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H1B Visa 2014 Quota Cap Reached – USCIS Official News Update

Well, folks, we have a breaking news update from USCIS saying that H1B Visa Cap for Fiscal year 2014 has been reached.  The human psychology has kicked in and many employers rushed to get their H1B petitions ahead of their schedule due to the press release by USCIS indicating that it expects more petitions. Here is a summary of the news release by USCIS on the cap completion for FY 2014.

News Summary by USCIS  on H1B 2014 Cap Completion :

  • USCIS has received enough number of H1B petitions for fiscal year 2014 under regular quota, which is 65,000 petitions.
  • USCIS also have received enough number of petitions for masters quota cap, which is 20,000.
  • USCIS will not accept any petitions for H1B Visa 2014 after today, which is April 5th, 2013.
  • USCIS will conduct lottery or Random computer selection to pick the cap subject petitions filed for FY 2014. The lottery system will be exactly like we described earlier in our blog. Read  H1B Visa 2014 Lottery Process – Step by Step.
    • USCIS will conduct lottery for Advanced quota petitions and pick 20,000 petitions from that pool
    • For all the masters quota petitions that are not selected in lottery will be placed into general quota pool
    • A lottery will be conducted on the combined pool of petitions to pick the 65,000 petitions that are eligible for the FY 2014.
  • USCIS is not providing an exact number to us today as they are still processing petitions received for FY 2014 that were received today.
  • USCIS will give us more detail update next week, stay tuned.

Did you miss this year cap?  Check out  H1B Visa 2015 FAQs, it will help you get some idea.

Official USCIS reference :  News Release : H1B Visa FY 2014 cap complete

   

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1,124 Comments

  1. http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

    Reply
    • Hi, friends,

      I am in India and am actively following this blog because my son is in USA (Advance Degree, Regular Processing).

      The following news item was published in the Indian Express on 17-04-2013 .

      QUOTE
      ————————————————————————————————————–
      US immigration bill to increase H1B visa, but may sound death knell for Indian firms

      The sweeping US immigration bill, likely to be unveiled today, may propose a substantial increase in the much sought after H-1B visa, but the conditions imposed therein, if approved by the Congress, would prove to be a death knell for Indian-American companies.

      The bill moved after months of closed-door meetings by a group of eight bipartisan lawmakers, known as the Gang of Eight, aimed at striking a balance between enforcement provisions sought by Republicans as well as Democrats, including making citizenship widely accessible to those illegally in America.

      Given that India has a large pool of such IT professionals, analysts say any increase in the H-1B visas finally end up benefiting the Indian IT professionals, but unlike in the present scenario when they are hired mostly by Indian companies, it would benefit the US companies the most and prove to be a big disadvantage to companies like TCS, Wipro and Infosys.

      According to Politico, the eight senators would increase the current number of H-1B visas from 65,000 to 110,000, which could be increased to 180,000 visas based on demand for high-skilled jobs.

      Companies that get 30 per cent or more of their workforce from H-1B visa holders would have to pay new fees.

      “Starting in fiscal 2014, companies with more than 75 per cent of their workforce made up of H-1B visa holders will be banned from bringing in any additional workers. In 2015, that number goes to 65 per cent, and to 50 per cent in 2016,” Politico reported.

      Notably, the US India Business Council (USIBC) in a letter to the Senators had opposed such a provision.

      The eight Senators are Michael Bennet, Richard Durbin, Jeff Flake, Lindsey Graham, John McCain, Robert Menendez, Marco Rubio and Chuck Schumer.

      “Our greatest concern centres on proposals that would preclude access to visas or impose unworkable visa-related restrictions and fees on a company’s ability to sponsor H-1B and L-1 visas based upon their business model or the composition of its local workforce,” USIBC President Ron Somers wrote in a letter to the group of eight lawmakers.
      ———————————————————————————————————
      UNQUOTE

      See the following link
      http://www.indianexpress.com/news/us-immigration-bill-to-increase-h1b-visa…/1103237/

      It appears from the above (if the newspaper fellows have correctly reported) that the changes will be effective from the current fiscal year i.e. 2014. If so, my interpretation is that USCIS may not return not-selected petitions in a hurry. Because, if the increase is to be effective from 2014 (i.e. the year for which you have filed H1B petition), then there is no point in returning the petitions, to recall them again, to fill the increased quota of 1,10,000. If the bill is approved as proposed, it appears that the petitions, which are presently “not-selected”, will have a nearly 100% chance of H1B visa. Let us see which way the cat jumps !!

      Keep your chin up and do not assume bad luck, until your petition packet is actually returned.

      Reply
  2. Finally the counts are known… 124K…
    http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

    Reply
  3. Lottery already done!!!
    http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

    Reply
  4. Next Step:
    Lottery is over on the 124,000 applications. Probability of selection is around 0.75
    Results of lottery should now begin streaming in
    If you applied premium processing, THEn by 15th, i.e next Monday you should know if you were selected or not.
    Otherwise, most people under Premium Processing should begin getting their receipts This week.

    http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

    Reply
  5. USCIS Reaches FY 2014 H-1B Cap

    Released April 8, 2013

    WASHINGTON—For the first time since 2008, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reached the statutory H-1B cap of 65,000 for fiscal year (FY) 2014 within the first week of the filing period. USCIS has also received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the advanced degree exemption.

    USCIS received approximately 124,000 H-1B petitions during the filing period, including petitions filed for the advanced degree exemption. On April 7, 2013, USCIS used a computer-generated random selection process (commonly known as a “lottery”) to select a sufficient number of petitions needed to meet the caps of 65,000 for the general category and 20,000 under the advanced degree exemption limit. For cap-subject petitions not randomly selected, USCIS will reject and return the petition with filing fees, unless it is found to be a duplicate filing.

    The agency conducted the selection process for advanced degree exemption petitions first. All advanced degree petitions not selected were part of the random selection process for the 65,000 limit.

    As announced on March 15, 2013, USCIS has temporarily adjusted its premium processing practice. To facilitate the prioritized data entry of cap-subject petitions requesting premium processing, USCIS will begin premium processing for H-1B cap cases on April 15, 2013. For more information on premium processing for FY 2014 cap-subject petitions, please see the related USCIS Alert.

    USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap. Petitions filed on behalf of current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap will not be counted towards the congressionally-mandated FY 2014 H-1B cap. Accordingly, USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions filed to:

    extend the amount of time a current H-1B worker may remain in the U.S.;
    change the terms of employment for current H-1B workers;
    allow current H-1B workers to change employers; and
    allow current H-1B workers to work concurrently in a second H-1B position.
    U.S. businesses use the H-1B programto employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields including, but not limited to: scientists, engineers, or computer programmers.

    For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit www.uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis) and the USCIS blog The Beacon

    Reply
  6. Lottery has been done and it just takes time to reach us. Holy Crap 12K applications!!!!
    http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

    Reply
  7. They have announced the numbers. Its a total of 124,000 applications including general and advanced degree cap.
    http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

    Reply
  8. As per USCIS site random selection (lottery) is already done.

    “On April 7, 2013, USCIS used a computer-generated random selection process (commonly known as a “lottery”) to select a sufficient number of petitions needed to meet the caps of 65,000 for the general category and 20,000 under the advanced degree exemption limit. “

    Reply
    • From USCIS news releases – “USCIS received approximately 124,000 H-1B petitions during the filing period, including petitions filed for the advanced degree exemption.”

      Reply
      • http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=b56db6f2cae63110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

        Reply
      • http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

        Reply
      • please check

        http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

        Reply
      • http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

        Reply
      • http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

        Reply
      • news -> news release.

        It is not done yet here:

        The agency conducted the selection process for advanced degree exemption petitions first. All advanced degree petitions not selected were part of the random selection process for the 65,000 limit.

        Reply
        • USCIS says “USCIS used a computer-generated random selection process (commonly known as a “lottery”) to select a sufficient number of petitions needed to meet the caps of 65,000 for the general category and 20,000 under the advanced degree exemption limit”. So lottery is done for both Regular CAP and US Masters CAP.

          Reply
          • http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

          • Your potential employer or their / your lawyer will tell you if the application made it through the lottery or not, possibly tomorrow or the day after tomorrow…

      • http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

        Reply
      • Link in USCIS site under:
        Home > NEWS > News Releases
        USCIS News Releases

        April 2013
        USCIS Reaches FY 2014 H-1B Cap
        04/08/2013

        Reply
      • http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

        Reply
      • http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

        Reply
      • On April 7, 2013, USCIS used a computer-generated random selection process (commonly known as a “lottery”) to select a sufficient number of petitions needed to meet the caps of 65,000 for the general category and 20,000 under the advanced degree exemption limit. For cap-subject petitions not randomly selected, USCIS will reject and return the petition with filing fees, unless it is found to be a duplicate filing.

        http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

        Reply
    • http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

      Reply
    • http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

      Reply
    • Here is the link:

      http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

      Reply
  9. Looks like the lottery was done on a sunday as per the below press release

    http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

    Reply
  10. 124.000 f&*^ this s^&* :((

    http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

    Reply
  11. http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

    124,000 filed
    lottery conducted last Fri

    Reply
  12. LOTTERY PROCESS OVER. Please see the following link from USCIS

    http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=b56db6f2cae63110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

    Reply
  13. Latest News – 124K Total applicants and Lottery has already been conducted.

    Plz check USCIS website:

    http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

    Reply
  14. Here it is people:

    124,000 H-1B petitions this year….

    http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

    Reply
  15. As far as I understand the lottery system is only applied to cap subject petitions per,
    “USCIS will use a computer-generated random selection process (commonly known as the “lottery”) for all FY 2014 cap-subject petitions received through April 5, 2013.”

    Earlier in the same article USCIS states that, “USCIS has also received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the advanced degree exemption.”

    Read, exempt from the cap! This potentially means that the Masters applicants go through a selection process other than a “lottery” system, with the remainder being add to the lottery for the 65,000 petitions.

    Reply
    • cm’n it sounds stupid that if say USCIS will consider FCFS. Its impossible for them to confirm which application should serve first as if they will receive more then 100 applications at same time. They give same priority to all applications which are under master cap mean lottery.

      Reply
      • Deepthi, from whatever shithole that you are from, they didn’t teach you to be respectful at your home. When you respond to some ones question, you should use your “fuckin” brains and try to be as nice as you can, irrespective of the question they might ask.

        To be honest Fog’s comment seems a plausible interpretation; only that stupids like you can never ever imagine nor be able to go to those lengths and discuss about possibilities arising out of linguistic rhetoric. So, forget about H1 and go back to kindergarten and learn some nice manners before infesting our real world with crap loads that come out of your overflowing trashy fleshy oozy body.

        Reply
    • Random selection will be used on the Masters applications as well. Those which are not selected are added back to the pool of the normal applications and the random selection will be executed on that pool as well. Hence people subject to the Masters quota will have a second chance, should they application be not selected in the Masters pool lottery.

      Reply
      • Yep. Thats’ what most lawyers and blogs seem to be saying, but given that USCIS is a black box, I feel its possible that the Masters candidates may be put through an alternate selection process. The only verifiable information is what USCIS puts out and given that their statement is vague, what I suggested in my post is certainly valid option.

        There seems to be a lot of speculation so far, and none of them have any reliable backing anyway, so I’m just adding my two cents to the pool!!

        Reply
        • Or not!

          http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

          Reply
    • I checked the delivery status from the courier company that my employer sent visa applications through, it shows they accepted it wen it reached today approx 11 am. Does that mean they will consider the applications reached today?

      Reply
      • Sorry, buddy, it won’t be accepted by USCIS. This is clearly stated in their announcement:
        “…After today [Friday], USCIS will not accept H-1B petitions subject to the FY 2014 cap or the advanced degree exemption…”

        Reply
        • And this was not really an answer to your question…

          To clarify: if the application arrived today at around 11am, then yes, it will be considered as an application received after the final date – which was on Friday – no matter when your company posted it.

          Reply
      • This is just me guessing but I think it wouldn’t be considered as it says so on the USCIS press release. Maybe they are keeping a buffer of some kind. Don’t think they send back the courier boy just because the date is past. Just my 2 cents.

        Reply
    • guys just saw an update in USCIS, it got around 124,000 applications and they are saying they also finished the lottery process.

      Reply
        • http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

          Reply
        • Link:
          http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

          Reply
        • This is the link

          http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

          Reply
    • WASHINGTON—For the first time since 2008, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reached the statutory H-1B cap of 65,000 for fiscal year (FY) 2014 within the first week of the filing period. USCIS has also received more than 20,000 H-H1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the advanced degree exemption. 🙁

      USCIS received approximately 124,000 H-1B petitions during the filing period, including petitions filed for the advanced degree exemption. On April 7, 2013, USCIS used a computer-generated random selection process (commonly known as a “lottery”) to select a sufficient number of petitions needed to meet the caps of 65,000 for the general category and 20,000 under the advanced degree exemption limit. For cap-subject petitions not randomly selected, USCIS will reject and return the petition with filing fees, unless it is found to be a duplicate filing.

      The agency conducted the selection process for advanced degree exemption petitions first. All advanced degree petitions not selected were part of the random selection process for the 65,000 limit.

      Reply
        • WASHINGTON—For the first time since 2008, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reached the statutory H-1B cap of 65,000 for fiscal year (FY) 2014 within the first week of the filing period. USCIS has also received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the advanced degree exemption.

          USCIS received approximately 124,000 H-1B petitions during the filing period, including petitions filed for the advanced degree exemption. On April 7, 2013, USCIS used a computer-generated random selection process (commonly known as a “lottery”) to select a sufficient number of petitions needed to meet the caps of 65,000 for the general category and 20,000 under the advanced degree exemption limit. For cap-subject petitions not randomly selected, USCIS will reject and return the petition with filing fees, unless it is found to be a duplicate filing.

          The agency conducted the selection process for advanced degree exemption petitions first. All advanced degree petitions not selected were part of the random selection process for the 65,000 limit.

          As announced on March 15, 2013, USCIS has temporarily adjusted its premium processing practice. To facilitate the prioritized data entry of cap-subject petitions requesting premium processing, USCIS will begin premium processing for H-1B cap cases on April 15, 2013. For more information on premium processing for FY 2014 cap-subject petitions, please see the related USCIS Alert.

          USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap. Petitions filed on behalf of current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap will not be counted towards the congressionally-mandated FY 2014 H-1B cap. Accordingly, USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions filed to:

          extend the amount of time a current H-1B worker may remain in the U.S.;
          change the terms of employment for current H-1B workers;
          allow current H-1B workers to change employers; and
          allow current H-1B workers to work concurrently in a second H-1B position.

          U.S. businesses use the H-1B programto employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields including, but not limited to: scientists, engineers, or computer programmers.

          For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit www.uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis) and the USCIS blog The Beacon

          Reply
        • http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

          Reply
          • I am unable to post the link just google for Isis 124000 and you should be able to see the results

        • http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

          Reply
        • source: 124k H1B!!!

          http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

          Reply
        • http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

          Reply
  16. Please vote for this petition for avoiding big companies filing multiple H1B, thus blocking way for smaller ones.

    https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/introduce-company-level-cap-temporary-work-permits-h1-b/tF8QSBhJ

    Reply
  17. Someone please please clear my doubt..
    Will the lottery be applied on all the petitions received till 5thApril
    OR
    only on petitions that were received on 5th when the cap exceeded.

    Thanks

    Reply
    • This lottery will consist of all cap-subject H1B cases filed with the USCIS between April 1 and April 5, 2013. The USCIS will first conduct a lottery of cases filed under the advanced-degree (or Masters’) cap exemption. A second lottery will be conducted consisting of all cases filed against the regular cap, as well as those advanced-degree cap cases not selected in the advanced-degree lottery.

      My hands are crossed

      Reply
  18. If you are from India, Bangladesh, Pakistani, China, your H1b will be denied per USCIS. Those guys are to be expelled from US as we don’t need more cockroaches , we go enough. STAY HOME, fix your fucked up country and leave us alone.

    Reply
  19. Guys,
    When my attorney filed, he mentioned ATTN as H1B whereas I am in master’s quota. I129 etc has been marked correctly. Will I count towards general quota for the lottery?

    Reply
    • per USCIS ‘ATTN: H-1B Cap’ is for Regular Processing. you filing will go in Regular at least for the lottery purpose.

      Reply
    • in my case my attorney did the other way round..he mentioned ATTN I-129 master cap but my application inside says for h1B bachelors cap(I am completing my master’s thesis right now).I hope that doesnt end me up in problem.

      Reply
  20. Hi,

    Can any one please let me know when the USCIS will reveal the exact number of applications received??
    Also when the lottery would be held and when will the results be out and how will it be notified??

    Reply
      • It is not possible at all to check how many new H1B filed by a company unless you talk to that company and they tell you the number!!

        Reply
      • don’t mislead the people. if you don’t any thing, it’s much better to keep quit. myvisajobs or some xxxxxx sites, all these display LCA numbers. They don’t need to file h1bs for all LCAa

        Reply
    • Yes surely, if you have filed, you can go for premium processing… But its in their discretion whether to accept it or not…. Same happens if you apply for OPT, there something called “expedite”, and it’s totally on their discretion whether they process your application with expedite “on” or “off”.

      As far as I know, if you apply with premium in the start, it surely gonna premium, but if you apply for premium afterwards, its not sure….

      But I may be wrong.

      Reply
    • If you filed your petition by April 5, now you have a chance to upgrade to premium processing. If not, USCIS do not accept any new H1B petition after April 5.

      Reply
    • It does not make a difference. Why would you do so? In any case USCIS has stopped accepting more applications. If your aim was to get your petition processed fast, then wait till you see if your petition gets selected. You can then upgrade to premium processing anytime.

      Suresh

      http://www.myonestopforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=26

      Reply
  21. Everyone is frustrated… there is already system in place there is nothing we can do NOW…
    The only thing I can think of is we can blame 15th March press release.. if that was not done we all might be waiting for case number than talking about lottery and cursing our fate…
    I dont know how much lucky I would be this time…
    All the best to everyone!!

    Reply
  22. Hi Guys,
    As per my employer, my application was sent for filing with USCIS on 27 Mar 2013. What are the chances of my petition getting filed?

    Hitesh

    Reply
    • What do you mean by “What are the chances of my petition getting filed?” ???

      You can ask your employer whether it reached the center of not. Or you can ask your courier boy….

      But if your courier reaches before Apr 1, as far as I know, they reject it right away, because they dont accept any applications before Apr 1, otherwise everyone would have done that…..

      Reply
    • Hi Hitesh,

      Normally employers send out the application on Friday (March 29th) as overnight delivery – so that it reaches USCIS on the morning of April 01st.
      You might want to check with your employer or track with the delivery to see which day your application was received by USCIS.
      I feel that your employer might have sent it as normal delivery – expecting USCIS to receive on April1st…

      hope this helps..

      RD

      Reply
    • You shouldn’t send the file prior to March 29th.. Legally, it only allowed 3 days prior to April 1st.. you employer was lying or you might not understand properly.. I know, lot of these h4 and l1 candidates won’t understand properly and blame on their employers. 50% L1 candidates and 80% of H4s don’t have minimum coman sence

      Reply
  23. Sign this to stop people from filing multiple petitions

    https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/reform-h1b-lottery-process-eliminate-loopholes-benefiting-outsourcing-companys-expense-us-business/tW13kXkq

    Reply
  24. Sign this to stop people from

    https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/reform-h1b-lottery-process-eliminate-loopholes-benefiting-outsourcing-companys-expense-us-business/tW13kXkq

    Reply
  25. Please vote for this petition.
    https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/introduce-company-level-cap-temporary-work-permits-h1-b/tF8QSBhJ

    Reply
      • thanks and agreed! problem is they keep increasing thresholds too. we need 100,000 signs by 1 month for White House to consider any people moved bill! So please spread the word as much as possible. may be thru DB, twitter!

        Reply
      • @RD: Well, are you talking about clients of offshore companies? They don’t care which company we work for and most companies here are not going to ask their vendors to file a work permit for the person and obviously not gonna ask 100 companies. A company with 1,00,000 people files H1 for their offshore folks irrespective of the demand. Even if they don’t see visibility of project beyond october or expansion in onshore team, they simply file the petition to be on safer side. Due to this, people who work in smaller companies lose a chance for direct petition review instead has to go for lottery.

        Reply
    • This is a big question. Not sure what happens internal to USCIS. They are not supposed to open the applications(only then they can know if its duplicate right?). This is because they got to return the rejected petitions by lottery.

      Reply
      • Damn!
        That is too bad!
        Why can’t they open the applications and seal it back to see if it is invalid or duplicate?
        [well i am frustrated]

        Reply
    • Yes Sam,

      According to USCIS; there was a press release that took place on Friday (april05th.) and this means that the cap has reached on Friday. The 85K applicants will be competing with the little more applications that USCIS received after they reached the cap on Friday ( which could be lesser than 85K). And this means that you have more than 50% chance that you application could be picked.

      -RD

      Reply
    • YES HE IS 200% RIGHT IF THE LARGE IT COMPANIES CAPTURING THE ALL H1B VISA WITH 1000 NDS AND 1000 NDS OF PETITIOS !!!!!!!!! WHERE DO THEY ENGINEERS AND OTHER CATAGORIES OF PROFFESSIONALS GOO ?????????

      USCIS SHOULD LOOK ON IT TO HELP THE ENGINEERS AND OTHERS .

      THIS IS COMPLETELY NOT FAIR TO GET ONLY IT PEOPLES IN IN IN WITH H1B !!!
      THIS IS COMPLETELY NOT FAIR TO GET ONLY IT PEOPLES IN IN IN WITH H1B !!!
      THIS IS COMPLETELY NOT FAIR TO GET ONLY IT PEOPLES IN IN IN WITH H1B !!!
      THIS IS COMPLETELY NOT FAIR TO GET ONLY IT PEOPLES IN IN IN WITH H1B !!! V

      Reply
      • Please vote for this petition
        https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/introduce-company-level-cap-temporary-work-permits-h1-b/tF8QSBhJ

        Reply
  26. From the USICS Press Release.
    “USCIS will monitor the number of petitions received and notify the public of the date on which the numerical limit of the H-1B cap has been met. This date is known as the final receipt date’

    Just saw this on the USICS site. Does this mean that numerical limit was reached only on Friday, Or was there any other release which says that they will only announce the count only on Friday.

    Reply
    • It’s unfortunately not clear. According to this statement, yes, the cap has only been met on Friday. On the other hand, the first week was special: no matter when the cap was met, applications would have been received until Friday anyway.

      Reply
      • @sa Thats what is confusing me too. I really hope that the cap was reached only on friday. Which will mean a better chance in the lottery.

        @h1b I saw this on the uscis website purée release. It is the press release on the 15th March. I am on my iPad where it is a bit difficult to search and paste the links.

        Finally any unofficial update on count. Yes I know we might hear from the USICS tomorrow itself, but like most of you I am a quite nervous.

        I really hope there are really less number of applicants so that we have a higher chance in the lottery.

        Reply
      • Here it is –

        http://www.dailytechnologytips.com/2013/04/uscis-reaches-fy-2014-h-1b-cap-are-you.html

        and

        http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=5051f359827dd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=e7801c2c9be44210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

        Reply
    • The News on “The Hartford Courant” New Paper as follows..

      “Visa Program for Skilled Workers hits limit in days”

      Washington- A popular U.S Visa program for skilled workers ha hit its quota just days into the application period, the U.S CitizenShip and Immigration Service said, Triggering a lottery and signaling that companies feel confident enough about the economy to hire more foreign workers.

      The H1B Program, which started accepting this yearon Monday, hasn’t reached its 65000 cap so quickly since early 2008, The agency said.

      Thanks
      NKumar

      Reply
    • The News on “The Hartford Courant” New Paper as follows..

      “Visa Program for Skilled Workers hits limit in days”

      Washington- A popular U.S Visa program for skilled workers ha hit its quota just days into the application period, the U.S CitizenShip and Immigration Service said, Triggering a lottery and signaling that companies feel confident enough about the economy to hire more foreign workers.

      The H1B Program, which started accepting this yearon Monday, hasn’t reached its 65000 cap so quickly since early 2008, The agency said.

      Thanks
      NKumar

      Reply
    • Sa,
      Yes the cap has reached on Friday which means the cap will be just over 65K for regular and 20K for Masters. There will be a good chance for everyone….Keep finger crossed….

      Reply
  27. Guys,

    Here is a poll that shows that people believe USCIS recieved around 65K -90K applications.

    myonestopforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=26&view=viewpoll

    Reply
  28. i have done my masters and got my degree also.i just have to submit my thesis but in my degree they say i matriculated snd in my i20 it says im still enrolled in college..i m working on stem 17 months extension OPT …my lawyer applied for my h1b in bachelor quota but on top of my envelope they wrote for masters quota,though they send my master degree and everything but in my application it says applying for bachelors…where would my application be counted??in masters or bachelors???

    Reply
  29. USCIS SAID the same thing last year then why there was no lottery ?

    USCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2013 H-1B Cap

    ((((received a sufficient number of H-1B petitions to reach the statutory cap of 65,000 for fiscal year (FY) 2013)))))

    ((((USCIS already received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the ‘advanced degree’ exemption))))))

    USCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2013 H-1B Cap

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it has received a sufficient number of H-1B petitions to reach the statutory cap of 65,000 for fiscal year (FY) 2013. Yesterday, June 11, 2012, was the final receipt date for new H-1B specialty occupation petitions requesting an employment start date in FY 2013.

    USCIS will consider properly filed cases as received on the date that USCIS physically receives the petition; not the date that the petition was postmarked. USCIS will reject cap-subject petitions for new H-1B specialty occupation workers if they arrive after June 11, 2012 and seek an employment start date in FY 2013.

    As of June 7, 2012, USCIS already received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the ‘advanced degree’ exemption. USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap.

    In addition, petitions filed on behalf of current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap will not be counted toward the FY 2013 H-1B cap. As such, USCIS will continue to accept and process these petitions to:

    extend the amount of time a current H-1B worker may remain in the U.S.;
    change the terms of employment for current H-1B workers;
    allow current H-1B workers to change employers; and
    allow current H-1B workers to work concurrently in a second H-1B position.
    U.S.businesses use the H-1B program to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields such as scientists, engineers or computer programmers.

    For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit www.uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis) and the USCIS blog The Beacon.

    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    USCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2014 H-1B Cap

    April 2013
    USCIS Reaches FY 2014 H-1B Cap
    04/05/2013

    USCIS Reaches FY 2014 H-1B Cap

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it has received a sufficient number of H-1B petitions to reach the statutory cap for fiscal year (FY) 2014. USCIS has also received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the advanced degree exemption. After today, USCIS will not accept H-1B petitions subject to the FY 2014 cap or the advanced degree exemption.

    USCIS will use a computer-generated random selection process (commonly known as the “lottery”) for all FY 2014 cap-subject petitions received through April 5, 2013. The agency will conduct the selection process for advanced degree exemption petitions first. All advanced degree petitions not selected will be part of the random selection process for the 65,000 limit. Due to the high number of petitions received, USCIS is not yet able to announce the exact day of the random selection process. Also, USCIS is currently not providing the total number of petitions received, as we continue to accept filings today. USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap.
    USCIS will provide more detailed information about the H-1B cap next week.
    For more information about USCIS and its programs, please visit www.uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis) and the USCIS blog The Beacon.

    .

    Reply
      • How about the Last year Visas that Still Not used by Singapore and Chile Citizens? will USCIS include those available Visas to the current regular cap? or 58200?

        Reply
        • Yes, they are included. The visa reserved for Singapore and Chile citizens are underused (a few hundred only) each year. The unused visas are added to next year’s cap. What this means is that instead of 65k there should be about 63k+ visas available (65k – 6.8k + remaining visas from previous year). The exact numbers, however, are only known by USCIS (at least I don’t know any place where this could be checked).

          Reply
        • It was 1500 used last year by chile and singapore quotq it means regular is 63500 +20000 master total 83500 good luck everyone

          Reply
          • Sam,
            The fiscal year ends in Sep 2013. So they are still accepting H1B1 applications for the current fiscal year. Once it is past Sep 2013, they will know for sure how many H1B1 slots went unused for FY-13.

            Where did you get the number of 1,500?

        • H1B Guy,
          Once the random selection has been conducted, PP applicants will know first followed by others. Even before PP people know about their selection, their processing can start in the background. USCIS mentioned the 15th date to give them enough buffer time to review all PP petitions within 15 days. In the past, so many PP applications were filed that they had to stop 15 day clock on some of them.

          Reply
  30. what about the rejection rate? whatever no of petitions have been filed, there would be some that are bogus, with incorrect fees and multiple applications. that should bring the no down. Or has USCIS anticipated the rejection rate and then called out the cap as having been reached?

    Reply
    • Uzahm,
      They accept few more petitions to make-up for those petitions. Based on historical data, they determine how many extra petitions to select. However, such numbers are not published.

      Reply
    • Two. It’s perfectly legal to hold more than one H1Bs from multiple employers while multiple filing for one person from one employer is illegal.

      Reply
  31. HI All,

    Heared that only Masters quota (20K) have been reached over the limit, but general Quota (65K) have not been exceeded? Is that true, any information?

    Reply
    • Yes by reading their alert it looks like they have exceeded only master cap and not regular.
      So lets say if they have 25k application received for master then 5k will be added to regular cap for lottery.

      Reply
      • Why do you think it looks like they have not exceeded the regular cap?
        USCIS says:
        “… it has received a sufficient number of H-1B petitions to reach the statutory cap for fiscal year (FY) 2014.”

        Yes, they do not say “more than 65.000”, but there is no reason to think the cap is not reached.

        Reply
        • Looks like thats the standard message they use, in 2008 they used similar message but they received more than 160k petitions. This time it would be lot less, we have to wait till next week!

          Reply
          • yeah.. actually, I checked their releases in 2008 and 2009. Its pretty much standard. I dont know how they know for sure that the cap has been reached as its hard to predict the rejection rate. The rate itself varies everywhere. It was around 15% last year.

          • The point is not the content of the release but when they made the announcement in 2007 and 2008. If they made the announcement other than on Friday noon, the assumption that this year the cap was reached on the 4th day or even 5th day makes sense.

      • “USCIS has ***ALSO*** received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the advanced degree exemption.”

        Both limits have been reached. But I agree with SKAN that the number of petitions should be less than those received in 2008. I expect (hope) that the odds are better than 50%.

        Reply
  32. USCIS Reaches FY 2014 H-1B Cap

    http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=5051f359827dd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=e7801c2c9be44210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it has received a sufficient number of H-1B petitions to reach the statutory cap for fiscal year (FY) 2014. USCIS has also received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the advanced degree exemption. After today, USCIS will not accept H-1B petitions subject to the FY 2014 cap or the advanced degree exemption.

    USCIS will use a computer-generated random selection process (commonly known as the “lottery”) for all FY 2014 cap-subject petitions received through April 5, 2013. The agency will conduct the selection process for advanced degree exemption petitions first. All advanced degree petitions not selected will be part of the random selection process for the 65,000 limit. Due to the high number of petitions received, USCIS is not yet able to announce the exact day of the random selection process. Also, USCIS is currently not providing the total number of petitions received, as we continue to accept filings today. USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap.
    USCIS will provide more detailed information about the H-1B cap next week.
    For more information about USCIS and its programs, please visit http://www.uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis) and the USCIS blog The Beacon.

    http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-news/outsourcing/H-1B-visa-applications-Cap-reached-for-FY-2014/articleshow/19411239.cms

    http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/h1b-visas-may-be-decided-through-lottery-this-year-348405

    http://profit.ndtv.com/news/corporates/article-h-1b-visas-may-be-decided-through-lottery-this-year-320229?v_recent_also_see

    Reply
    • Waiting sor some update. But all that now makes no sense. Even of there are just 66000 petitions, we still might have to wait for a month for the actual results

      Reply
      • I don’t think they will take time to announce lottery results. Since they have to start premium processing by Apr 15 (date declared by uscis when they predicted cap will be full in first week). And before processing starts, the selected candidates will be sent a receipt.

        I hope lottery results will be out by next week end.

        Reply

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