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
Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.
Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.
Awards
Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.
Media mentions
Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.
Video
Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit.
Awards
Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.
Media mentions
Fragomen explores in an article how international recruitment can help solve Germany’s public sector staffing crisis and support the future of essential services.
Blog post
Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.
Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.
Awards
Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.
Media mentions
Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.
Video
Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit.
Awards
Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.
Media mentions
Fragomen explores in an article how international recruitment can help solve Germany’s public sector staffing crisis and support the future of essential services.
Blog post
Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.