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 anybody from Infosys get a status update. pls let me know if AIMS has started getting updations for any DC.
Thanks
Why infy is so slow?
Raju r u “raju T”
Raide ahd
Uscis will reject all the H1 applns filed by Infosys for years of visa fraud, undercutting wages and not hiring locals.
Hi Guys, any IBM Guys here who are still waiting for receipt number, till when we can have hopes that we have been selected in lottery.
very few have received the receipt. We need to wait till 15 may
Thank you for the update. keeping fingers crossed.
Non AD,RP vermont Service center.. No update as of now .. Does that mean its all over for me.. 🙁
I filed 3 H1B applns from different consultancies in India & Dubai (to avoid RFE) and still havent got redult for any of them. Does tht mean i lost all the money?
Let’s see if this name works for me or not…Non-AD/RP/CA
Guys, any update for wipro? I came to knw fromHR in Mumbai tht more than 6000 H1B petitions were filed from our company.
Wipro filed 9436 applications and onsite ooc has received the receipts .Wait till tomorrow or may be Tuesday.
U Wipro guys didnt got one application till now ?……
Hopefully, GIMS will share the results this week itself, though they have asked us to wait till 11-12 May.
Hi any hope for Non AD/RP/CA
I stopped following this forum bcos of H1bslaughteragain . If you closely monitor you can find that all these comments are made by same guy. He gone mad with this forum. he addicted to t. God save him
Lol, you really think I will post with several of these names….. Haha good luck thinking that. Anyways I think you should still follow the forums, pretty useful and will help you as it it did to me…. BTW this is the original one 🙂 God bless.
:)… Yeahh you are right and a genuine person… Let people think what they want ..:)
If I use name QUit…its not the same person.I hope u understud.Many ppl here are using H1Blaughteragain name just to get their luck.You need to see previous comments to understand this.
It’s ok friend, I think op is just tensed as so many of us and including me till a few weeks back. I still wish the best for my fellow members…. Keep the spirit up and karo going. God bless.
Hope using this name brings luck to me also and i get the approval mail by next week .
any one from Experis got receipt ?
Follow this thread. Few people have got receipt on 28th April.
redbus2us.com/qa/31742/any-one-applied-for-h1b-from-experis
Trying my luck with this name 🙂 silly though..
No luck till now Waiting for result @ nonAd/Rp/VT
Hope this name would be luck for me & get my receipt or cheque get encased.
God r u there. Help me
First and last chance for me for H1b
Any update from Wipro guys on RP ??
Hope this name works for me.
Any body applied through samiti technology.
Any one got receipt.
Nope…even if you get picked in lottery petty consultancies will have their visa rejected.
waiting from last year … hope to get reciept before end of coming friday, post on the behalf of my wife.
Any approval for nonad/pp/vt
Please start sharing your first name starting letters….. We here are getting doubt that the recipes are sending based on alphabetical order….those who got H1b recipts please tell your starting letters of your first name and date
Hope and wish this name works for me :).
Waiting nonAd/Rp/VT.
Wishing the best to everyone
Have all PP receipts been sent out? Or worth waiting it out!?Please advise
are chances over for ad/rp ?
very less
I am a silent viewer on this site past for the past 15 days.
I am still waiting for my receipt number non Ad/reg/vt.
Please god help me.
+1
but I think its game over
“If this is purely based on luck, I never had a lucky person”
Whaaaaaat?? did you just say “I never had a lucky person” First of all Luck is not a person…second of all even if you get your H1B..its going to be a struggle here for you….All the best mate!
i got my H1b receipt FY2016on 07/05/2015
Thank you.
lol..Thanks but no thanks! Do you think we all are dumb F**ks here…
What is last date to get the lottery status???
Any checks en cashed today??
I will get my H1B and receipt number mail on 04-05-2015 God bless.
I will get my H1B by Monday 04-05-2015
One question… will i get the receipt details by email or only my employers lawyer will get …
you wont get directly. only to employer.
I just hope this week turns out to be lucky. 1st timer hoping to be last timer.
Waiting positive result for my dear one!
Anyone from california center recieved? Indian employer?
Even I will wait till next week.now almost 80% people got receipts. Now chances are less but still hoping
I am Non AD/RP/VT awaiting for my receipt number desperately. 4 of my colleagues have received their recepit numbers last week. All 4 were from VT.
I too hope this name brings me look.
Hi can u tell the starting letters of your friends first names….as to make sure that h1b reciepts are sending based on alphabetical order or not….so please mention all 4 starting letters your friend got
My employer told I got receipt , they notified me on Thursday but I haven’t yet received receipt num…. Should I be worried? Any advice please
Congrats!
Relax and donot worry.
you got info, that is sufficient , enjoy
Receipt number etc. he may share with you in future!!
Hello friends,
I just want to share my analysis for non-ad/rp guys. It might be helpful to relax your mind.
Let’s start ?. They have completed and started sending selected receipts around from April 15th. As US people are very casual about our anxiety , they usually send 2k or 2500 per day. By April month end mostly they have sent 30k(best case). So guys please stay your positive hopes upto two or three weeks minimum.
I hope you have got some clarity on this.
Waiting waiting waiting
Hope this name works for me. Please God…
Any information for infosys guys from any infosian….?AIMS got updated with latest status?
Any update?
No updates yet ! Hoping the receipt numbers to start flowing from Monday. Last year my application was rejected in lottery, hoping to clear this year.
Mine too.. rejected last year. . Waiting for this year and this year will be last for me…
Got Receipt on 05/01…Non-AD/RP, Receipt # WAC-15-145XXXXX
Second attempt, Single application, Mechanical Engineer.
I guess, its true that every company gets some %, my employer applied only one application – that’s me and I got it.
Last year my L1 extension denied, H1B didn’t picked up in lottery (by Indian mechanical consultancy company).
I almost lost hopes this year BUT Got It with Gods Grace.
All the best for those who are still waiting.
Jai Ganesh.
Using this name and hoping for news I am waiting for. BTW any news/update from PwC.
I got receipt on 5/1. Bach/RP/VT.
Ur first name starting letter????please tell
D
Still waiting …
I think its game over
Me too waiting. But I think it’s over. No point of waiting.
Guys,
Please dont make everyone bored by keeping this naming numerology logics.
Growup man!!!
Dude, I agree but don’t want to leave any opportunity… As random selection itself purely based on luck… Hope it makes sense…
Hope, nobody from TCS got update. So….Dear TCSers lets wait for flow of emails from tomorrow morning . Wish you all the best !!!
@TCS_H1B
Hi, i am from kochi TCS. Just contacted the RMG guys and they are saying that they will announce it only by May end…Can you please let me know how the process generally occurs.
Regards,
Even I started using this name…
God pls blessme… Let my app picked..
last date for H1B 2016 visa status?
31st March 2016
GOD Bless all who truly deserves.
Any one applied through it trailblazers NJ. Mine is Non-ad RP. My 1st h1b applied back in 2001and have exhausted. Reapplied after 14 years.
Cheers “
After sucking in a f****** environment for last 6 yrs I need it, this is my 2nd time, NONAD/Reg/CA waiting. Chupchap sarey jyadati sehta reha hu, to see the light