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 ?
I’m in a bit of a unique situation. I have been working for a start-up (non-IT) on my OPT/OPT-Extension, due to expire on July 14, 2015 (currently on CAP-GAP from my current company). The company is currently struggling to raise funds for further operations. At first they were not ready to file my H1B visa, so I reached out to a IT consulting firm who agreed to file for my visa after I convinced them that I had worked as a IT assistant during my school years. In the mean time, I was able to convince my company and got them to file for my visa as well. Fortunately for me, both the applications got through the lottery.
I would like to know if I can look for options in my own field(non-IT) and switch jobs before the start date of October-1 since I am currently working on OPT- CAP GAP. ( Going by the things going on in my company, the likelihood of my company surviving until October 1st look bleak)
Also, what would be the possible implications of having two concurrent H1B applications being processed?
I believe you have to withdraw one application. I could be wrong. Consult a lawyer. RFE chances are high because of 2 applications.
Thanks
I’m AD/PP/VTC. I’ve been following this forum for a while. Got my case approved yesterday. Both HR and Manager called me to say congrats.
Have some faith no matter whether your case has been selected or not at this moment. God has prepared the best for people who believe in him. I’m not lucky, you just have no idea how hard I prayed. I’ll also pray for people who filed everything in the right manner and are waiting for the lottery results.
Does the employer receives receipt or just the attorney?
“does the employer receiveS” – You first should go to English class and then try H1B next year.
Hi Guys,
Whether a consultancy can file h1b for 1000$.If yes can we believe that consultancy.
Seriously.. Why do you wanna be here?
Consultancies are the bane for the immigration system. I seriously wish USCIS abolishes these consultancies who try to leverage on peoples’ ambition.
H1b should be sponsored by an employer with a US presence. Not some mom and pop consultancies. For gods sake! I wish I can tag USCIS here!!!!!!!!!
If everyone from cts got H1b visa selection mail…
any approval notices for AD/RP ??
Hey CTS Guys, Do you think is there any chance to CTS- AD/PP. Did any one got notification for CTS US. Its on CSC. Did anyone got receipt in CTS for CSC??
Guys, just received an email at 1:10 AM IST that my application got selected in lottery. This is a single regular first time application and I never had any luck with any other lottery in my entire life except this one. I wish Good Luck to all of you who are waiting.
Which company of yours sends mail at this late night….
lol. People work in night shifts too bro. I do.
Hello Kumar,
Mind your language, I don’t know your from which country but first learn how to speak ,write and behave with others.This is not a forum to abuse .
He has a doubt ,whether it is silly or something …if you know the answer respond with him otherwise shut your mouth and keep quiet.
I think you should plan this way :- USA –> Switzerland –> UK –> South Africa –> Hong Kong –> Australia and maybe in old age get into a retirement home in Antarctica
Between I know quiet a few villagers who come to USA and then spoil the name of that country by the way they live. You should avoid such villagers. Lead your life in a happy manner. Money is not everything. All the best !!!!
hi,
I am Swiss and got selected in the lottery.
Don’t even try it. To get the permits in Switzerland is even harder because we really do check ones papers… and it is a clean place over there, so let it be forever. your just “en mongo” as we say in Swiss German 🙂
Mr. Cris. Please don’t carry negative perceptions about people you don’t know. Stereotyping people isn’t a good thing. It’s really funny that you wish to move into another country but, don’t want to welcome others into yours. I wish you Good Luck for your future.
Trying this name to test my luck!
Hope this name brings for me too.Third and last attempt
Yesterday got a partial confirmation from school about the SEVIS update. Today lawyer confirmed as they received receipt in the mail. Third and last attempt. Had started packing, but now will start unpacking! Praise the lord and have faith in Him.
By the way I am an AD/RP/CA!! Please don’t lose hope. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst!!!
congratzz..
Do you know the date on receipt?
Hope this name brings for me too :(. Second Attempt
any updates from gims/ooc?
guys if any updates plz share it!
I am still not sleeping , hope tomorrow morning they start to share receipt.
Hi
Any AD/PP/VSC or Non-AD/PP/VSC got petition approved?
I am waiting for approval…
Many of my friends got their petitions approved. AD/PP/VT
Hello Dan,
Thanks
Anyone from NTT DATA got an update. Appreciate your response.
Finally my wait is over.I received a mail from employer that my application has been picked up.Now just waiting for the approval…
Hi All,
I would advise the Non AD/RP people to wait till at least May 15 before jumping to conclusion about lottery selection. If you have any valid information regarding the process being over then inform here with the source. I am sure now we have come to the stage where whether the checks were encashed or not does not matter. The process regarding receipts will be over soon. Some of the employers give information late. So keep faith and have patience. The receipts might be on the way or your employer will give you the good news in the coming days.
Does the employer receives receipt or just the attorney?
Why is this name not working for me???
Hope this name bring some luck. Slight hope left.
Anyone from Microsoft received update this week?
Hope this works for me!!! This is my 2’nd time. God please help me.
Any one from JP Morgan received updates ? Non AD/ RP/Vermont
Any one from JP Morgan received updated … NonAD/RP/Vermont
Guys ,
My employer told me , checks for my petition are not cashed yet.
Now that USCIS has completed data entry , Does this mean that no more checks will be en-cashed ?? and only for whom checks are cashed , receipts will be sent in coming days ?
Please share the info if you know .
Unfortunately yes, you wont be selected so that your check is not cashed.
Unfortunately ‘yes’ is answer to all your questions.
Not sure when check was en cashed Got Receipt just now from my employer.AD/RP. WAC15148500XX.
Good luck guys..keep hopes
is it possible that some people receive the receipt and approval notice together at a later point, did something like this happen last year?
Short answer…Nope…
It happend to one person on this Forum last year. PP AD I guess.
Got my receipt now. This name really worked for me. Thanks a lot to everyone. All the best for those who are waiting, don’t loose hope. Non-AD/Reg/VCS . EAC15148XXXXX
Congo………………You from Any IT firm? Thanks much !!!
Congrats!!
Got my receipt now. This name really worked for me. Thanks a lot to everyone. All the best for those who are waiting, don’t loose hope. Non-AD/Reg/VCS . EAC15148XXXXX
Congrats buddy !!!
Congratulations!!!
I too will try this name
test
Hello guys ,anyone got update from Capgemini?
at 1.45 PM, Got an update from CAP US Immi that my petition got selected along with a receipt number
at 2.00 PM, An email from CAP US Immi saying please disregard the above email.
I dnt knw how to respond. Would like to strangle them now….
They just play with us.
Better to check in system application – did your status changed in the system. which category you belonged to?
System – u mean USCIS case status? or somewhere else?
I belong to Non-Ad/RP.
Anyone got update from Capgemini??
Hello TCSer, Have any further update regarding notification release. Today have tried to get info from Visa Cell and FDFU.
—————–See the reply in mail—————————-
1. Visa Cell:Please connect with your ISU RMG latest updates will be share to them.
2. FDFU: I asked if my case has been picked up in lottery or not. They replied “Your application have been filed with USCIS.”.
———–
Really irritating !!!! No one knows what’s going on ……
On May 4, 2015, we received your request for premium-processing of your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC1515152955, and mailed you a receipt notice. Your premium-processing receipt notice contains contact information for direct inquiries on your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you move, contact the premium-processing unit directly to update your address.
Hard to believe.Where did you get this?
It can be cap – exempt.
“I work for fortune 100 company,havent heard from my company.is there anyone from desi consulting?”
“I got approval notice,does that mean I am selected?”
“I filed 5 applications,none of them was picked.Do I have chance?”
“I paid my company to sponsor me,I am not selected.Can I get my money back?”
These people make me laugh,I cant believe what they will go through in U.S
What is your receipt number? how do you say you got your approval notice this much earlier?
Hope you are regular processing?
Hahaha…..
Frankly speaking about 70 percent of applicant filed 3 application this time . That’s why the we got 2 33000 application and next year 300000.
My employer told me check was cleared couple days ago. Still no receipt. I am AD/RP/CA.
Just writing to inform ppl. That there are receipts coming.
I genuinely wish from the bottom of my heart that all US grads Bach and advanced. Guys gets it. Esp last timers. I pray from my full conviction that you guys make it through.
Congrats!
I am waiting AD/RP.
Praying badly, last chance.
Plz pray for me.
mjs_BMVSGJSHGTD….
mjs_BMVSGJSHGTD….mjs_BMVSGJSHGTD….mjs_BMVSGJSHGTD….!
Praying for you , All the best !
Keep hopes alive!
Thanks peace. I hope i get through this 🙂
I don’t say this because I believe that US educated applicants are more deserving than others but I strongly feel they need it more than others. I have gone through so I kno.
Mine was 1st time Non IT only 1 application.
One more thing Guys if u r working for American employer with very few ppl as non us citizen in your company. And just 1 application is filed by your company
U have a strong strong chance. that was my case. So I think so.
I am the only applicant and non-american in my engineering firm.no change on my check.no update.no recieve.
I believed what you just said until yesterday.not anymore.
Well, the market place doesn’t work like that. Advanced degree or not, every one has an equal shot to get the H1. The problem most advanced degree holders realize : IT WAS YOUR CHOICE TO DO IT. The risks of H1-B is known & this is not the first time lottery is happening. You took your chances . If you got it, great, move on. If you don’t look out @ alternatives.
There is nothing like one category deserves anything more than the other. Each group is acting in their best interest for the best available outcome.
I never said deserves buddy. I said needs. I know everyone deserves it equally buthe some advance and us bach ppl need it really badly. Try to understand.
Same here
I am the only applicant for an American company applied this year, this is 2nd time. waiting for petition approval now..
Guys, my petition got picked today EAC151445XXXX. My employer gave me the receipt. does anyone know the next process?
you need to wait for 90 to 150 days to get approval notice of your receipt.
Wait for approval, processing time for CSC is about 2 months. Congrats.
Ops, sorry yours is VSC, might take longer, actually I don’t know the processing time for VSC.
Finally, my employer updated me that my case has been picked. Non AD/RP/CSC single application, first timer having nearly 8 years of industry experience. I can understand how desperate people are, but please stop filing multiple applications and ruin some other’s life. I wish all genuine applicants good luck and the coming days bring good fortune for you all. I also wish the senate pass new H1B visa reforms and increase the cap count in the coming years.
Can we file MTR for lottery returned applications?
Hello All , Now we can see all the waiting is over … Does any body got cheque enchased today ?????Do we still have some chances
Plz guys tell me truth!
Whats possibility for AD/RP?
Desire is the root cause of suffering.
-Gautam Buddha
Thats right!
But if you are with family AD/RP And its last chance, then you will know desire definition.
Some have to stay for family requirements.
Dear, its hard to think about packup in a month.
I can understand your feelings mjs_BMVSGJSHGTD….Thats why I dont dare to do MS from US even after getting a score of 325 in GRE
People seem to not get what the announcement was about.
They didnt say all the reciepts are delivered.They said data entry is over.
So If you get you reciept today or tomorrow that doesnt mean they are still issuing reciepts.Its just the delivery takes time.
I checked with my HR today and she said there is no process about the check which means Its not entered in the system.So stop giving people false hope.Some people should act fast if they are in U.S. already for plan B.
If you receive your receipt today which means they processed last week so you would have known if you have asked to your employer about the check.
I heard from my employer , checks have not been encased for the some of the receipts that they have received
To issue a receipt they have to deposit the filing fee.They cant issue receipt without your check being in process.Your employer maybe didn’t see it.
I concur…His employer is fooling him…lol…
Guys,
Can you please tell me how long will it take to get the approval for selected application. Non-Ad /RP Vermont.
3-4 weeks…if everything goes well…
Thanks a lot for ur reply.
Hi guys,
Whether a consultancy can file h1b for 1000$.Will that company be fake or true.
My attorney told that my cheque was cashed on 1st May. How much time does it take to get receipt number.. its RP
I checked with shcool today and got my receipt number. So please do not lose hope! EAC151495XXXX
Do you guys know how long it gonna take to get approved?
Thanks
Hi did u got receipt number from university or from employer?
Plz reply
I received the receipt number from school international office.
NON AD/RP/CA picked, employer has send my receipt yesterday.
This is the third time i am applying and finally got it.
Will pray for rest of you and all the best for those who are still waiting.
Was this today the 5th
Quick question: For RP receipt comes via email or snail mail(conventional mail)?
snail mail
Thanks guys. I always under impression that PP gets snail mail and RP gets email.
SNAIL MAIL
Snail mail to attorney first, they update status via email to you or update it to their portals (like Zoom)…and send the snail mail again to the employer…
Anyone from Wipro got any update from GIMS?
Got update from my employer. Receipt no EAC1514854***.
Don’t lose hopes. Best of Luck everyone!!!
Non-AD/Reg single applicant, is there any chance at this point.
Did anyone from Capgemini get their receipts? Did anyone contact you?
Just got email from my employer that I made thru lottery . I have been watching this forum from long time back. It was a wonderfull forum for support and latest updates. Mine was NonAD/reg/VT. Receipt no 1514852** dt 27 April .
Thanks again and good luck who are waiting
Jai Mata Di