H-1B Processing Update: USCIS Completes Return of FY 2016 Cap Petitions Not Selected in the Lottery
July 14, 2015
United States
USCIS today announced that it has finished returning H-1B petitions that were not selected in the FY 2016 cap lottery. Employers with cases not chosen for processing should receive their returned petition packages and fee checks by July 20, 2015.
USCIS continues to work on pending non-premium processed cases, as well as premium cases that received requests for evidence (RFEs). The agency has not yet estimated when it will finish initial adjudication of non-premium cases, but is expected to do so in the coming weeks. During the FY 2015 H-1B cap adjudication season, USCIS completed initial adjudication of pending cases by early August 2014.
Employers who receive RFEs in pending cases should work with their Fragomen professionals to quickly assemble any additional facts or documents necessary for a response. The sooner an RFE response is submitted, the greater the likelihood that the case will be decided in time for an October 1, 2015 H-1B employment start date.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
© 2015 Fragomen
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner Audrea Golding explains how the $100,000 H-1B fee could affect hiring across the tech industry.
Blog post
Immigration Supervisor Nathalie Pimenta and Immigration Programme Manager Frida Sakaj discuss the importance of planning visa applications and document services early to avoid delays and ensure compliance with UK regulations.
Fragomen news
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how new regulations have led Polish companies to adjust their use of work permits.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper discusses the potential implications of the $100,000 H-1B fee for employers, universities and research programs relying on international talent.
Blog post
Partner Natasha Catterson discusses how proposed changes to UK residency and citizenship rules could affect immigration planning and applicant eligibility.
Fragomen news
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is recognised for her work shaping global immigration and workforce mobility.
Awards
Fragomen was recognized by Oasis Legal Services with the Ally in Action Award at their 8th Annual Community Celebration: Liberation Sounds Like Us, which took place on September 12, 2025 in Oakland, California.
Video
Fragomen FC hosts recap major international football transfers and tournaments played this summer.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how careful planning can help international students navigate US visa changes and avoid disruptions to study and travel.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner Audrea Golding explains how the $100,000 H-1B fee could affect hiring across the tech industry.
Blog post
Immigration Supervisor Nathalie Pimenta and Immigration Programme Manager Frida Sakaj discuss the importance of planning visa applications and document services early to avoid delays and ensure compliance with UK regulations.
Fragomen news
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how new regulations have led Polish companies to adjust their use of work permits.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper discusses the potential implications of the $100,000 H-1B fee for employers, universities and research programs relying on international talent.
Blog post
Partner Natasha Catterson discusses how proposed changes to UK residency and citizenship rules could affect immigration planning and applicant eligibility.
Fragomen news
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is recognised for her work shaping global immigration and workforce mobility.
Awards
Fragomen was recognized by Oasis Legal Services with the Ally in Action Award at their 8th Annual Community Celebration: Liberation Sounds Like Us, which took place on September 12, 2025 in Oakland, California.
Video
Fragomen FC hosts recap major international football transfers and tournaments played this summer.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how careful planning can help international students navigate US visa changes and avoid disruptions to study and travel.