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 ?
hi guys,
I have not any news of my application.
if cheque is not encashed till today means no hopes?
thanks
yes if cheques are still not enchased then no way in this year,99.9% you need to loose hope and that 1% you need to wait till your package returns.
That adds up to 100.9%
Yes, Good question
If check not encashed till today means no hopes or upto which date, can we expect these check encashment (anyway receipt wil come after check encashment) may be upto MAY 10th?
Please give some..
yes it is true
it is true
Hi Friends,
This name worked for me
Now i have received call from my employer that my file got picked up in lottery. All the best for all and don’t lose hope
Mine is Non-AD/RP/VT
ru serious?
yes it is true
Guys i got my cheques cashed on 23rd April, but still i did not receive the receipt. My opt expires next year and when i checked with my school DSO they did not notice any change on my Sevis.
What is happening? Any thing to worry ?
PLEASE PLEASE ASSIST
Cheque cashed. Relax nothing to worry.
But i need receipt to check the status or track the status right ?
Im AD/RP …
No worries ,wait for few more days to get receipt
Thank you guys
God plzz help to get me through..still waiting…plzzz do it for me…
Any update from Zylog Systems
Any AD guys still waiting?
I think I didn’t make it this year. AD, RP . Been stuck in this situation for two years. Guess it’s time to start finding a job back home. I really hope they change this program to filter out frauds . I know someone who had two applications and both got selected. I think this was very unfair. I’ve been working in a financial firm, working my butt off. Now to throw it all away and start over back in my home country.
Lot of receipts still on the way. I haven’t got mine but my check was cleared on monday. So too early to give up. Esp since u r AD.
Still waiting.. waiting… AD/RP/VT
Any one got soft copy of H1b approval notice from USCIS???
What is your receipt date?
Mine was approved yersterday. Receipt date is apr 16th
Premium Processing or regular?
AD/PP/CA
My Package is return today according to my lawyer-:(((((((
Which company you are from?
Premium processing?
Was it Premium Processing?
I got a receipt now. CTS !!!!
Time?
Hi,
Please provide below details too,
Work Location,AD / NonAD, RP/PP, EAC/WAC, Receipt Date, Email received datetime..etc
are you CA or VT. When did u get the trigger email?
Please don’t spread rumours/fake news. if you are posting some reliable information, pls do post it with appropriate details. Many people here are eagerly awaiting for proper updates, please don’t play with their anxiety.
Any updates from CTS-GIT after 6 pm today? Did some body received?
Hoping to get selected… Counting my days.. Last few mins. Got this is getting my nerves out. May be just 1 more week for Non-AD/RP !!! All selections are completed and done. Any hopes till May end – June also? Good luck all guys..
PREMIUM PROCESS PICKED IN LOTTERY
WAITING FOR A CHNAGE IN UPDATE, NO CHANGE SINCE LAST 3 WEEKS
How long will it take more
How were you notified that you were picked in the lottery? Or how did you find out?
It should be updated on or before 11th May. I am also waiting.
I know like a 20 odd us grads and all are selected in the lottery. I know 10 us undergrads and they are also all selected. all are working in a company which is well known in entire us and may be entire world. All are us companies. I don’t think it’s that random. Because what’s the probability that 10 us bachelor’s I know get thru. It is 0.0000059.
You think it’s random? Rethink. Most of these guys were working in big companies 200+employees and they were onli visa applicant or one of the 2 or 3 applicants.
Still with hopes , fingers crossed!!
Can some1 tell till wat tym we ll cme to knw abt this as my employer says that they ll inform by june 1st week..so is it possible to get to knw by june?
Anyone from Infomatic Inc, here got the receipt number?
I heard only 1% selected for these companies. thats the reason regular CA is high.
Still waiting 3rd time NonAD/RP/VT…..
Are people seriously getting their petitions returned in Post that didn’t get through?
Any one from AITC got receipt or got any info regarding check encash?
Please let me know here..
I came to know from aitc that checks were not encashed for the receipts that they have received also. So I am also waiting for with little hope
Isn’t it!!.. How do you know frnd? So are they haven’t revealed the people that whose checks are encashed or got selected?
Any update from anyone from CTS in the past hour. Has anyone started getting receipts
Hit with RFE. Applied AD/PP/Vermont with CPT on day 1 with second masters from Goldley Beacom College. Didn’t get selected in lottery last year, so had to go for second masters to continue working. I am freaking out, anyone else in the same situation? Please help with suggestions.
The RFE is questioning –
1) Why I pursued a second masters
2) How the CPT work is related to the program
3) Proof from school that CPT is a mandatory requirement for the program
The first two questions should be easy. The third one is the one driving me crazy. Most programs will not have a mandatory CPT requirement (unless it’s a nursing program etc.). That is the only reason why a school can allow CPT from day 1 – I am in deep trouble now 🙁
Tell them that you wanted to gain some Practical experience also while attending the college. By this way it will be helpful for you to learn new technologies too. These days the more experience you have with the company, the better paying job you get.
You can polish and massage your words how ever you can but in the end CPT from day 1 is plain abuse of F-1 visa.
1) Internationals students need to attend non-profit, accredited universities to get their degrees.
2) You have to work on CPT to complete your degree, not to be in status in the US ( which I am going to assume is your case as there is no reason to join a university which is not in the map).
3) people abused H1B for years are there is lottery for H1B now. Now people like you, with advanced degree, having enough knowledge to find loop holes, abuse the crap out of F-1 and pretty soon there will be lottery for F-1. Ignorance and innocence cannot be an answer to USCIS. I think you abused F-1 visa and you bit your own ass. Consult an proper immigration attorney who is familiar with F-1 rules as well.
P.S. I did not get H1B last year and I talked to many many universities, ICE and USCIS service centres to get familiar with these rules.
I completely agree with you that I did abuse F1 visa and CPT just to be in the country. I think I took a gamble which is going to fall flat on my face now.
Anyways, what did you learn when you contacted universities, USCIS and ICE? Could you please list out some of the relevant rules?
sorry to hear about your RFE. the idiots criticizing you have no idea what they’re talking about. It’s not like you had a choice when the system is this messed up. Im curious, since i know people that went your route, and have gotten their change of status denied, but their h1b approved. so you might not have anything to worry about. Either way, could you please update me on your status with the RFE? i might be forced to take the cpt option this year so the more i know the better. and good luck with your rfe. don’t worry you’ll get the h1b!
How did you find that your application was moved to RFE? I have my Petition number. Just surprised USCIS has already started issuing RFE’s.
anybody from experis got any update?
Many got selected. Follow this thread –
redbus2us.com/qa/31742/any-one-applied-for-h1b-from-experis
This is my 2nd Time !!! Still Waiting.. Guess 5/8 is the last date we can expect !!! Hoping to get selected !!!
Hi,
I got the return petition for not being selected in lottery. So don’t have any hope.
Trying my luck with this name … This is my 2nd time for H1B!
Anyone applied through zsl,
got it?
Non AD / PP / Vermont waiting
Suffering from severe H1B Waiting Syndrome…
Patience
Trying luck with this name. Hope for the best.
Anyone from Cognizant coimbatore got any updates today?
Guys.. 6 PM .. really waiting for update from CTS- GIT team…. 🙁
Any hopes left for non-ad/rp?
What is the story behind of cts? Why so many people?
Sir,
there is no story behind this. Other big shots not started their publishing the results. CTS many guys are still waiting for the receipt.
Ps: I understand your stomach fire 🙂
Guys ,
major update from CTS GIT team.
there are no more receipts coming from Vermont .
is it a genuine info or rumor?
Hi Guys,
I donno how this stuff works… I got the receipt number from CTS- GIT today .. Does that confirm anything… whats the next process after this…
All the BEST, for the ones waiting the updates…
Regards,
Non-AD/RP/Cal, when i put my receipt number its just shows “Case was Recived”, When can i expect some change status. When will i get approval.
It will take time to start your approval process. wait and patient till july.
All indian companies like TCS, Wipro, infy… etc may apply in Non-Premium. if that is the case all have to wait till june mid. For Non-Premium is not a time bound processing. So please don’t get tense. Hope we all will get through. All the best … 🙂 🙂 🙂
yes yes , you all f—-ing MNC guys will surely get (in ur dreams ) 🙂
Anyone got receipts from KOL location from CTS ?
Any updates ?
May this name brings luck for me … waiting for NON AD/ RP/ CA
So why there are so many people posting with this name “H1blaughteragain” what happened with original “H1blaughteragain” did he\she got selected? Any one knows?
He got selected this year. However, I think it is really stupid for people to do this, as he used the same name last year and did not get selected. If this was the case, we could all change our names to Bill Gates, and be billionaires.
Testing this names luck..
Waiting for NON-AD,RP,WAC
Finally received receipt number from my company HR. Please everybody wait till you hear from your employer…
Non AD/RP/CA
Hi All,
Any one working for NTTDATA got receipts , i am tensed, not able to sleep:(
Cognizant Chennai… Any update??????
Yes, got email If you do not receive your receipt notice by May 13, 2015, please call Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283 .
Hi, when did u received ur mail?
Am from CTS chennai…..I have given up my hope.
The same here, I have lost my hope, moving on to the next option next weekend……
What is ur next option? do tell so that we also can implement that…Same Cognizant…Same H1B 🙁
guys, lost hope now. Was desperately looking forward to that coveted mail from GIT . It seems all is over now . They have sent the mail for most BU’s. Those which are yet to receive a single receipt, myt wait for couple of more days. American Dreams looks to be a distant dream now
Guys… I dont think so u need to be down at this point of time.. Still there is time.. till may end u can i suppose as far as my friend has told.. because last year he got by end of may…. I Checked With GIT they updated we dont have any time frame for this… ALL the Best ..
Has anybody received receipts from Maantic Inc? Any updates from those who applied through Maantic Inc
First of all these BS consultancies should be sent out of the US. These guys are getting all fake people and playing with the chances of genuine ones.
And my wait continues…Even today no update.Any news from CTS Kolkata or other locations? This wait is killing me.I find hard to belive that this year also I had not been selected.Cannot digest the fact somehow.Just thinking a mail will land up in my inbox very soon and I will be overjoyed.
God please shower your blessings.Enough is enough I cannot take it anymore
just curious..why would gold almighty care about your h1b application?!?
Because I am honest individual and I deserve it. Good things are meant for good and honest ppl .Hope you get that now.
Just FYI! Almighty is also an honest individual AD/RP/VT/Last chance and still waiting.