The demand for H1B visas in the US continues to be at its peak with the H1B lottery in the last few years. USCIS introduced New H1B Registration Rule from FY 2021 season to reduce costs and streamline operations. In this context of high demand for H1Bs, being counted towards H1B cap in the past has become more and more important, if you want to work in US.
In the past, there was a USCIS regulation to recapture unused time that said that you were considered as cap exempt, only if you have filed for H1B in the past 6 years. This changed in 2017 when the new rules and clarification by USCIS came into effect with. We will cover the details of old Rule that said the 6 years limit and new clarification by USCIS as per Jan 2017 memo with official references.
Background: H1B 6 years Limit
In general, you can work in the US on H1B up to 6 years. USCIS usually gives H1B for 3 years and then you can apply for H1B extension to get 3 more years. The general rule is that, if you not used up any of that 6 years on H1B, you can apply for H1B transfer or extension as cap exempt (not applying in H1B lottery again) to use that 6 years limit.
Also, your time towards that 6 years limit on H1B is counted only if you are in the US and worked on H1B visa status. Just getting H1B approval does not count towards using of the 6 years…this is for cases, when you are outside of US and have not traveled to US.
Previous Rule before Jan 2017 – H1B remainder time recapture
The previous rule to recapture remainder unused time of 6 years of H1B time said that, you were considered cap exempt to recapture unused period of H1B, only if you apply for H1B before 6 years from the original H1B approval date. It was not very clear what happens if you do not file within 6 years. Below is a reference of the official rule from INA section 214(g)(7) in one of the field guidance memos of USCIS from 2006. See below screenshots. Check Official USCIS 2006 Memo
Below is the screenshot of the actual rule in Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 214(g)(7). It is the same that you see in above screenshot, but below is the actual INA source that talks about the regulation. As it was not clear, it was interpreted that you can only apply within 6 years to be eligible for recapturing the unused H1B. Check Official INA 214(g)(7) Rule
As this was not fully clear, in late 2016 it was raised in comments as part of the regulation “Retention of Immigrant Workers, Program Improvements for High-Skilled Nonimmigrant Workers”. USCIS clarified the same in their response when the final rule was published for the same and updated the rule.
Current rule to Recapture H1B Unused time
The rule to recapture unused H1B time of 6 years was updated in 2017 to provide more clarity and it says that “there is no time limitation on recapturing the remainder of the initial 6-year period of H-1B admission under INA 214(g)(4).” What it means is that if anyone has applied for H1B in previous years and counted towards H1B cap, they can re-apply for H1B as cap exempt petition, with USCIS, anytime to recapture their unused initial H1B time that is less than 6 years. There is no time restriction that they should apply within 6 years from the initial H1B approval time anymore to recapture or use the remainder of H1B unused time. Below image articulates the same in a timeline using an example.
Below is the official rule change screenshot from federal register. Check Official Federal Register Rule . The below image from Federal Register is the summary of the rule change.
Below image is from same Federal Register rule that is the actual clarification of the comments by USCIS in the final rule publication.
How to recapture H1B Unused Time, Proofs ?
As the above final rule was published, it was updated in the standard code of federal regulations of H1B at 8 CFR 214.2(h)(13)(iii)(C) and below screenshot shows the actual text, where it tells that the remaining time can be recaptured in a subsequent H1B petition at anytime. To avail the benefit, it is up to the beneficiary or the H1B holder trying to recapture the time to provide all relevant documentation support the same. Official reference at : 8 CFR 214.2(h)(13)(iii)(C)
Documents Checklist to recapture unused time of H1B of 6 years
- Copies of Stamps in Passport given at Port of Entry,
- Copies of Stamps in passport related to country where you live
- Arrival Departure Records ( I-94 Cards ) or Electronic I-94 Cards
- Airline Tickets, Boarding Passes
- Chart indicating the times spent outside of US and documentary evidence for the same.
What has been your experience on recapturing the remainder of Unused H1B period of 6 years ? Did you go through any such situation ? Share your thoughts and experiences.
Dear Kumar,
Thanks for your selfless work for the community for a long. Below is my case Please do add your opinion.
My H1b was selected in the lottery in 2013 and got petition approval in 2015, with Validity 2 years (Feb-2015 to Dec-2016).
1. Visa stamped [Feb-2015 to Dec-2016]
2. I never travelled to the USA.
Below is my query :
Can I use the same H1B selected for Cap-Exempt / H1B Transfer?
Regards,
Muhammad
Muhammad,
Thank you for nice words 🙂
Yes, you can. As you had stamping done, you are technically considered to have H1B status at least once. There are some grey areas around this. Discuss with your attorney and proceed.
Hi Kumar,
I got my h1b Visa stamping in 2012 and expired in Oct 2014.
-Never Travelled to USA
-Now i am with Defrent Employer
Can i extend the VISA now?
Thanks.
Anwar,
If you got stamping, you are likely to be considered to have h1B status at least once.
yes, you can either transfer your H1B or go to same employer and apply for it. There are some grey areas around this as well.
Can you please suggest in my case i didnt go for stamping and I797 got expired , can i apply for extension?
I was able to recapture unused time from my H1b visa that was originally issued in 2005. I was on H1B status from 2005 – 2008. My lawyer filed under premium processing and I received the approval email under a week. Got all the days I was outside the US for recaptured as well as long as I had the immigration stamps to prove it. I did not have any air tickets or boarding passes.
Thanks a lot Kumar for the very well written article.
Anonymous,
Glad to hear. Thanks for sharing your experience with the community! Appreciate it!
How Much you spent to get the stamping again?
I don’t know. Employer paid for it.
Anwar,
The cost of it is same as fresh H1B more or less.
Hi,
Can I contact you personally, i am also in same situation. My H1B approved on Dec 2015 and was valid till Sep 2016 but I have not made my travel. now I want to recapture my H1B without going lottery process from any of H1B sponsor consultancy.
Need you help to understand the step by step process.
my mail: nagam.mk@gmail.com
Mobile: +91 991684847
Hi, Can you please share you contact to nagam.mk@gmail.com. I want to it for my H1B.
That’s good news
You are able to recapture it recently? can you tell when you were able to recapture
Hi Kumar,
Need your expert advise, My H1b was selected in 2017 and got approval validity 1 year (Oct-2017 to Dec-2018).
1. It never stamped by my employer.
2. I only have approval Notice (I-797B)
3. I never traveled to USA.
4. I am still working with same employer.
Below is my query :
Can I ask my employer to apply for New H1B petition or Can I use the same H1B which was selected in 2017, or will I have to go via lottery again ?
Please provide your suggestion ?
Regards,
Atul
Atul,
Well, as you did not get stamping, it is not clear. Most of the times they do not consider you to be considered in cap as you never had status. Some had some success in past, but not clear.
If you have a company willing to try based on your current approval notice, ask them to apply.
If not, you need to go through lottery.
Hi Kumar,
Need your expert advise, My H1b Visa is stamped in Dec 2005 to Aug 2008. I was in US for 15 months and because of the issues in 2008,I had to come back to India. Am i eligible for cap-exempt and can i capture the unused time now ?
Thanks
Kishor
Kishor,
Yes, you are and you can use it now.
this is prashant, New Delhi, India
1) Got H1B visa stamped on Indian passport in 2005 (got it for 3 years).
2) Never travelled to USA on H1B due to personal reasons.
3) Instead, worked in UK. Gave up Indian passport and got british passport in 2012
4) Am i eligible to apply for recapture of H1B unused period in 2023?
5) How ? (considering that my h1b visa stamp is on Indian passport which is long cancelled and i did not transfer H1B onto my British passport.)
Please please give me pointers, directions ..
thank you
prashant,
Well, you are technically eligible, if you had the same passport. Now that your Passport is invalid, I am not sure how that plays out. Check with an attorney to be sure.
Hi, this question has been asked here by few others but wanted to get more opinion on my situation:
Filed H1b on 2016 by employer and got approved.. Worked in cap-gap opt and left the company to join Masters from 2016 aug to 2018 may.. Worked under OPT until 2018 Dec and left the country.. Came back in 2021 Aug for another Masters.. completed masters in 2022 May.. And currently working under OPT. Can a new employer recapture my H1B time and transfer my H1B?
Thanks in advance for your input.
suvam,
If you did not work on H1B, then you may not be eligible as it was not counted towards cap. If you even had H1B status for one day, you would be eligible for it.
Hi Kumar,
Need your expert advise, My H1b Visa is stamped in Dec 2005 to Aug 2008. I was in US for 15 months and because of the issues in 2008,,I had to come back to India. Am i eligible for cap-exempt and can i capture the unused time now ?
Thanks
Kishor
Hello Kumar,
Awaiting your reply
Regards
Kishor
Hello Team, I am Venu from Hyderabad, my H1B Visa got expired on June 2014 with validity of 1 year petition after this I returned to India and never tried for the H1B.
My question is can I re capture the remaining period from the year 2023 onwards ?
Is there any way to transfer the H1B Visa or shall I apply as newly ?
Please confirm me on this.
Thanks.
Venu,
Yes, you can, if you have worked on H1B for sometime or held the status.
No need to go again through lottery, you can find a role and ask them to apply as cap exempt.
How does this work with I140 pending or approved? Specially pending.
Hi, My first H1B was issued for 2 years and 7 months, can the remaining period (5 months) be re-captured later? I got 2 years and 7 months due to the employment dates mentioned on my LCA.
Abhi,
Yes, you can. You can use H1B for 6 years in total, so, when you apply for second extension, it will be factored in.
Hi, Kumar
This is the best artical about h1b unused time. But what about the h1b has never been activated(change of status) before, can I recapture it now?
For example, I got h1b in 2015 and left USA in June, the company gave me unpaid leave and revoked it in Jan/2016, so without paycheck in Oct/2015, I never in h1b status. Can I still use it? Thanks!
Yun,
If you never had H1B status activated, it can be tricky. It is grey area. Hard to say. You can give it a shot, if you have any company willing to apply H1B.
Thank you Kumar for the article.
I spoke to a couple of well-known attorneys in the US and they advised the same.
I have only used 29 days of my H1B visa between 2005-2007. I am now applying to recapture the remaining time after 15 years.
ARK,
Cool. Good Luck! Do share your feedback on how it goes after applying and your approval, it will be validation and helpful info for the community.
Hello Ark,
Which attorneys did you talk to? Did you file yet? If yes, what is the status?
Thanks a lot
I’m in similar situation with you. Are you applying for H1B (Cap -exemption)? Which attorneys did you talk to? I got conflicted answers from attorneys.
Hi Kumar,
This is a great article and it really helped me to understand the process! A big thank you to you. Would really appreciate if you could help me to see whether I could recapture the time unused on my H1B as well.
Timelines
1. H1B Application (previously approved/stamped for 2/15/2012 -2/14/2015) for Company A for Job Role B
2. I left the US on 11/10/2012 (only used up 9 months) to Sri Lanka and stayed there since (closer to 10 years)
3. Got an offer from the same company A for a different role C and could I recapture the unused 5 years and 3 moths?
Really appreciate your feedback!
Thanks
Hi,
I got my H1B stamped in 2015 and was in USA only for 6 months . Later I came back to India.
Am I eligible for a cap exempt and use my remaining years if I get a employer who is willing to do a petition transfer?
hi,
My H1B visa extension was denied back in Mar 2020 and I have travelled back to India. I have i140 filed with same employer. My prior extension was done using i140 as it was beyond 6 years. If I have to initiate H1B petition now, will I be eligible for out of cap filing?
Thanks
Kumar
My H1B was stamped in the year 2008 but was never able to travel to USA but unfortunately i have lots my old passport on which H1B was stamped as well. Is there any possibility to trace this H1B visa copy by any means? Can i apply to reconsider this H1B visa or transfer to any other company if willing.
Hi Parwez,
Have you got any response for your query. MIne is the same case but fortunately i have my old passport with 10 years H1B visa expired in 2018. never travelled to US. Can I re-apply to re-capture the time without any employer?
Hi Kumar!
My H1B (sponsored by company A) was valid starting from 10/01/2016.
On 2018, I did H1B transfer to company B and was approved.
On 2019, I left my job from company B to go back to my home country.
Now, August 2022, Can I go back to the US again to work for company C without having to be subject to the cap again?
Hi,
My H1B (sponsored by company A) was valid starting from 10/01/2016.
On 2018, I did H1B transfer to company B and was approved.
On 2019, I left my job from company B to go back to my home country.
Now, August 2022, Can I go back to the US again to work for company C without having to be subject to the cap again?
Hi – i got my h1 stamped in 2009 but never travelled to usa. Can i check if i qualify for cap exemption now?
Aruna,
This is grey area. Having said that, if you had stamping you are likely considered as counted towards cap and cap exempt. if you have anyone willing to transfer and apply as cap exempt, you should go for it.
Hi,
I got my HIB approved in May 2010. I was on H1B in the USA from Dec 2012 to April 2014. I then quit my job and residing in the USA on H4 visa since April 2014. I have used only 18 months of the total 6 years. Will i be able to use recapture the unused rest of 4.5 years under the new rule?
Divya,
yes, you can.
Hi,
I have 10 days remaining for my H1B to cap out and I have been out of the US for more than 2 years now. Can my GC be initiated with me outside the US, so that I can extend my Visa based on I-40 and return to US?
SK,
Yes, it can be initiated. yes, after approval of I-140, you can.
Hi Kumar,
Thank you for such a helpful forum. Greatly appreciate all the useful information here. I have an unused/never activated H1B that got selected in 2015. Been in USA all along and didn’t cross borders/got stamping. Is it still counted against cap and can be revived?
Many thanks,
Pharmagirl
Edit: it was approved in 2017 (not 2015).
Kind regards,
KP
KP,
Well, this is slightly grey area. Usually, if you get stamping done or had status in the US, the odds are very high. Otherwise, it is a hit and a miss. In the past some had success, some did not. Best thing is to ask someone to proceed and then only know. Do update here how it goes.
Hi Kumar,
I was selected for this year’s h1b cap and have filed for h1b COS for Oct 1st. However, due to family reasons, I need to go back to my home country as soon as possible.
My understanding is that I can use my unused H1B in the future if I quit my job after Oct 1st and return to my home country (correct me if I’m wrong). My question is, however, what will I need in the future if I find a job in the U.S. and need to file a new h1b petition with a new employer? What documents will I need to provide to file a h1b petition overseas and show I am not subject to the cap? Do I need my previous employer’s paystubs or do I need to get stamped for visa? If not, I can quit right after Oct 1st, do I understand this correctly?
Thank you
Hello,
I’m in the same boat. But I’d need to leave before Oct 1st. I’d be on my cap gap status when I have to leave. My question is can I come back after 2 or 3 years and apply for an H1B transfer without the cap?
Thanks!
Hi,
I have a slightly different situation, but I am currently working for a non-profit H1B, and I have my I-140 approved. In November 2018, I had my H1B selected under the cap, and I had an approved I-797 (I was working on a non-profit H1B at that time). However, I decided not to go with the consultancy and continue my non-profit job. They went ahead and revoked my H1B (with cap). Is there any way to revive that cap H1B? Please help!
aditi,
Usually employer cannot revoke, only USCIS can do that. If you were never were on H1B cap subject status, it can be difficult to get it back. Check with an attorney on this to be sure.
Hello Kumar,
Thank you for the blog. My question is, is it possible to reclaim time when in India.
is it necessary to present in USA to recapture time spent outside of USA?
Madhavi,
It does not matter, if you were not on H1B status and not used up that time, you can use it.
Hi Kumar,
I just want to know if there is any minimum time criteria for recapturing time spent outside US and using that to apply for an extension. For example, if I have 2 weeks spend out side of US, can I recapture those 2 weeks by applying extension in US? Or is there any minimum criteria
It has to be more than 24 hours to be considered
Hi Kumar,
Need your expert advise, My H1b Visa is stamped in Oct 2007 to Aug 2010. I was in US for 18 months and because of the issues in 2009 at Satyam( Ramalinga Raju) I had to come back to India. Can i capture the unused time now ?
Hi, my visa was initiated on April 2013 and it was active from Sep 2013 to Sep 2016. I couldn’t travel due to personal reasons and It hadn’t stamped once. Now I wanted to use it with my second employer. I wanted to know whether it is possible to use now? Also if possible will it be applicable for my husband and son to travel with me? Kindly help me. Thanks.
Hi,
In 2015 H1B got approved and received I-797B but visa stamping was refused due to Client letter and Project MSA agreement documents, and we was not able to provide those documents during that time. and never traveled to USA so far.
Now, I’m planning to apply H1B once again, Do i need go for H1B lotter process or directly can i apply for extension ? Do i need to apply extension with same employer or can i go for H1B transfer come extension with new employer ?
I am working on similar case
Please check with me after 3 months I will let you know if that works with practical example
Incrediblesoft99@gmail.com
5208129361
Any updates on this one?
Hi Suryakiran, It’s been 3 months. Do you have any update on this please?
Hello
I was on H1B for under less than 6 years and was outside the USA for more than 6 years. I came to the USA again on a J1 visa. Am I still eligible to recapture my unused H1B time?
Here are the timelines of my H1B and J1 visa
H1B Visa approved: Oct 2008-Oct 2012 (4 years)
H1B Visa used: Oct 2008-Jan 2012 (3 years 3 months)
Outside of USA: Jan 2012 -Feb 2018 (6 years 1 month)
Came to the USA on J1 Visa: March 2018- Current
Any inputs are really appreciated
Thanks
Tata
Hi Kumar I have an visa in 2007 and I used 2 years of visa. Can I use that visa now to work in usa
Meena,
Yes, a new company can apply for cap-exempt filing using your previous approval and then you can use the remainder of the left time.
Hi Kumar,
I have an unused expired HBb petition that is valid from 10/01/2015 and its expired and notice that uscis case status is in revoked status now. And I never went for stamping since then, Can I still use this for H1b cap exempt for this year. Please advise and looking forward hearing from you.
Ramesh,
This is slightly grey area, if you have not got stamping ever based on that H1B. If you had stamping, the chances of considering for cap exempt were higher as many had good success with this. If you have an employer willing to give it a shot, go for it.
Hi Kumar,
My H1B petition was approved in 2013 (2013~2016). I got the stamping in 2013. But, I haven’t traveled to USA due to some personal reasons. It’s been more than 6 years. Now, I’m planning to try H1B again.
is my case eligible for cap exemption?
Thanks.
Rama,
Well, this is slightly grey area. In most cases, if you had stamping done, you are counted towards cap, so you are technically cap exempt.
Hi Rama – I’m in the same situtation, my H1B was picked in 2016 and visa was issued in July 2017 until Aug 2019. I didnt travel to USA due to personal reasons and now I’m not sure if we restart / reprocess the visa request with a new employer ?
Looking for some guidance.
—
Regards,
Rajesh
rajesh,
Yes, you can. This is slightly grey area, but as you have stamping done, you are likely cap exempt and can file cap exempt petition with a new employer.
Dear Sri
I had my H-1B valid from 2014 to 2017 (Selected in CAP) and got my Visa Stamped as well. However I did not travel to US on H-1B. Will I be eligible to file my H-1B under CAP Exempt and recapture my entire 6 years if I find an employer now ?
Please Advise
Regards
Lakshmi Manohar
Would like to provide some information that can be useful for this thread and help a lot of folks in the same boat.
My wife was in the USA on H1b visa for 6 months in 2011 (March-August).
The initial petition and visa were approved for three years which got expired in 2014.
Moved back to India and was not aware of the recapture of H1b post 6 years.
Came back to the USA on H4 in 2019 and currently working on H4 EAD.
Filed a COS to recapture the 5.5 years of H1b in 2021 and the petition got approved.
Based upon our case, I feel like we can recapture any time left on H1b (6 years) irrespective of the initial approval date.
does employer has a role to play for recapture? since H1B is employer based, so in order to recapture does the person has to continue with same employer?
Hi,
I was in India for a year but worked for US company from India for US payroll on H1 status. I got struck because of Covid. Will I be able to recapture 1 year time? I just got 2 years time left but perm process is not started yet.
Thanks
Hi Kumar,
My names is Johnny.
I got my H1B approved in 2014 and started it in Oct 2014.
In Aug. 2017, I went back to my hometown – Taiwan. So far, I have only used ~3 years H1B, so am I supposed to recapture the unused three years? (Maximum is 6 years)
I have stayed in Taiwan for about 4+ years. Am I still having the chance to recapture it and no need to do a lottery, if my current employer is willing to re-file for me?
My understanding from the latest rule is “anytime” I can request for the unused H1B cap. Because I still hear some attorneys saying that recapturing is only valid within 6 years when H1B is approved.
Thanks,
Johnny
Hi Kumar,
I got my H1B approved in 2014 and started it in Oct 2014.
In Aug. 2017, I went back to my hometown – Taiwan. So far, I have only used ~3 years H1B, so am I supposed to recapture the unused three years? (Maximum is 6 years)
I have stayed in Taiwan for about 4+ years. Am I still having the chance to recapture it and no need to do a lottery, if my current employer is willing to re-file for me?
My understanding from the latest rule is “anytime” I can request for the unused H1B cap. Because I still hear some attorneys saying that recapturing is only valid within 6 years when H1B is approved.
Hi.
My Name is Neera. I have h1B. I came US in Jan 2014 and went back in Feb 2016.
And came back again in Feb 2018. In between 2018 and 2021, I was out of the states for almost 6 months. So for Extension do I need to go through Lottery or I can get extension for another 2 years or so. Please advise.
My H1b 6 years got maxed out on september 7th. I have my last i797 until september 7th.
I came to in India on March 25th.
Now I am planning to for cap exemption (on premium) for the period that I was out of US i.e 5 months 15 days approx ( march 25th to sept 7th).
Is there a risk in taking this approach?
What are the chances of get RFE as there is less than 6 months remaining.
Hello Kumar,
This is extremely useful blog!! I have used only 18 months of my H-1B period and had to return to India due to personal issues. But this was back in 2001 🙂 Currently my employer is willing to apply H-1B for me. Is it possible to apply as cap-exempt? That would be great news for me !! Please clarify.
Thanks
Sri
Sri,
You should be able to as per the regulation and clarification. If you have a company willing to try it, you should try it. Do let the community know how it goes.
Hi Sri,
I’m in almost the exact same position – keen to hear how you went with this?
Thanks
Libby
Hi Sri/Libby,
I’m also in the same boat. Either one of you had any luck with this? Kindly share your experience?
Thanks
Bharat
Hi Sri/Libby,
I’m also in the same boat. I got my answer by reading Kumar’s reply onto Sri’s original question. Just curious to know if either one of you had any luck? Kindly share your experience.
Thanks
Bharat
Kumar, I have 5 years left on my H1B, and recently received my 485-EAD (GC AOS app processing). If I switch to the GC EAD, and the AOS is denied, can I switch back to / recapture remaining time (5yrs) on my H1B in a cap-exempt manner?
This is an interesting one, would be curious to learn if this is possible.
Hello
My h1-visa expired in oct 2011 after two h1 approvals where i used 3 years.can i apply under cap-exempt now?
Thank you
Hi,
I just want to know if there is any minimum time criteria for recapturing time spent outside US and using that to apply for an extension. For example, if I leave with only 2 weeks left on my H1b max out, will those 2 weeks be sufficient later on to apply for an extension after getting my I-140 approved?Or is it advisable to have at least one month in hand?
Hi Ravi,
Were you able to use this 2 weeks for filling extension from india based on approved I-140 ?
Hi Ravi,
Were you able to use these 2 weeks for H1B extension from India based on approved I-140 ?
Hello Kumar,
In 2015 a US company applied for H1B and my application was selected in H1B lottery but I never joined that company, so that H1B petition was never filed. Instead I move to US on L1. Can my current employer apply a cap exempt petition for me based on that I was selected in 2015 lottery?
Hi Manish. Iam in similar situation. Had a H1 petition but never travelled on h1 but on L1. Please reply if you found out a solution to it. Thanks
Hello Kumar
I am currently on a B1 Visa issued on 3rd Oct 2012 and expiring on 30th Sep 2022. Currently based in India.
I had my H1B Visa issued on 9th dec 2010 and expiring on 30th Sep 2013. When they gave the B1 Visa on 3rd Oct 2012, they put a ” cancelled without prejudice stamp” on the H1B visa.
I have 2 years of Unused time on my H1B.
Question :I plan to visit the USA with my B1 visa and find a job. Can I reclaim / recapture the unused H1B ?
Onkar,
If you have not used up all your H1B time, someone can apply for H1B to recapture that. Now, entering US on B1 with intent of finding job is not legal as your intent to enter is different. You need to interview and get a job, ask them to apply for transfer before you travel.
Thanks a lot Kumar for kind guidance, will do the needful
Hello, Kumar,
I’m working on H-1B in the U.S. This H-1B is valid from October 2020 – September 2023 (and potentially for another three years, provided that extension is granted). I have been working on this H-1B since October 2020 until now (April 2021), and I will have to go back to my home due to personal reason. So, I have used only 7 months out of the 6-year period for H-1B.
I may want to return to the U.S. after finding a new employer in 2022 or 2023 at the latest. If I find a new employer willing to sponsor my H-1B, am I cap exempt? And can I claim the remaining 5 years and 5 months?
Does it matter that my current employer withdraw the current H-1B after I leave the U.S? And does it matter that I have not had any Visa stamping ? (After my H-1B change of status was approved, I never left the U.S. and that’s why I don’t have visa stamping. I have all other things, like I-797A change of status approval and I can prove that I actually worked on H-1B for seven months in the U.S., by presenting pay stubs, W-2 etc)
Let me know and thank you.
I have a similar URGENT question. KUMAR IF YOU COULD ANSWER THAT WOULD BE INCREDIBLY HELPFUL!!!!
My H1B doesn’t become active until Oct 1st 2021, but I need to quit my job and go back to my home very soon after. So I will only be working on my H1B visa for about 1 week. I won’t get a chance to actually get my H1B visa into my passport or get any stamping. Would I still be able to apply to recapture time? Or is 1 week working on my H1B too short?
did you get any clarification on this ?
My approved h1b 2009 to 2012 but after working for 6 month I returns to India for Visa stamping and it got denied. Can I still apply H1b with same employer or different employer in cap exempt ?
@Kumar : please suggest me
Hi Kumar,
Need your expert advise. I have H1B approved petition applied in 2015 (valid from 10-01-2015 to 09-27-2018. I also had stamping but never travel.
The petition was approved on 3rd June 2015 which will be completing 6 years on 03rd June 2021 so will I still be eligible for Out-of-Cap application and is there a deadline by when it should be applied?
Hi Sangeeta,
Did you get any response? I am in similar situation. Please let me know if you found anything.
Hi Sangeeta,
My case is very similar. Please share the info if you find anything. Thanks.
Hi Kumar,
I have urgent query regarding my case as I find an employer to process but he said he is unsure about if we can use my old H1B.
1. H1B Stamped 08/2007 to 08/2010, never travelled.
2. L1B Status 2011 to 2013.
Could you please suggest if my H1B can be consider as cap-exempt and renewed?
Hello Dheer,
Good Day !!
I do have the same query which you mentioned in point#1. In my case my H1B stamped in 2008 and I never travelled. Can we apply now under cap-exempt. Please share if you got any information on this.
Thank you
Ramesh
My case is also same…
Stamped in 2007 but never travelled…
Can I use unused time on h1
Hi Dheer,
I would like to know if u get any information on how to proceed in the first case (H1B) you mentioned as mine is also same situation.
Kindly update here with the information u have.
Thanks & Regards
Hi ,
I got H1B approved in 2012 and got expired in 2015 but I never travelled to US till now. Please confirm if I can ask my new employer to transfer and can use 6 years of H1B duration.
Thanks
Hi Kumar,
My H1 became active on Oct 2014 and 6 years got over in Oct 2020. I have a few around 30 days left due to my time outside the US during this period. Since my H1 6 years were expiring, I applied for H4 and stayed in US during that time. How can I recapture my H1 days? Do I have to leave US to recapture days?
I was also exploring the option of filing for a fresh H1 cap exempt but do I need to go out of the US for the cool of period?