lucky H1BSlaughteragain works for me.
I got it in first attempt with single application.
Best luck guys don’t loose your hope.
When u got …i mean date….what is your first name starting letter….please tell..as we have to confirm whether h1b reciepts are sending on alphabetic order
My name starts with ‘R’ and i got receipt number on 31 Apr
sorry it is on 30th Apr and it is Regular processing
god , help me too.
Please bless me with the H1B receipt number .
pls pls pls …………………….
Are you also feeling CSC is not sending receipts?
I think they CTS guys will start sending from Monday(4th) on wards because of long weekend.
Which type of holiday was there on May 1 ? I didn’t see on the calendar ?
This name will bring fortune 🙂
yes bro, hoping for the same.
Next week is very crucial..
Hope i get mine H1b receipt number by god’s grace.
Still waiting for result
Who thinks its still a hope for AD/RP/VT ?
If this lucky name works.. All of us, using this alias, can setup a get together/Party in US.
This name already worked for me.
Using this name, so as to get the supposed luck! All the best everyone!
Still waiting. … reg/non-AD
My employer told me that my application got picked up in lottery but they have not given any petition number yet. Could any one tell me the further process.
Congrats
Receipt number may be shared by employer in coming days
Then the application : I129 will go in approval process, once approved and employer gets I797 ,
he can share LCA, I129, I797 approval and other docs/letter with you and suggest you to go for stamping before October or afterwards as per his wish .
Party till then
@vi
Thanks for the detailed information. 🙂
Hope this name is lucky for me too
When ad/rp expect approval notice
Alka Darling
Once it’s picked in lottery , you may get receipt number ( if shared by employer)
then I129 ( Petition ) will go in for approval process and in best case approval may come by mid june
but in case of RFE, the approval will be done only after your employer replies for RFE ( then it may go on till aug ~ sep after reply to RFE)
On Approval , employer will get and can share I797 with you
and then you are good to go for stamping ( If not in USA) with LCA, I129, I797 and other docs/letters.
All the best and have fun with friends till then.
Hope this name helps me!!!!!!!!!! Applying for second time, feel very stressed
+1
+ 1 up theirs…
Hi,
I don’t see anybody talking about receipt notices for NonAd/regular from California center? Has someone got it?
I know of a friend Non-AD/RP/CA, got notice on April 29th. Which is, BTW, the same day I too got my notice, same company, but AD/RP/CA
Thanks for everyone wishes I checked with my employer he said check encashed yesterday.waiting for number best of luck.
Mine is non ad rp vt.
All the best
Congrats
Congrats bro.
Please pray for me too
i am non Ad/reg/VT …
Waiting …. waiting …
please god help me in this
All the best H1bSlaughterAgain
God will help you too..
Hi,
Any one received email confirmation of selection in lottery after 27th April for Bach/PP cases?
Plz comment.
My lawyer received my receipt notice on April 29.
Thanks for update..
Any one waiting AD/RP ?
I am requesting you all who need h1b approval next week, plz use this name…..
I’ll get approval on monday!
Because I am using luckiest name in this forum
Using this name, anyone can detroy their sins and get lucky
Anybody on CPT got an Approval or RFE..?
I am also using ‘H1BSlaughteragain’ let me check my luck.
Waiting NonAD\RP………………………………….
Had a chat with employer and he is asking me to wait for two more weeks.
This is my second attempt.
Hope this name works for me too..
Hope my husband shud be lucky with this name… Tis is his 2nd attempt … single application nonad/rp/vt. Hope god shud help us
Is he in the US (Change of status) or Outside (CP) ?
Hope this name works for me too..
Plz god let us get the receipt too …
Regular/regular/vt still waiting…..Hope i will get lucky next week for sure…..
Hi
As its my first try I just wanted to know suppose I get H1B then how can I take my spouse along with me so that she also can work frm US.
I have read about H4 EAD so just by getting myself with H1B is not enough what else is required?
Hi,
Your wife wont be able to work under h4 anyway unless you are under h1b with a green card petition approved.
Hi
We both are working in same organization so is it beneficial thay she stays in this organization as she is looking for a switch.
Also how long would it take to get my green card process as i read that it has to be applied and not mandatory to be approved.
Chugh Bhai, Ki hal chal?
Mera toh vadiya hai!
Bhai, for H4 EAD ( for wife)
your ( H1b petitioner ) I140 has to be approved
Before I140 , Perm/LC has to be approved too
So Perm/LC will take atleast 9 months , then I140 will take around 2-3 months : so atleast 1 year
and that too when your employer startes GC: means when he starts Perm/LC , I140
Hi,
Thanks a lot for the details bro.
Regards,
Ravi
Hi,
Sorry to ask but I guess you know me?
Can you please tell your full name and help to recollect please?
Regards,
Ravi
I am using this name for my husband’s h1b visa.let’s see the luck.
Anyone heard back from Microsoft regular processing?
I m still waiting for the news. Second attempt : Non-AD/RP/VT… This wait is killing man ?. Hope to update the blog with my receipt soon ….
Hope this name brings me the luck i need
anyone heard from IBM India?seems no one is getting receipts from IBM..God please help..i have faith in you NONAD/RP
Considering past years, once the application is picked in lottery, what is the probability of it getting approved by USCIS … I mean out of 100 applications which are picked in lottery how many approx. get approved. Thanks.
to be optimistic — Assume 100%
untill and unless blunder is done in documentation
Has any one from BAL GLOBAL (Cobalt) Houston received any receipt with regular application? I could not able to get any information once I talked to them.
waiting for the same.No update from BAL yet
Any checks en cashed today for Non AD/RP/VT .
Called my Employer Yesterday , they filed only under RP .
Till 5/1 11am EST They had received only for AD . No non-AD receipts yet . She said they can start any time from now . So wait for the whole of next week . After 5/8 Chances are very slim but few receipts will come till 5/15 after that it will be negligible .
Hi Guys,
Non AD, RP.
This is the second attempt for me. The result is important from a career perspective as well as family one, as my spouse is also working in the US. We had already spent 1 year plus apart.
Wishing all of us good luck. It’s a pleasure to meet here in the common form and hear from all of you… Different stories, with no faces attached…
Same story here..desperately waiting
Good luck 🙂