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 ?
Can someone share SEVIS number pls?
Guys, Anyone from CTS US got update? Please update if anyone got receipt number.. Please I just want to check if anyone from CTS US got any update.
I am in same boat – LtoH Conversion. Did not receive any update so far, waiting for this eagerly. If any body receive any update for CTS US plz post.
Waiting!
My obsrevation says, only CTS Offshore has got the receipts so far. All H Conversion (F1 to H1 or L1 to H1) for CTS US they are yet to update the receipt numbers. I think we can keep the hopes alive for next couple of weeks.
Got the reciept number on yesterday night….non ad/rp vec
Eac15149*****
All the best for who r waiting for reciepts…gd luck keep
God is great
Hope this comment works in my favor!
Trying luck with this name
Trying my luck, anyone from CTS, May 6th 9.46pm, anyone got receipts. Has the GIT started their work? Guys update.
Kumar,
Is it possible for you to add time in the comments, just date is very confusing.
Finally, i got my receipt number yesterday. Im so happy now… 🙂 Dnt know how to express my happiness. This is my 2nd year. The wait was killing me and finally i got selected. Im Non-Ad/RP/CSC.
I have been following the comments up here. It was so helpful. I thought of sharing my happiness with you guys.
The receipts are still coming in. So guys please be positive. We still have time to get the good news.
Congrates. I can feel your happiness. I am sailing in same kind of boat. You comments made me more optimistic and looking forward it.
Any receipts after May 4th for Advanced Degree folks?
Check cleared but no receipt yet. So yes receipt after may 4th
Is there any hope for Non AD/RP??…
Just want to picked or not picked.. My employer still ask me to wait.. Waiting is irritating
Hi
Anyone from Infosys mcity chennai who got the receipt. Kindly share the details.
Tia
Any PP ADV VSC got approval???
Congrats
When will I getttttttttttt
Hi,
Do you know anything about approval time? I am PP ADV VSC. My status hasnt changed. My friend already got her approval last Friday. Is there an order? Thanks!
Game over?
Yeahhh….I just received a good news from my HR dept. and a lawyer!
My case has been selected through the lottery for H1B.
I am so happy 🙂
AD/Regular Processing/First time applying, one application/WAC15XXXXXXXX
Congrats
See I told ya. All genuine AD gonna get it
Hello friend, I dn’t knw what do you mean by genuine. It’s all pure luck and the fact is since the AD folks have two lottery chances most of them are through. It’s not a question of any one’s capability as USCIS doesn’t even validate the profiles unless a case is picked up in lottery.
Myth.
Hi,Congrats! Can you please tell it is Vermont centre or Cali centre? I am a genuine AD /RP & still waiting
WAC-California centre
I am not sure which processing center, but I think it’s California (as my company’s headquarters is in California, where I work).
Good luck to all of you!
im nonAd/rp.on 7th may,2015 i got receipt no from my employer on mail.
Thank You.
Jai Mata Di
im nonAd/rp.on 7th may,2015 i got receipt no from my employer on mail.
Thank You.
Any hopes left?
Yes, still time is there. I got mine yesterday only. Receipt was sent on 29th, it took almost a week to reach. So if the receipt was sent on 4th, it ll reach on 11th. Mine was non-AD/Reg/VT
Lost all my hopes 🙁
Guys any update from Accenture India?
Still waiting….haven’t heard anything from my employer. Neither my check got cashed nor got receipt.
Is there a hope to wait? Please let me know
Anyone from infosys got update today? Can anyone tell the frequency GI is updating aims daily or weekly?
i dont think anyone got today. last friday to tuesday, many hav got update. m also waiting for aims update
People are saying game over for infy ..ppl who got were the only ones..
I need H1B pls..
Can someone tell when can i stop hoping to get one for RP/VT
Did anyone apply through Troutman Sanders LLP law firm? Got any update? I am still waiting. Looks like they did not get any notification yet. Mine is non-ad/PP
Hi Guys,
My lawyer won’t reply my emails, so please help me out. I was on my 60 days grace-period while i apply H1B. My petition was approved, but now I just find out my SEVIS record was incorrect. It shows “complete” instead of “active”. Therefore, my school is unable to print a new cap-gap I-20 for me. I called SEVIS help center, and they told me it might take weeks or even month to fix it. My mom has poor health condition which means i have to go back home ASAP.
Can i go back home without I-20? Is that will affect anything? GUY PLEASE COMMENT. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
You can go back home without i-20. You need i-20 to get back into the US. You can ask your buddies at your university to help you get the i-20 from your international students office and mail you the i-20 to your home address.
Thank you for sharing your option. I will return U.S. with a H1 Visa(first time apply, will need an interview with embassy). I just want to make sure once i leave U.S. now, this SEVIS error won’t affact my H1B petition. Do you know anything about this? Thanks again.
God help me…
Dude, Your name is very ambiguous.
It is either h1b-slaughter-again or h1bs-laughter-again.
Either way you look @, you know the result!.
Just kidding. Don’t lose hope
Hope this lucky name works for me. God Please help me.
My employer asked me to wait for couple of weeks because it seems receipts are coming through and they would start informing once the process of receipts is complete. So I have to wait and watch.
Non AD/RP/Single petition. Best of luck everyone!!!
Don’t loose hope.
How is an AD bogus lol…
People with AD are not ‘bogus’, whatever that means. It’s despos like you who are looking to put the blame on someone for their own misfortune. Suck it up and stay where you are.
AD in USA = Money in the bank
If you have money you got it honey !!!!
I don’t want to spend time debating the quality of certain ADs from USA. Have seen their knowledge in interviews 🙂
do you people also take bank loans to do their masters… which they have to pay back ??
How are you interviewing people in the US if you yourself are waiting for a H1? Converting from L1 to H1b anna? How many years did you spend on bench? Just because you interviewed a few broken cases doesn’t mean that everybody except you is a ‘bogus’. I have an AD and two years of experience, come sit with me for two hours and I will show you who interviews who.
Anyone got receipt today for AD/RP/VT? Is it true that all receipts have been delivered for Vermont Center?
Any one got receipt from 8kmiles?
They claim they got for 55 people
ok but is they informed the candidate those who got selected
It is “Have they informed”, not “Is they informed”. I had a colleague once, who, when asked if he had executed a backup script, responded “Yes, I was executed at 10 PM last night”. Learn some English and then come to USA.
Checking my luck with this name – h1bslaughteragain
Waiting for my turn..
Hi,
I applied through Splendtek and have received a mail that my application has not been picked up so far and I should wait till mid June for the final decision.
Has anyone received the receipt number from them?
Same here ..I haven’t heeard anything from splendtek .They are telling to wait till end of may. Lets hope for the best.
Same here . I applied thro’ splendtek and they said Not picked till now .
I applied through Splendtek, they are not answering any calls, how are you getting updates from them?
is any one got receipt from 8kmiles?
Hope this lucky name works for me. God I still believe you.
All you who think this name is luck, this really means negative meaning. How will it be luck if it says a horrible word slaughter. Its just a lottery, don’t call it slaughter! You people know the meaning ???????
Stay positive,
Will Try My Luck Also with this name…
hope it is true for me also waiting for non AD /rp /CA
Hi,
Till when can we expect receipts from VT center(Non AD/RP). It seems my checks are yet to be encashed and my employer asked me to wait till may end. This is my 3rd attempt to get H1, hope i will get it this year atleast. :'( :'( Enna kodumai saravanan idhu… 🙁
All H1Bslaughter change your name into H1B doctor .
You will get good news within May 12 that your petition is recieved.
If you don’t forward this to 10 members ellarum Ratham kakki savinga 😛
Cool it was just for fun 🙂
Trying my luck as well …..
Will try also my luck using this name!
Any one from splendtek got receipts ?
I received a call but later no updates
SWA,
Did you get any updates from them, I received a call but later no updates.
They didn’t call me . They sent an email saying H1 not picked till now .
What was the call about ?
They updated that my case was picked in lottery.
I did not get any update from Splendtek,they are not answering call at all. Did anyone receive any updates from them?
I got an email from them .
Sorry to inform you that, we haven’t heard anything yet regarding your H1B. We would like to wait till mid of June. We already informed to all the employees, whomever H1Bs picked up in lottery. If we hear anything regarding your case, we will let you know.
Thanks for your co-operation.
Thanks
HR Team
Is there anyone whose application is picked in lottery from Splendtek?
I didnt get any update from splendtek.
Any update for IBM?
no update…still waiting
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%
Don’t conclude anything with cheque and lottery result. Only get to know once packet returned. Still anytime your cheque will be en-cashed.
Guys,
My lawyer confirmed yesterday that she has not received any mail receipts for regular processing as yet (Vermont Processing)
So do not lose faith. Hope is on the way!
Any one from splendtek got the receipt nos ?
Are ppl getting receipt number using this name?
Then let me give it a try too?
What a farce after so much honest hardwork we are left with luck and superstition ……
TRYING MY LUCK
Any update from Niche Solution??????
Hope this name works for me too 🙁 . Waiting for RP/CA CTS… Pray for me too folks… I badly need this h1b.
Still praying… Any AD/RP people got their receipts today? Show of hands, in this category, of people waiting…
My check was cleared on Monday still no receipt so wait there is time. Don’t worry