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 ?
if My H1 got approved. I applied it when i am in india , currently i am residing in UK.
Can i go to US consulate for interview in UK? or it has to be from india only?
My employer has a branch office in uk also.
Hi,
As i understand from my lawyer, you can visit local embassy as you are residing there in UK. But it depends on which location you chose while filing the petition.
Check it with your company/lawyer regarding the location mentioned in your H1B Filing. Hope this helps.
Is there any chance for people who don’t get selected in PP would get selected in RP?
Sorry to say this, but No. PP and RP will not be considered in lottery(but there is 20k separate seats for AD). Once all the 85k application are selected. PP gets the email and processing will be done quickly, RP will get regular mails, and it will have a more long wait time for processing. But if not received email as of now. I do not think any chances for PP guys and RP guys will have till this weekend or a bit more. I am RP/AD and waiting for the result,
No. PP & RP just determine the processing time & nothing else.
Hi Everyone,
At last my employer called just now and said my Cheque got cashed. I was not picked for the past 2 years. So happy at last , don’t loose hope guys. My application is AD/RP.
There is still some time to know your luck.
Just I got receipt number EAC15147*****.
Is it picked in lottery?
yes 🙂 congratulations
Sorry…No…
Is there any chance for people who don’t get selected in PP would get selected in RP?
Please first know what the process is….don’t ask some stupid questions without doing your research. I mean atleast use google .
Has anyone from AD/RP get approve yet?
Got picked in the lottery this morning, came to know via SEVIS update. Got a receipt number too.
Best of luck to everyone waiting!
Congrats!!! What do you mean by Sevis update?
Did your school tell you or your employer?
School told me, just got the official receipt from the employer too.
My employer hasn’t updated me yet.
Mine is non AD/reg/VT.
Please god help me.
Hoping to get my receipt number as soon asap.
Are you from Andhra? Really despo.
What has that got to do with being from Andhra? You trying to prove that someone not from Andhra is very well deserved? Who’s the real despo here?
I have heard some people from India applied multiple H1-B. Has anyone else heard? Is it legal? Is not it shamed
RIP English!
Anyone from chennai CTS got updates today???
I have hard some people from India appled multiple H1-B. Has anyone else heard? Is it legal? Is not it shamed?
why should they feel shamed, if Infosys , microsoft, CTS are eager to apply h1 for a strong technical consultant and the consultant wants to grab a job in US, so whats wrong in that.First all indian should feel shamed running for money to US, while you pointing someone the three fingers shows to you first .bloody indian rapists.
Whats chance for AD/RP?
I am worried and praying badly.
Even I am dude 🙁
No point worrying bro. Its not in your hands. I am in the same boat. Start preparing for Plan B and try not to panic.
gims/ooc Still sleeping or Wake up and start sending….?
Any updates from gims/ooc ?
Is there still hope for Premium Processing..? My lawyer called me last Friday and said that my check was cashed and this morning she called me that it was not mine and we need to wait for 2 more weeks.. Please advise if there is still hope for Non AD/PP..
Sorry man! This sucks!! Hold on! Same here..
Wait for 1 more week
Do not worry Friend. Be have faith in GOD whatever he do is always in good for every one. We think for our self but that GOD thinks about all of us 😀 Be happy 😀
I guess everything is over .. It was my second time.. and I guess it is over .. as i am still waiting :(… see what God did to me?. I am in USA waiting for H1 from last 2 year … wasted my 2 year of life .. uscis.gov/news/uscis-completes-data-entry-fiscal-year-2016-h-1b-cap-subject-petitions
any update
Any updates from Microsoft Fragomen?
I’m with Microsoft and Fragomen. I’m Non-AD PP and I’ve not had any info. I’ve heard two guys who are RP have had their receipt numbers back last week though so they are letting people know. 🙁
Oh ok.. 🙁
Do you know if they were AD or non-AD?
I know one of them was Non-AD but I don’t know the other guy personally.
FInally Receive my receipt number today. NON-AD/Rp
which center?
Vermont or Cali ?
vermont
No update yet. Non AD / PP / VT.
Will take somemore time for packet return I guess.
Anyone from Deloitte..did you hear from seyfarth?
Thank god! finally I got my receipt today..:) Hope my beloved friends also get it soon…
From which centre??
Vermont it is !
Anyone from chennai cts received receipt today??
Hi Guys,
I have a question. Please help.
I am aware that Ad’s go into the 20,000’s quota first and then into the 85,000 quota too.. But I just heard that AD’s who don’t get selected with Premium go into the regular too.. Which means that if AD’s don’t get selected with the AD/PP quota, we still have a chance with Regular. Is that true or its just a myth? Please answer..
There is no AD/PP or AD/RP quota. They stands for PP (Premium Processing – fast) and RP (Regular Processing – slow compared to PP), that said they are processing types about how USCIS process these applications.
Is there any chance for people who don’t get selected in PP would get selected in RP?
Looks like vermont ended generating receipts to H1b Cap subject petitions. Starting EAC1515050001, I do not see any H1B petitions.
There is !! Check this out !! EAC1515050120
Read the comment below. I am not here to spread rumors. If your check doesn’t get cleared within few days, then it is highly likely that you weren’t selected.
Dont spread rumors LOSER..!!!! Dont try and play with people’s emotions.
EAC1515050040 is RG case
First, any cap subject regular H1B petition will have April 13 as the receipt date, since the lottery was done on that day. Second,15150 represent May 4th which means starting today they are no longer generating regular cap-subject receipts. Prove me if i am wrong.
Trying this option as well. Lost all hopes almost. RP/NAD/VT
I’m AD/PP/VT . i got my receipt on 20 April 2015, but until now my status did not change. when will i receive the approval ?
Any H4 to H1 got receipt?
+1
NonAD/RP Still waiting
I have called GI team today and they were saying please wait till may 15th. As of now no updated happened to my petition in AIMS.
Did any body got the updates in AIMS? Please provide proper information if you really know that your friends status got updated or yours…
Even i called GI team they told to wait for few weeks ,as of now the got updates for few of the employees..
Yes. A teammate and few other known got AIMS updated last Tuesday with file number.
which DC and unit?
I have heard that some people especially from India has applied H1-B with multiple companies. Is not it bad or ashame?
Anyone from Smartsoft got the receipt. I am non-AD/RP single applicant. Is there any chance for me.
Hi All,
Applied by NAD/PP from NTC-US columbus(OH). What are the chances of a positive result??
Did you got your receipt number?
What happened to ur application.
Hi,
Has anyone heard from Splendtek Inc on their H1B petition status? Regular or PP?
I am still awaiting my selection. Non AD/RP.
Even i applied through splendtek and awaiting…
I received a call two weeks back stating my case was selected in lottery, later no information.
Is it worth waiting for non-ad/VT/regular as for the same position and same time filing already many people got receipts?
Anyone from Smartplay Inc got the reciept???
Anyone non AD /RP/ CAL arrived today?
i GOT RECEIPT TODAY NON AD/RP/CALI
Just a question, USCIS sending mail by alphabetic wise or just randomly ?
OK this is H1BSlaughterAgain. AD CA RP. No news yet. But I am confident that it’s on its way. Just have little faith in God, and you will make it. Thanks folks! Take care – H1BSlaughterAgain!
Just curious, I see that you comment everyday for a lot of times! Is it a joke about changing the name for luck or what? Sorry but I didn’t get it.
There is a fascinating story behind that name.
The original h1bslaughteragain was an AD candidate who posted to this site a lot and became reasonably famous here.
Eventually he(i think) got his visa. Following this someone used this name and then they posted that they got an update on their petition a couple of seconds after posting to this forum using this name
As a result of sample bias it appears that anyone who uses that name is successful, and h1bslaughteragain is now the equivalent of unicorn farts.
I got a notice from my law firm that my application was accepted this morning. AD/RP/CA.
Don’t lose hope fellas. There’s still time.
Congrats! I am waiting on AD/RP/CA.
First time, NON-AD/RG/CSC, waiting for good news……..
Any receipts received today the 4th? This wait is impossible.
IBM’ers any updates till today (may 4th) ?
yes 2 of my colleagues from IBM got receipts on 1st may..NONAD/RP..WE GOTnotification for IBM maximum receipts will start flowing this week and next week..fingers crossed. Jai Mata Di
Just lost patience,so many getting receipts.
today?
Today most of CTS people received there receipt.Still lots of good news to come.But seems it over for non Ad/RG/VT
My receipt was approved on 24th April but cognizant received on 30th and mailed me today only.
hi, what is the time did you received your receipt?
after 8 o clock no one got any updates, did you hear anyone got mail after 8 pm
I got mail from one cognizant at 7.33 PM IST.
Most people got mail between 6 to 8 PM what i heard.
TCSer please update………………………………
Its our time now…………..
Hello TCSer, VTS gone into Maintenance mode till 11PM IST.Check mail regularly .
did you get your result?
Or do you know someone who got it?
Did not any mail though.but vts is in maintenance mode,suggest there is chance of some update going on
Hope this name gives me luck too!
Looking forward to receiving my receipt this week.
Dear Experts,
I have been following these blogs everyday and keeping my hopes intact.
I wanted to know if my check is still not en-cashed, is it still worth waiting??
Anxiety levels are at peak..!!! God please, when ll I hear the good news??
As per GI team, some people have already got updates and they had no update for me.Seroiusly waiting for an update.Last time I just kept waiting and status got updated positively for.most of my team mates.
Aims updated today evening?
I got picked. AD/RP/CA… I was about to pack up and leave the country, but luckily, I got picked!
May i know the first letter of your last name?? Just checking whether they are processing in alphabetical order.
Mine is W. Btw, my law office hasnt got the recipt yet, so the mailing is slow, please be patient.
Any one from Accenture India ? Still no updates from PMSD, do you guys have any info when they will start sending receipt numbers ?
No updates from PMSD yet .. fingers crossed .. lets see
lets post if we get any updates for the benefit of others.
First attempt and fingers crossed…Accenture/RP/Non AD….. RMS team has told to wait till Mid May
Any one got receipt for CA centre ?
+1 waiting to hear from GM
Not sure they didnt receive from CA center yet or they GM team didnt process yet.
Yes,one of my friend got receipt from CA center yesterday.
Hi Guys,
I have question, my checks are cashed on 04/22 but still there is no information on my SEVIS status and also no receipt yet. Is it normal?
AD/RP.
Thanks