Home » US Immigration - Visas » H1B Visa » H1B Visa 2014 Cap Count Updates

H1B Visa 2014 Cap Count Updates

| by | 3,409 Comments

Page Updated :  December 14, 2014.

H1B 2014 season was over on April 5, 2013 with lottery. Currently, we are in H1B 2016 season. See below for details:

Check out :H1B Visa 2016 – Start Date, Sponsors, Fees, FAQs

H1B 2014 Cap reached on April 5th, 2013. Read : 124,000 H1B Visas Filed. Lottery Process
Did you miss FY 2014 ? Check out : H1B Visa 2015 – FAQs

Just like previous years, we will track all the news updates and cap count numbers related to H1B visa 2014 on this page. You can check out our previous H1B visa 2013 cap count updates page to get an idea.

Latest News updates, Information for H1B visa 2014 :

All the H1B news releases by USCIS and informative articles related to applying for H1B visa 2014 will be posted below :

H1B Visa FY 2014 Cap Count updates Tracking Table:

The below table will be updated as soon as USICS updates cap counts.

USCIS Update on Regular H1B Cap (65,000) Advanced Degree Cap (20,000) Analysis and Cap Count Update Article.
April 5th, 2013  65,000  20,000 USCIS news Update – Lottery
Remaining H1B Cap  Zero Zero   Total Remaining = ZERO

 

Would you like to be informed about H1B visa 2014 ?

Subscribe for FREE H1B News, Cap Count updates below:

 

Photo of author
Satheesh Kumar Ilu, commonly known as Kumar, is the founder of RedBus2US.com. He is an Immigration and Study Abroad expert. He holds an MS from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He studied, lived, and worked in the U.S. and Singapore for nearly two decades, and has traveled to over 25 countries.

   

Other Articles

3,409 Comments

  1. Sunny and the others with the “We can’t provide info…” status,

    FYI my case changed from “We can’t provide…” to “Request for evidence”… My compnaie’s lawyer hasn’t contacted us yet but I am guessing my case will take longer than i thought :/.

    If you are still in that status most likely it is because their are reviewing your cases. Also I notice that they are reviewing cases randomly and not necesarily in order.

    Keep me posted please!

    Good luck everybody

    Reply

    • Aish,
      No. Cap is not going to increase in next few weeks or months. The bill will take several weeks before it passes. Until then cap remains at older levels.

      Reply

      • Hi Saurabh — Thanks for your vital updates.

        Well am under regular processing,and my case status is still showing ‘initial review’, could you pls advise when can i expect a change of the case status ?, what would be the minimal update for any change to happen.

        Thanks
        ragh

        Reply

        • Ragh,
          Like Alice mentioned, it can take 2-3 months. However, if the load is more then it can take longer. Historically, I have seen petitions remain pending for >5 months w/ no RFE.

          Reply

          • Congrats,

            Could you share whether your petition is AD/PP, AD/RP, RQ/PP, RQ/RP

            please share your 8 characters of your receipt number

            Thanks

      • Saurabh/Alice,

        I understand that it will take several weeks to pass but do you have any idea whether it will be effective from this year or next year.

        Also what are the chances of bill getting passed?

        Thanks,
        Ashish

        Reply

        • Ashish,
          If the bill becomes a law before start of FY-14 i.e. before Oct 1, 2013 then it becomes effective for the current filing season. Else it becomes effective for next filing season which starts on April 1, 2014.

          Reply

  3. Hi,
    I have around 9 years of IT experience (SAP) currently employed with one of the Indian IT major. I was in other countries for 5 years and now in India. Due to family reasons, I never pursued US. Now I am considering to move to US.
    This year my employer processed my H1B but was not through in lottery. My employer experiences lots of internal issues and I am doubtful he will processes myself next year.
    Can any one give suggestion? Changing organization in India will not be helpful as all are same. Is there any employer with whom I can attend interview get selected who can process my H1B. Is that possible in H1B process? Your input will be very much appreciated.
    You can send any useful link.
    Thanks a lot

    Reply

    • If you have some savings, come here as student with a F1 Visa and start a masters program. Preferably in a STEM area (Offer 27 months of OPT). Then, Apply for pre-completion OPT, Then from there you can ask your company to sponsor your H1B.
      That’s pretty much what I did Except that I choose a MBA since I already have a MS in computer sciences with more than 10 years’ experience.

      Reply

    • Well, you can try with small companies in India or consultancies. But they will charge you anywhere between $3k-10k , and that’s illegal too. Second and best option is to switch job in any of the top Indian IT MNC US projects on condition of visa apply.

      Reply

  4. Hi,
    I received my receipt number 131375XXXX on 24th Apr.My current case status shows initial reviews(On April 8, 2013, we received this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER, and mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case.)Can any one help me how much time it takes . Filed under normal processing.

    Reply

  5. Have any one got their petitions approved ?
    I got my receipt on Apr-22 and the petition is in the status “initial review”. No farther updates till now.

    Reply

  6. Guys,

    IS IT RACE OVER FOR RECEIPT NUMBERS ?

    STILL WAITING FOR RESULTS. EVEN I DID NOT GET MY PACKAGE BACK.

    STILL HAVE HOPES ?

    Reply

  7. Hi Friends,

    I have a query, Iam a new H1B applicant and my LCA is showing “Period of Intendent Employment” as 09/01/2013 (i.e Sep 1st) to 08/31/2016 (August 31) any specific reason for the dates ?

    Mine is a fresh H1B visa

    but as I know the actual start date is 10/01/2013 to 09/30/2016

    Thanks
    A

    Reply

    • A,
      LCA can be applied 6 months in advance. So looks like they applied for LCA in late Feb, which gave them the above dates. Most likely, USCIS will approve H-1 for dates from Oct 1, 2013 to Aug 31, 2016 and not beyond. An extension can be filed later.

      Reply

      • Hi Saurabh,

        Thanks for your reply,

        I have one more query, I got my receipt number in lottery. Now Iam not planning to go to US, is there any way that I can transfer my receipt number to other employee of same organzation or cancel my application for H1B process?

        If so let me know what is the process and how much USCIS will deduct from the application fee

        Thanks
        Ashok

        Reply

  8. I am in F1 EAD valid till 31 dec, 2103. My H1b with COS was filed and got approved when I was in India for my marriage. I returned 2 weeks back to US with F1 and there were no issues at the POE. Will my COS be auto changes from Oct1,2013 or should I go outside US for stamping and come back?

    Reply

    • Since you you applied from US, you have nothing to do. But, in order to get your visa stamp, you need to travel out of US and preferably to India, then get you visa stamp before re-entering in US.

      Reply

      • Travel to India Date: March 30. 2013
        Receipt date: April 7, 2013.
        Approval Notice date: April 17, 2013
        Return to US Date: May 14, 2013
        EAD Validity : Dec 31, 2013

        1. Will my change of status be valid effective Oct 1, 2013.
        (OR)

        2. Do I need to go for stamping before Oct 1,2013 to maintain a valid status in the US.

        3. I got the I-797A Notice of Action with my old I-94# on it. However, I got a new I -94 when I returned back to US on May 14th. Will that be an issue?

        Reply

        • Jamshad,
          You left US before H-1 was filed. So as per rule, COS should not have been approved. However, USCIS did a mistake and approved it. I will suggest letting your employer/attorney know about this and ask them to follow-up w/ USCIS. COS would go into effect only if you were inside US on the date H-1 is filed and continue to remain inside US until COS approval date.

          When the COS is not approved, you have the option of filing a separate COS or entering US on a stamped H-1 visa.

          Reply

  9. Hi All,

    I am got thru lottery.. Just now got the reciept number from my manager…

    Its very sweet when i lost the hopes got this rising mail “Your application got selected in lottery for further processing”….

    Guys, Don’t loose hopes!!!!
    In my case, it was delay in communication…

    Reply

        • i asked for receipt number just to know whether the receipt has been generated recently…there are many people in this forum who has shared their first 7 digits of their receipt number…

          get lost if you do not want to share…there are many people who got their receipt..do not show your attitude here..nobody bothers…

          Reply

          • easy dude… It’s been a torture for all who hasn’t got their update… I can understand your feeling but sharing (or not) is his choice.

          • Ok fine..let him not share the receipt…but posting a rude comment ‘”go get it for yourself” is not acceptable..

          • I am with you PPP… RS has shown attitude.. I hope he did not meant it…

            May be he forgot that getting app number doesn’t guarantee that he is approved.

      • Dear PPP,
        My number is EAC13148XXXXX…
        It was processed on April 8th 2013.

        I am not sure who replied you with my name “RS”…
        Just don’t lose hopes.. All the best…

        Reply

  10. Hi All,

    I am currently in a situation which needs an answer. My company applied H1B for me and my wife. I am selected in the lottery whereas she is not. Now at the time of H1B filing we didnt apply H4 for her or vice-versa.

    Now we need to apply H4 for her. Any idea about what is the process or steps we need to take?

    Thanks,
    Ashish

    Reply

    • @Ashish,

      When your H1b will get stamped on your passport. Contact your company’s visa cell to apply for her H4 visa. She will have to appear for a simple 1 min interview at embassy. Thats it!!!

      Reply

      • @Alice:

        Thanks for the reply. I understand that process however my query was whether she can come with me for the Interview and get it done together. I know it was not clear in my original post.

        We stay in Bangalore and we need to get it done in Chennai and traveling chennai twice doesnt make sense. Is there any workaround where we can do it together

        Reply

  11. Hi,
    My employer told check has been cashed and it should be my H1-B.All the other applications got returned.But there is no receipt notice so far.Does that mean there is a high chance of rejection notice?

    Reply

  12. Hi All,
    I received my rejection packet 2 days back. I was not in the state to post this. Gathered some courage to post here.
    I have been just crying…m feeling as if my career is over and I have to sit at home till next year……I am on H4…last year also I tried to get H1b but could not get through.I have 3 years of work experience. My husbands Visa is only till next year….He is trying for GC from his company and it seems to be difficult.It has not been started.But he wants to give it try.I cant sit at home till next year. This feeling that I am not doing anything is killing me more.
    Guys pls suggest what should I do…
    1) Is my situation fine to go for Masters…we will have to take loan. Are there any one year master courses which I can pursue..I am from Chicago…
    2)If I go back to India to work… In case his GC process goes ahead next year, I will have to apply for H1b.So will have to come back to US…and I will be back to the same state.I dont want to risk my career again by hoping for H1b.
    Please guys suggest something…

    Reply

    • Hi Ria

      I would suggest applying for a masters degree and using your time in a constructive way.

      It would also take your mind off this frustration and help you focus on something better.

      Good luck with everything.

      Thanks Ram

      Reply

        • I can understand your situation. I too am on H4 – missed last year’s H1 and for this year did not receive anything yet. I am 6 years experienced. I know the pain of being skilled and experienced and staying at home doing nothing 🙁
          Going for higher studies is a good option, though a costly affair if you do from a good Institute. Even I would suggest going for Masters if you can afford the expenses.
          All the Best to you.

          Reply

          • Hey Ria, it’s not that depressing. I haven’t got ant receipt yet and decided to just let it be. Now I’m happy to enjoy my current life.
            It’s no big deal. Ask if they want to transfer you with L1b or just try to get another job next year 🙂
            Life’s Good…

          • Hi mdy,
            Everything is not that easy as you quoted.. Anyway to be on L1B, you have to hold a job in a company in your homecountry. The people on H4 who have already quit and have come to US do not have such choices.
            A person who has already lost 2 years because of the tricky and luck-based H1 process can only understand this.

          • Hi Ria,

            I got the response today.. my petition was not selected 🙁
            They got it back on 6th May and updated today.. Real Bad luck..

          • Hey Ria and AnotherH4,

            I am in the same boat sa you both. I have been trying for H1B for past 2 years.Last year it was lil late and this year package was returned back.
            I have few options on joining a univ and getting OPT/CPT as soon as u join the univ.
            First option is doing MS in the univ ITU and another option is Diploma Program in UCR.
            Is there any way we can stay in touch with each other and discuss more on it?

          • Hi Sri,

            Sure we can get in touch. You can mail me at ctropiyahoocom.
            Anyway, I have already decided on going back to India, since I would have already wasted around 2 years by the time I go back. I went through the higher studies stuff last year when I thought of doing MBA and later dropped off. Now my only plan is to go back to India. All the Best to both of you!

    • Hey Ria,
      Not getting through H1-B lottery is not the end of the world. Agreed, hard to accept being working before . But i would say don’t waste your time thinking about that too much. Utilize this time for your masters. for sure education is always helpful at any stage.

      Good Luck!

      Reply

  13. Guys,

    Any one please tell me .. Still getting receipt numbers ? i did not get any information.

    Still waiting ……. . i did not get my package back .

    any hopes ?

    Reply

  14. Hi,
    Is anybody from Across Border consultancy, it is Desi employer. I am still waiting for reply. They are saying wait till end of this month.

    Reply

  16. I am not selected in lottery. But my employer told me that still they have not got all the receipts (accept/reject)….. So ppl who haven’t got any news about their petition can still hope for +ve news 🙂

    Reply

  17. An employer filed for H1b visa for my spouse who is here on H4 . We received the petition number and its in ‘INITIAL REVIEW’.
    While she is at US, her H4 visa expired last year and extension was applied and it got approved. She needs to travel to India in July and planning to return before Oct.

    1. Since she has to go for H4 extension visa stamping in India, is there any chance of issues while H4 visa stamping.
    2. Suppose her H1b visa gets approved in July and still can she go for H4 visa stamping on August?
    3. On H4 visa extension interview, do they ask any questions on H1b and any chance to reject H4 visa.

    Please share your thoughts on this. Appreciate your time.

    Thanks

    Reply

  18. Finally the killer wait is done….I am not selected in lottery….havent done my Masters here and served the country this was the least thing I could expect. Have to pack bags and leave in next 20 days…..anyone having any alternative or suggestion?? Please help asap.

    Reply

    • Sunil,
      I am sorry to hear about it, it’s really annoying to let go all the hard work in vain just because of some stupid lottery. I think you should try your luck in Canada; it’s easy to qualify for permanent residence based on a point based system they have. Other option is look for a University here in US that will work with you and allow you to work on CPT. this will help you keep your job and get paid and reapply next yr. Hope this helps.

      Reply

      • Hey AJ,

        Are any of these universities legal to give us CPT from day 1. From what I know for F1 visa to be eligible for CPT I need to take two long semesters before it.

        Reply

        • It all depends on the school and the course you select. some courses require to have a CPT. look for school and courses that has that requirement. Also for grad school not all school require 9 months before you start CPT. good luck.

          Reply

  19. My waiting over… Today my employer called me and said my application (RQ/RP) is not selected in lottery and they got the package back.

    Now I can peacefully concentrate on my work and can say “Mera Bharat Mahan Hai…”.. I will continue in my Home Land.

    Thanks…

    Reply

  20. so, most of my colleagues got their receipt#s.. Mine is still pending, most probably not selected in lottery and waiting on the rejection package.

    But now that I read in news that the Immigration bill cleared the senate, what does it mean to us? The cap is now raised to 115,000 – WHAT NOW? Will fresh applications be sought again? to fill the remaining cap, 30,000? (115,000 – 85,000)??

    Reply

    • Hold there! Just one of many steps of how a bill becomes a law was completed. It will take months all the other steps are completed and the bill is signed by the president. I don’t was to be the bearer of bad news, but most likely this bill is not going to be approved before October 1st.

      Reply

  21. Happpy now… 🙂
    Today I received a mail stating I am selected in the lottery.

    @All guys in TCS:
    Have faith and wait…they are sending updates on weekly basis(on each Tuesday as of now)

    Hope for the best !!!

    Reply

  22. Finally i got a mail from my attorney saying “petition not selected” 🙁 and they got the package back.
    I had applied under RP/RQ/VSC…….so from now on people will only get rejected packages i think so.
    All the Best who are still waiting.

    Reply

  23. Anyone from TCS got any update this week.. TCS-FDFU is saying ur petition is pending with USCIS.
    What dose it mean, am I selected in lottery ? Not sure when they will update us.

    Reply

    • there is a new list released from BLR FDFU. there are three status as of now in it.. Pending with USCIS, Awaiting lottery results and Not selected in the lottery. Those are the three statuses in list. i think if the status is Pending with USCIS , then it must be selected and waiting for the approval.

      Reply

      • Its strange, last week FDFU said my status is “Pending with USCIS”, today I got reply from FDFU says my status “Awaiting lottery results”.. its confusing.. 🙁
        Not sure when we get the correct status..

        Reply

    • If the status is Pending with USCIS, then I believe ur application should be selected and in process to get the approvals..! because the status in the updated list doesnot have anything sort of selected.

      Reply

    • Yes. Even my status was pending in the first list. But yesterday the status been changed to “selected”. So don’t worry…just pray to god….everything would be fine…

      Reply

        • I received mail saying that you selected in the lottery…..I believe this s the 3rd list ….even people are expected one more list..so dont worry……

          Reply

          • I am also from Tcs Chennai, I too got infor from FDFU saying Selected in Lottory 10 days back…Can any one telll me When We would receive the Receipt numbers.
            I did n’t heard any one from Tcs receiving the receipt numbers..Other companies receiving….

          • no idea bosss…….just recieved mail saying that you are selected in lottery…other than nothing in the maill……..let me know if you come to know any new news

  24. Hi Guys,

    I have still not received any updates about my case. My employer has asked me to wait till 30th May. I am on H4 visa waiting from past 1 yr.Is there any hope?

    Reply

  25. Hi All,

    I have heard that if H1b is filed from USA, you are not required to face interview? Is it true?
    I am on H4 currently and filed for my H1b this year.

    Reply

    • Alice,
      If the H-1 is filed and approved w/ COS, then person’s status changes to H-1 from Oct 1. In this case no stamping is required as long as the person remains inside US. This can happen only when the person is in US at the time of filing and continues to stay through the COS approval.

      Check w/ your employer if they filed H-1 w/ COS or w/ consular processing.

      Reply

      • Thanks Sourabh 🙂

        One more thing, can I visit my home country after H1b stamping i.e. after 1st oct. In that case i have to appear for interview from there?

        Reply

        • Alice,
          Your question is confusing “can I visit my home country after H1b stamping”. You will get H-1 stamping only when you visit your home country.

          So if your COS was filed and approved, and you leave US after Oct 1 then you need to get H-1 visa stamped in the passport in order to return to US. Once you have the visa stamped in the passport, you don’t need to get additional stamping done as long as that stamp is valid and has not expired.

          Reply

          • I am in F1 EAD valid till 31 dec, 2103. My H1b with COS was filed and got approved when I was in India for my marriage. I returned 2 weeks back to US with F1 and there were no issues at the POE. Will my COS be auto changes from Oct1,2013 or should I go outside US for stamping and come back?

  26. Guys,

    I think its over.

    Below is what i received from my attorney news letter email. I think i will not hurt anyone.

    All receipt notices have been sent.

    On a conference call with USCIS Service Center Operations, the USCIS stated that as of May10th all data entry was completed and receipt notices have been sent. Rejection notices have also started to be sent out. Please allow until the end of May for delivery of receipt/rejection notices.

    Our office will immediately inform clients of the status of their application when we receive a receipt or rejection notice.

    Reply

    • Yes, it seams over. It says wait to 31 for receipt/rejection, but if receipts have been sent out by 10, they should have reached. There is no new post for receipt for several days. My lawyer also implied waiting my returned package…feel heart broken…

      Reply

  27. Hi All,
    I just spoke to my attorney.He said that they have not received any receipts for last 2 weeks and received few rejection packages.He is not expecting any good news from now on…m really tensed and very depressed. Do we need to keep hopes?
    I am getting very restless and not being able to concentrate on anything…I am on H4.I will have to make a decision between my family life and career.I had tried last year too but dint get through.Bad luck…
    Can anyone please give me USCIS number where we can call and ask them about the status…

    Reply

    • Ria,
      Only employer/attorney can get updates on your case. If you haven’t received any updates till now, there is a good chance that the news is bad.

      Reply

  28. My case status changed from “Initial Review” to the following message:

    At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case. Please contact the NCSC 1 (800) 375-5283 for additional information.

    Does anyone have the same issue or know about what could this possibly mean?

    Id really appreciate your feedback/suggestion?!

    Thanks,

    Reply

    • Friend,
      It may be a technical glitch. Try after some time or few days. If it persists then ask your attorney to follow-up w/ USCIS.

      Reply

    • I have the same problem when i checked my case a couple days ago and yesterday night as well. I dont know what is going on.

      Reply

    • Hi My status is also showing the same “•At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case. Please contact the NCSC 1 (800) 375-5283 for additional information.” Did you get any update, pls let me know

      Reply

      • Are you in OPT? I called the other day and they mentioned they cant give me any info without me calling with my employer. Weird.

        It can be a random selection of cases to review or a systematic error. I sent the screen shot to my lawyer but she hasn’t got back to me yet. Please keep me posted.

        Reply

        • Yes, Im in OPT. I shot an email to my lawyer, and she told me it’s fine and in initial review. But the problem is that I can not check it by myself . It still gave me the same error. It’s weird

          Reply

          • I am in OPT too… and my OPT was supposed to end last May 13. So I am in a the so called Cap-Gap status.

            I also recently just renewed my drivers lisence so I wonder if any of that has to do with that weird message from USCIS. ?!

            Lets be in touch!

      • Sunny and the others,

        FYI my case changed from “We can’t provide…” to “Request of evidence”… My compnaie’s lawyer hasn’t contacted us yet but I am guessing my case will take longer than i thought :/.

        If you are still in that status most likely it is because their are reviewing your cases. Also I notice that they are reviewing cases randomly and not necesarily in order.

        Keep me posted please!

        Good luck everybody

        Reply

  30. Hi all,
    Does anybody know what happens if the Application case status moves to “Request for Evidence”??
    Is that a rejection?? or What could be the reason.. is it subjected to a Process delay???
    Please Help..
    Thanks

    Reply

    • Required For Evidence??,
      It happens when USCIS needs additional documents and information from your employer. They will send the required document list to employer/attorney and give them around 60 days to respond. Once the response is received by USCIS, they will resume the processing.

      Keep in touch w/ your attorney to know what the RFE is all about. Some are easy and some are not.

      Reply

      • Thank you Saurabh..
        My employer keeps informing that they have received no mailed notice yet..
        Though my case number says that it has been put for RFE online…

        Too Worried, as all the lottery-picked applications filed by my employer, have moved to RFE.. Could it be due to Lack of documents by the employer???

        Thanks,

        Reply

        • Required For Evidence??,
          That’s a possibility. If the employer has already received notices for other employees, then they can compare those to see if there is a common theme.

          Is this a desi consulting company? If so, then what has been track record in the past?

          Reply

          • Saurabh,
            They haven’t received the mailed notice for anyone yet..
            But we guys who have received the Tracking Number Discussed among ourselves to notice that all our application have been moved to RFE..

            Yes, a desi consulting company, and they have a pretty decent past record…..
            Would that affect the approval of the application??

            PReethi

          • Required For Evidence??,
            If everyone has received RFE then that could be a common problem w/ the company. Wait for the RFE notices to be received and then you can know what needs to be done and submitted. Depending upon the RFE reason, it could be easy or difficult to get the approval.

          • Hello “Required For Evidence??” aka PReethi,

            Could you share name of your desi consulting company? Also what kind of promises they made to you before going ahead with filing? This will help in understanding your company better.

            Best Regards,
            H1B Aspirant

  31. Hello Everyone, my petition is approved and it is applied in RQ. I have no other information with me bcox my employer is not sharing until the paper reaches them.
    My question is when can I go for the Interview?

    All the best to everyone who are waiting for the receipt. You guys will get positive news.

    Reply

    • how did you know your application got approved . even My application got approved , but People told me that it will take 2 -3 months to get it approved.

      Reply

      • it is not mandatory that approval/rejection takes 2-3 months. they say 1-6 months…if you got it approved early, consider lucky .

        Good luck

        Reply

    • Approved,
      Once approved, you can appear for interview anytime during petition validity period. You can also appear for interview at most 90 days prior to H-1 start date.

      Reply

      • Thanks Saurabh for the information.

        @Swetha – My employer just told me that petition is approved and they are yet to receive the hard copies. Its a company agreement which makes them not to tell the receipt# until they receive the copy.

        Reply

  32. Hi All,

    I have been a silent watcher of this forum, i had a hope that someday i will write in the forum that i have recieved my reciept number but this time its rather the other way my visa is not selected in the lottery and i have got my package back.

    One thing i wanted to say before i come to this forum next year is that, the information here is very much informative, the people here always support each other and feeds positive thoughts to other. Once again thanks for all those information. I will once again come to this forum next year to know the information.

    For those who got selected in lottery ALL THE BEST!!!!

    For those who din make it, it not the END OF ROAD, we will try it next time and I am also there with you :).

    God bless everyone.

    Reply

    • Please inform if still any one getting acceptance or it is now only the rejected papers are being received. If so I can also expect my rejection any time now 🙁

      Reply

  34. Guys, finally I received the news and the 45 days wait is over. I was not picked in the lottery 🙂

    Question: I was in US in 2006 for a period of 1 Year on H1. I came back to India. My new employer says I am eligible in non-cap case. Anybody agree with my employer or any such experiences.

    Reply

    • Researcher,
      Usually one can use previous H-1 for cap-exempt purpose if it was approved in preceding 6 years. Yours was approved around 7 years ago. Still if the attorney agrees, you can try to go for it.

      Reply

      • Thank you Saurabh. I have asked for advice in Attorney forums, 4 attorneys who responded commented that it’s not possible. But for some reason, my new employer’s attorney think that we can apply in non-cap. I am not actually worried about the fee that will be wasted in case if it is rejected, but actual worry is “Rejected” will be haunting all along in the visa history.

        Thanks to this forum. Actually helped me track many things from 1st April.

        Reply

        • Researcher,
          If they file for cap-exempt petition and the same is rejected, it will not impact your future filings. Ensure that the employers pay for all the fees as they are confident about the cap-exempt filing.

          Reply

          • I agree with Saurabh.
            i have heard about a similar situation with one of my previous colleague. his last CAP H1 was 7 years back and attorney was very confident that he can apply as CAP exempted(they said a clause that since it was 7 years back and stayed only less than an year and then with 5 years in home country)..something like that. i am not able to recollect this as it was 3 years back.. i am also not sure about what happened with that petition.
            So if attorney is confident, let them apply – who knows, you might be the very lucky one..
            good luck

      • Dear Saurabh,
        Thanks for your replies that answer many questions of us even when we are silent readers of this forum.
        I too have a question in the same regard. My H1B petition from my Indian-employer was approved in 2008. I stayed in US for 21 months(2010-2011) in that H1B. My petition expired on Sep 2011 and I returned back to India. I am currently in India.
        Is it possible to apply in Cap-Exempt category to extend the same petition? I recently checked with an employer in US, but got the reply saying that when we stay out of USA, Cap-Exempt is possible only if we apply within one year after the petition expires. Is this true? Can I now apply via an US Employer for Cap-Exempt category? What will be the possibility to get the petition extended?
        Much appreciate your clarification on this one please.

        Reply

        • I think you can apply for CAP exempted H1. Also as per me, it will not be a extension. it will be a fresh H1(CAM exempted)

          Reply

        • I think you can apply for CAP exempted H1. Also as per me, it will not be a extension. it will be a fresh H1(CAP exempted)

          Reply

        • Cap-Exempt from 2008,
          The employer gave you wrong information. You are cap-exempted as long as the petition is filed within 6 years of old H-1 date. So you can still go for cap-exempt petition.

          When a new employer files for it, they can request a new term for you. This will resulted in a new “extended” petition but technically it is not an extension as it happens when the old employer files the cap-exempt petition.

          Reply

          • Hi Saurabh,

            I am too having similar case. I was in US for 5 years from Sep 2007 till Nov 2012 under L1B petition from XYZ Ltd, in the interim I thought to switch to a different company so I applied for H1B visa from Consulting company PQR LLC in 2008 which got approved. My H1B petition was valid from Oct 2008 till Sep 2011, however I was unable to switch to PQR LLC due to some personal reasons and hence I didn’t utilized my H1B petition and continued to stay in US under existing L1B petition.

            My present employer XYZ Ltd is not aware of my above case, so can I tell my present employer about it and request them to apply for H1B this year under non-cap case? Just as an fyi, my present employer XYZ Ltd has already filled fresh H1B application under 2014 cap but I haven’t got any update on it, so looks like I have not made through lottery.

            Your guidance is much appreciated!

            Regards.

          • You are lucky that you didn’t got caught by your company. In the similar case in my Husband’s company employee was fired within 1 hour for this conduct. His wife lost the job coz of H4 now. This is illegal in USA. Your company can get blacklisted for your doing. Now don’t tell your company about this, otherwise you will be in big trouble.

          • Alice,
            Not sure why you are saying that it is illegal in USA?? Back in 2008 my case was comes under COS case which is 100% legal in USA. Although I was having 2 valid visas/petition (H1B and L1B), I had worked only under one visa (L1B) and have not switched to H1B visa.

            Also how come my company could get blacklisted?? I have seen many people applying for H1B visa from different company while they are on L1B visa in current company!

          • H1b From 2008,
            XYZ can go for cap-exempt route as H-1 was approved in last 6 years. The issue here is that your L-1 time will also be counted towards the clock. So you are eligible for just 1 year of H-1 (as you used 5 years on L-1). To get extensions beyond that, your employer will have to file for GC immediately. Your attorney will be able to guide you more on this.

          • Thanks Saurabh for your guidance! But I have one question, if I stay outside of US for 1 year then doesn’t the clock count resets to Zero? I had already completed 6 months period outside US and if I enter after another 6 months (meaning after completing 1 year) then am I not eligible for full 6 years of H1B visa considering all approvals and extensions?

            Per my understanding, if someone stays outside of US for 1 year then the clock count resets to Zero and he / she is eligible for full term of stay under specific petition (H1 / L1).

            Unfortunately, I do not have any contacts with attorney as my company used to file all the visas for all employees and the company visa department personnel only has contacts with attorney. However I will try to consult some attorney on my own.

          • H1b From 2008,
            The clock is reset when you stay outside US for more than 1 year AND when you go through the cap again. If you don’t go through the cap again, then your clock is not reset even when you stay outside US for more than 1 year.

            Your H-1 was approved while you were in US on L-1. This makes me think that L-1 term will be counted towards the 6 year limit. You can sought opinion from members on other prominent immigration forums.

    • You are 100% elgible for reclaiming un utilized period of your previous 6 year un utilized time.I checked with atorney on this ..all the best.

      Reply

  36. I noticed a strange thing on uscis site – hope someone can explain it..

    I was trying out random nos before and after my receipt no, to check if they are being processed.. A number entered on 134th day i.e. WAC131345**** says that we received a petition on May 11th for I129… blah blah.. I understand this could be an extension or transfer, but how did it get entered into the system on 15th Apr if they received it on May 11th?

    Reply

  37. I haven’t gotten ANY news from lawyer. Last thing he said was he has to assume I wasn’t picked by lottery but he also hasn’t gotten the packet back yet. I have a little bit of hope… anyone else?

    Reply

  38. Hi all,

    FYI. My application is not picked up in Lottery and returned back by USICS today.

    All the best to those who are still waiting.

    Reply

  40. Today i received receipt number from my employer. They sent number in email. I don’t have any other information like receipt date, notice date. But my application is filed on Apr’ 1st.

    Wish you all the best for people who are still waiting. Don’t loose hope.

    Reply

  41. Hi All,
    I did not receive any lottery status from my employer till today. Is there any chance that it would I get lottery or I should not hope anymore.

    Reply

  42. This is what I got while generating a random number..

    EAC1316251462, it means USCIS is still generating receipts. Don’t lose hope

    Initial Review

    On May 16, 2013, we received this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER, and mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case. Please follow any instructions on this notice. You will be notified by mail when a decision is made, or if the office needs something from you. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address or contact our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.

    Reply

    • Hi Ashish,

      Looks this Random searching is not at all usefull because USCIS is allotting similar application numbers for both cap subjected H1B applications and renewal/extension applications for which there is no count limitation. So, we don’t know weather the randomly searched number belongs to cap subjected or renewal/extension related.

      In fact I had planned to write a script to find-out the total application processed but backed by knowing this information.

      We have to wait for the confirmation… No other option… 🙁

      Reply

  43. Hi

    is there any way to get the name againt the receipt number…
    just wanted to get confirmation against my recept number…

    thanks in advance

    Reply

  44. Hello Saurab/All,
    I was asked by employer to submit the required documents for H1B and many others. Now after lottery my manager says that I was not selected in the lottery. There were 20 applied but only 2 got selected so far. We suspect whether the employer has FILED OUR PETITIONS to USCIS. When asked, my manager said that he had filed my application but refused to give any reference/receipt number. I called USCIS as well, but they also require receipt number to check the info. I think 2 out of 20 is impossible in lottery. I suspect my employer that he had not even filed my H1B. How to know whether he had FILED my application or not? Please anyone can share their views that would be useful for me.

    Reply

    • Only employer or attorney can provide this information. AS such you wont get a receipt number if not selected. so that is not in scope as per me.
      Also 2 out of 20- yes it is a possible scenario. Not favoring your employer but in a general scenario, it can be possible. i know cases in which employer submitted nearly 30 applications and all got rejected (well not this time, it was last time). Also this time i heard through a known persons reference that in his company (he is the HR), only one got selected out of 12 they submitted. so what i meant to say that – it is possible.
      check out the confidentiality agreement which you have signed if any. if eligible to know the details as per that, you can definitely go ahead and check with employer showing that…not many companies do this agreement with this clause, but check out once…
      Also if the employer is fair enough, they can provide a copy of the return mail from USCIS.

      Reply

      • THeck,
        I work in MNC in INDIA. I did not pay anything. I asked my manager/company immigrations team to share the docs/file number if any but they refused to share anything. I tried my best to get something. They say its company policy to not share these information with employees. I and others doubt whether my manager/immigrations had filed out petition or not. Ofcourse 2/20 is possible butwe suspect a lot. Is there a way still to find out real story whether our petition had been filed or not? At least small ways any?

        Reply

        • Apart from FedEx tracking no. you can check the link from Law Office where you hve uploaded docs during filing ,status will be awaited or accepted or rejected.

          Reply

          • Alice,

            They are ready to share Courier tracking number to me. Is it possible to get something out of that? They can send multiple files under single tracking number.

          • Alice, They are ready to share Courier tracking number to me. Is it possible to get something out of that? They can send multiple files under single tracking number.

          • Hi Katrina,

            As you are in an Indian MNC, dont pull this issue too long. I also worked in 2 MNC’s in India before moving to US. You cannot find anything from the courier tracking number, except that it was delivered, it wont have your name.

            People applying through Consultants in US can ask their employers to show it, because the consultants have a credibility to maintain and they are usually small.
            Indian MNC’s have many employees and they cannot show documents to everyone and the documents sometimes have details of projects and other company information which is indeed company property. If you keep pressing for the issue, it may unnecessarily impact your career.

            I am saying this through experience, rest is upto you. My employer had applied for a H1 for me in 2008 and out of 12 people in my project 2 got it.

          • Hi Katrina,

            Every entrepreneur look for business. Everyone knows by March 15th that this H1B selection will be through Lottery. So in this case as per my knowledge every entrepreneur will file all possible applicants applications. It’s a simple logic.
            I hope you can understand.

          • I do not accept your logic as there is high possiblity to get through the lottery as well. Employers know that this time there will be lottery, so easy to blame on the lottery. They collect docs from employees to them feel better, but do not file them for H1b. Then if an employee question, they can easily blame lottery as an employee cannot get much access to all the info from most MNC per policies. So, the employee will not have a clue whether her petition is filed/no selected in the lottery. This is a simple trick by employers.

        • Katrina, what difference does it make to know if your employer filled an application for you or if he is blaming the lottery. There is nothing you can do but wait till next year. You are just hurting your feelings more and more and trying to find someone to blame.
          And if you find out that they didn’t filled and application for you, what can you do?

          Reply

          • Hey- Many will tell many logic. i personally feel that you should wait till they confirm back on selection/Rejection in lottery. i personally do not feel that after collecting all the information and going through the process, they will fake it by not submitting it..atleast i feel it as i have worked with couple of employers…if it is a reliable MNC i will definitely count that they dont do that. All the best.

  46. Hi All,

    Today I got the receipt number from my employer. So don’t loose hope, good luck to all who are still waiting. USCIS is still processing the files selected on April 8th (Lottery).

    Applied as RQ and RP
    Receipt number EAC-13-148 *****
    Break up:-
    EAC – Vermont Service Facility
    13 – Fiscal Year 2013
    148 – 148th working day since 1st Oct 2012. Need to exclude Sat/Sun and 7 federal holidays since Oct 1, 2012. So USCIS processed file on May 6th 2013.

    Best of luck to all friends who are still waiting.

    Regards,
    S

    Reply

    • Hi,
      I don’t think so this 3 digit number is showing the working days from 1st Oct-12. If 148 is the May 6th than May 16th will be 156 but I can see one number (randomly searched) EAC-13-157-52400 saying accepted on 10th May. How this is possible?

      On May 10, 2013, we received this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER and we e-mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case. Please follow any instructions on this notice.

      Reply

    • Today my lawyer received my package back. I was not selected ;(
      RP/RC/CA center.
      So sad, the waiting was insane and now today this notice, I don’t know what I am doing now

      Good luck! Don’t loose hope if you haven’t received anything!

      Reply

  48. Hi All,

    I have not recieved any information regarding my H1B from my employer,
    so when i contacted them, they said my Appl returned saying missing some documentation,
    so they are resubmitting Appl with required Docs,

    does this mean my appl got selected in lottery??
    help me out

    Reply

    • USCIS opens your application package only if it is selected. If they said, some document missing means, They opened for data entry, so it is selected in Lottery… Congratulations…

      you can confirm by dialing USCIS with application number….

      Reply

    • As far as i know there is nothing like resubmitting documents, if USCIS is processing your application, they will assign a receipt number and send a RFE to your lawyer.

      If they have sent it back, it may well be rejected. This is only my thought after seeing so much about the processing. But you may be lucky if your lawyer says they are going to resubmit, do they have a receipt number?

      Reply

  49. hi all

    thanks for all.. who wished me all the best…

    and good luch who all are waiting…

    please follow my funda… just keep ur self busy with your work… instead of waiting like this… time will pass fast in that way… and if reqd plan your plan B…

    if you r selected… you will be informed definetely… all the best

    i got mine today WAC-13-144-*****

    thanks

    Reply

    • congrats! Did you get it today as in April 15? April 16? Or a few days ago. if you got it today JUST today then maybe a little hope receipts are going out

      Reply

    • Hey til.. first of all Congratulations…

      Can you pls share the info of PP/RP and AD/RQ and courier reached data etc..
      which data it is considered??

      Reply

    • Do you know If they are still sending receipts number or we should wait for our package returned?
      This waiting is insane!

      Reply

Leave a Comment