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,
yesterday i spoke with my employer,he told me that my appln not picked in lottery,hopes are very less(nonad/rp),he applied 150 appln,56 appln are picked in lottery,in that list my name is not their,may be hopes are very less.
Thanks every one it is very nice forum..
Best of luck to all the guys..
Employer name please
guru,
Employeer name: CCSIUSA,hw abt u?
Ad/rp/vt, still waiting any chance..
as per Raghu’s blog last year 15-20% applications get denied/ withdrawn so does that give another chance to other applicants ?
Any one received receipts from future tech?
Its because of people like you who go to these body shop consultancies many deserving candidates are losing their chances! Go get a life, Fake Resume pro!
Hi anyone got reciepts for nonAD/RP …….is there is any hopes
Yes got today nonAd/rp/vt
Wipro Guys,
Any update from GIMS team?.
This is my 2nd attempt in lottery. desperately waiting for good news.
Praying God !!!.
May be this weekend or next week.
Hope my receipt is generated. Nonad/ RP. Praying God.
Guys please tell me if u know: if my check is not cashed yet- Is there any chance I got selected?Do u have any info on your checks? (NonAD/RP/VT)
Ask the account section within your company or else ask your lawyer.
My check got cashed today on May 6. Also confirmed from the accounts departments, twice.
So, my advice is keep hanging- in there. Have faith and trust in GOD.
God Bless You!
With the announcement that USCIS made on Monday, should I check my SEVIS status? Finger cross!!!
Folks.. I got my receipt today… Thanks god! Would like to thank you guys for sharing details all through out. In US from last 3.5 yeas on L1, but that was getting expired.
Second attempt and one genuine application!
Wish you guys luck!
H1Bslaughter name really helped on keeping hopes alive. NonAD / RP/ California.
Congrats, Guys, the same category with you . I used this name yesterday, hope this name brings me luck at this final moment,God bless me.
Hope this name bring me some luck too 🙂 AD/RP/VT
It helped me and helps me
Trying with h1bslaughter again
Non Ad/Rp any hopes for cheque encashing……any information please tell
Guys plz tell me truth if you know!!!
ITS any hope for AD/RP, SEVIS STATUS NOT CHANGED TILL NOW.
No. Some of friends got receipts yesterday and there sevis was not updated till yesterday.
You can still wait till 8th May and check again your SEVIS on that day.
Thanks for suggestion.
Hey why you ppl apply 2 2, 3 3 applications. Since you I did not get selection. I try last 3 years, no selection
All these people will wrote in hell
Did you mean “Rot” ??
I think English just got “wrote” in hell. Mass murder massacre.
does it mean anything if the check hasn`t been cashed yet?(RP)
Is there still a chance for non AD/PP?
no any chance. next year.
Dude, that’s the height of hope. you must accept that PP is over.
Same here.. I think we can wait with 1% chance till this Friday and start packing by next Monday.
Miracles do happen!! Hold on!!
Shit happens, miracle don’t..
Frustrated-second attempt – one application 🙁
Guys please raise your hands if anybody still waiting for approval in premium processing?
If PP is still waiting for receipt.. will that be too much optimistic?
Did you see that? waiting for approval… Not the receipt…..
Did you see I said I am not waiting for Approval??
Non Ad/pp got the receipt on Apr 16th. It has been more than 15 calendar days……..
Same here. I keep checking my case status every hour..
Got Receipt on April 16. Still waiting for approval !! PP
All PP guys who got receipt, as per USCIS, your 15-day clock started on April 27 and ends on May 11. So wait until May 12th, after which you can check with your attorney and employer. This is true irrespective of whether you are AD or Non-AD.
How in the earth my comment is not visible now.. I saw it few minutes before and its not there anymore.. 🙁
I am able see that now.. 🙂 It seems they are playing hide and seek with me same as H1.
Anybody from Capgemini US or India – Got feedback from HR. Absolutely no Information .. whats going on.. buddy.
Patience and Patience
Am I eligible to apply H2-B since I work as a Technical Advisor in one of the largest company? I am trying to investigate alternative to talk to my director. I am from one of the eligible countries listed on H2-B site.
Anyone from Accenture got status update from PMSD (L to H conversion ) ?
Yup..yesterday got the receipt number from PMSD…
What to do.. I applied two and both got picked and approved..both are paying same amount..
Hamri maan to un dono ko mana karde aur apne gola pe laut ja
can you tell me when did u got approval? receipt date as well?
wonderful – first confused for getting picked in lottery and now confused what to do with the selections 😀 simply wow
Hey, why you guys apply more . since you, I got no selected.I try last 3 years, no selection. you will wrote in hell.
Anyone got receipts from Visanow?
Yeah, received this week. AD/RP/CSC
Hi Marilyn,
Could you please tell me the date? I am still waiting, I think mine is not picked.
Thanks!
too goood
I am still waiting the lottery acceptance or rejection notice. I got my Ph.D. in US in August 2014. I am working one of the largest company in U.S. that has more than 100k employee from all over the world. My question is to find an plan-b just in case my application is not being picked up. I am thinking to apply L-1B? Does any one has any knowledge on this precedure, or any recommendentations?
I think we might be colleagues!
AFAIK , L1 requires that you need to work off shore location for some time. so if you are working for the chip manufacturer, then shouldnt be a problem
We might be colleagues too 😀
You have to be working with same employer for atleast 1 year outside US to apply for L1 visa. Since you have a PhD you can apply L1A visa and green card later in EB-1 category. In the meantime I suggest you take a transfer to ur home country if ur employer has office there. That way u don’t have to worry abt work permit and other things.
But after I graduated, I only work on this company. I did not work outside of US. How could I able to apply L1A? Is it possible? Actually if I get 20-30 citations on my publications which requires a little of time, then my plan is to apply greencard.
@one
If you received your PhD in Aug 2014 then you can apply for OPT STEM extension, unless your PhD doesn’t fall under STEM category.
You can apply for L1B only after staying outside US for 1 year. You can look into academia jobs as back up. You can also look into O1 work visa!
Since you are PhD graduate, try for cap free employment in school.
My only advice to each and everyone in this forum – It ain’t over till the fat lady sings err I mean unless you get the package returned you still have chances so don’t worry.
If you get your package back then try next year.
That’s why wait till end of this month for the last laugh/pain/happiness/sadness 🙂
I think all these duplicate AD and Regular applicants who have got RFEs will have a tough time. This means many might still get an entry if these people have their petitions rejected. So keep hopes guys!!!!
Guys dont worry.. regardless of H1 or not.. You are safe as long as I am in jail.
😛
Guys dont fight for H1s. We are already fighting to get out and go back home..
Guys, any update from Infosys Bangalore
Any updates yet from attorney or in inszoom?
AD/RP/VT PwC NYC still waiting waiting waiting……….. 🙁
Have you tried finding out through SEVIS via DSO?
Same situation here. AD/RP/CA. I called my university to check the SEVIS status and no change. I am not sure what is going on with PwC attorneys. Has anyone got receipts at all?
I am also waiting. However, I lost all the hope. one of my colleague received receipt on 5th and update on INSzoom.
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.
Correct me if I am wrong..
did you talk to GIT..? until unless they confirm , nothing is concrete.
As I said, Its my observation. I havent got any update from GIT. I dont see anyone here said that CTS US got receipt niether any people whom I know.
I have two of friends in NC who received receipts it for LtoH.
Thats good to know.. Which means my observation is wrong.. I think we might have to wait for this week only. If no update by this Friday which mean not selection.
Hope you are correct. But the lottery is random, so wouldn’t the cases trickle irrespective of our situation. GIT on its part is just giving a firm answer that wait till May end. Don’t know whether to be positive or give up hope!
You might be correct as its a random pick up. I am just assuming that while updating Receipts GIT is just doing new H1 update first and H1 Conversion later.. These all are just to give myself hope and keep going though.. 🙂 Hope that helps.
I am certain GIT will distribute as soon as they have it. Also they will be more worried about LtoH cases than new h1 , as start date will be 1st oct anyways for new h1
Irrespective of conversion from LtoH or a new H1, effective date of H1 will start on Oct 1.
after seeing this , called them. they received one set of receipts. Next one will be coming around 15th may they said ( in less numbers) third one at the end of may (likely no but could be) .
Plan B is to go for L1A
So does it mean they already distributed a set to conversion to H1 receipts or are they to distribute?
Certain minimum conditions needed for L1A. Those who are associates can start packing the bags.
Mine in PP.. Now I think if I would have selected I should have got update my now.. Should start working on plan B now..
Couple of L to H guys in my project got their receipt#. GIT is not holding any receipts specifically for people that are already in the US.
Its so stupid that we people with L1B have to compete with newbies for the stupid lottery selection.
L1A is an option. But again, next year we will be competing with 300,000 people and eventually max out.
And L1B or L1A does not let us extend the stay based on GC processing (PERM/I-140 approval). USCIS or employers care very less about L1.
did anyone got picked up by two emp?
get*
RFE for sure! And denial for sure
+1
question was whether it happened or not. My friend received 3 receipts and two are already approved. for AD PP, I don’t understand how are you saying denial…
The bigger question is, if your friend got 3 picked and two approved, why are you asking the details here in the blog instead of talking to him?
Stop wasting time guys
Lets play cricket !!!!!
Reason being.. I am wondering how many of such likes. I cant curse him , but within yes I am .. so pis****f
The third will be an RFE and will nullify both the previous approvals . USCIS is smart. Your friend will be royally screwed!
Thanks Anushka.. you are really my .. Fu..love. if that happens then we will do dhinka chikka on Apple tower
Still waiting RG/RP/VT here in the US. Since this is my last chance (third time) before OPT expires, my employer is starting H-2B process now. This should give me another 3 years while waiting for next H-1B lottery.
H2B has country restrictions. Not for Indians
Got call from employer today ?
NonAD/RP/VT
Reciept# by marking last 5 digits pls
Guys…. Finally so happy.. Picked up.. Regular/Vermont (though I have 2 advanced degrees outside US).
I was on L1 and wanted to change employer badly.
Thanks to all.
Receipt by masking last 5 digits pls
I got picked and just checked online for my case. It says it requires additional evidence. I am so nervous now.
What exactly are you nervous about? If everything in your application is genuine, there is nothing to worry about. They will just request extra documentation to support your application and it should be good to go.
are you into premium processing or regular ..n which category?
our company just 2 packages returned, i think they are not selected in lottery, i am still hoping non-ad/RP
Trying my luck 🙂 🙂 plz do pray for me its my Last chance.
Pray …. you… and me… 🙁
intaha ho gai, intazaar ki
aai na kuchh khabar, mere H1B ki
ye hamen hai yaqeen, bevafa vo nahin
phir vajah kya hui, intazaar ki … 🙁
I have a bad news to share, attorney received my filing package returned; means my case not picked up under lottery.
non ad/rp/vt
Tough luck! I am expecting mine to be returned in the next couple of days! AD/RP/VT and Last chance. You did not lose it, it is just that you didn’t make it in the selected lot. Come back, and come back strong!
Consultancy services usually share 1st slot results in 2nd/3rd week of May,ascending slots will be shared with in a week/fortnight.For FY 16 we can expect from 2nd week.
To be generic wait till June end.
Any receipts from Cali today??
(Vermont; Regular Processing) I have not received any notice and the check has not been cashed… Is there any chance still? Or not anymore?
i just received receipt number from my comapany .. what it mean? did i got selected in lottery???? pls tell me friends ..bit tense.
Yes.
Now since I haven’t received a receipt number, it means that I dint make it through the lottery right? Or will there be any harm to wait for few more days? I am AD/PP/VT
Pretty likely you were not. I am in the same boat. Waiting is fine but at this point I just want my application returned asap to put this ordeal behind me and start looking forward for Plan B.
no harm if you already have your Plan B set.
Tried second time. No luck.. Disappointed! See u all next year…
guys completed BE in 2014 and joined WIPRO. they did my H1B and i got some i797 c FORM what does that mean.. a friend said i need to get i-797b .. As i have just 8 months of experience has they sent me i-797c SHOULD I HAVE MORE EXPERIENCE TO GET I797B .. totally confused ..
Hope this clears your confusion 😀
I-797B, Notice of Action Issued for approval of an alien worker petition.
I-797C, Notice of Action Issued to communicate receipt of payments, rejection of applications, transfer of files, fingerprint biometric, interview and re-scheduled appointments, and re-open cases.
on your statement/comment, i got it, you are definitely from Wipro…
If you are talking to me 😀 ha ha
No I am not 🙂
But you can keep guessing
Hi, raise ticket tright service ticket from GIMS.
Their duties to explain you all this things.
Form I-797B – Is issued to those who had never been to the U.S. or to those whose change of status cannot be approved. This means that you are qualified for the job but your change of status cannot be approved. So you cannot stay and work in the U.S. for two reasons:
You are NOT currently in the U.S.A.
You may have committed an immigration violation; the documents submitted during filing did not provide enough evidence that you were legally employed at all times; you had never been out of status as a student, etc.
Hence, such applicants, if they’re still staying in the USA must leave and apply for visa at an American consulate. The officer will determine if you are eligible for re-entry based on the evidence you’ll provide during the interview.
Form I-797C – This is a copy of the approved petition. This is usually given to the employers for their reference file.
Hence, Forms I-797A or I-797B are given to applicants, while I-797C is given to employers. For instance, if you didn’t receive the approval notice, then a copy of of the original will be provided.
Did you even read what’s written on your notice? Seriously, how does people like you qualify for the ‘highly-skilled’ category.
100% agree.
One of my friend told me if petitions are not selected in Premium, they will put them into Regular and select them again. Is it true?
Mine is AD/PP/VT
PS: I am aware they do it for AD’s and Non AD’s though
Nope that might not be the case. The difference between PP and RP for Non AD is the processing timeline advantage. Otherwise there is not much difference.
So now since I haven’t received a receipt number, it means that I dint make it through the lottery right? Or will there be any harm to wait for few more days? I am AD/PP/VT
I would suggest please wait. Because there will be RFEs to selected ones and you never know if there is a reserve list. Wait some more time because things can change. What is the actual process to fill 85000 might not be totally clear to everyone.
Any one from teletubbie consulting from punjab? 😀
On a lighter note – Anyone from Mars applying for H1B 🙂
Yes, I applied via Teletubbies consultancy. Tunak tunak tun tunak tunak tun tana naa.
Daler pajji….my H1B got approved… I am moving to USA…Birrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrju…aiigava bitwa to amrika..!
No IFs no BUT, only JATT…lets go Kanaaddaa…
Guys
Just now received Receipt from Employer
Mine is Non-AD/REG/Vermont
Dont loose hope
All the best for everyone
Your receipt# by masking last 5 digits
USCIS shouldn’t have done that announcement on Monday.
Nothing has changed,people are still receiving receipts and their checks are being en-cashed.They just put more stress on people’s life,it only made it worse than as it was before.
USCIS just jumped into this press release. actually they are making a few changes in the processing timelines and so they might have entered the data into their system but their statement confuses everyone because receipts are still coming and checks are getting cashed 🙂
Hi, Are you sure, checks are still getting cleared? Do you know any one whose check got cleared after USCIS monday’s announcement.
Yes a few people posted today in this forum. I hope they are saying the truth then it is correct that they are still processing checks. You can check the forum. 🙂
Totally Agree with you!
Mine check got cashed today on 05/06. Confirmed twice from the company’s account department in Boston.
is it AD/PP or non AD/RP
it is AD/RP/VT
Still Waiting for results .. Non AD/ RP/ VT.. praying chilukur Balaji god to fulfill my wish.. hoping my petition is picked up in lottery this time.. 2nd attempt