H1B 2014 Cap reached on April 5th, 2013. Read : 124,000 H1B Visas Filed. Lottery Process
For this year FY 2015 H1B Info read : H1B Visa 2015 – FAQs
Page Updated : January 18th , 2014
As USCIS is all set to accept H1B Visa petitions for the fiscal year 2014, many of you have questions on various aspects of filing H1B Visa 2014 like fee involved, lottery chances, H1B sponsors, Change of status, start date, end date of accepting H1B Visas, etc. This page will track all the H1B Visa 2014 News updates, Cap count information, FAQs, etc. Bookmark this page ! We have divided the page to various sub sections for your convenience.
FYI. Last year quota,which is H1B visa 2013 cap reached on June 11th, 2012.
H1B Visa 2014 News Updates
- USCIS Update : 124,000 Petitions Received. Lottery Process followed. News Summary
- H1B Visa 2014 Quota Cap reached on April 5th, USCIS official Update
- USCIS First Cap count update FY 2014 – April 8th or 5th ?
- Will there be Lottery for H1B Visa FY 2014 ? USCIS Data Analysis, Prediction
- USCIS Press Release : Petitions accepted from April 1st. Lottery ?
FAQs – All you need to Know !
Over the years, we have observed that prospective H1B visa seekers are always looking for certain pieces of information. We have grouped such information and created FAQs as listed below :
When will H1B Visa filing season start for Fiscal year(FY) 2014 ?
H1B visa filing season for fiscal year 2014 starts from April 1st, 2013. USCIS did a press release confirming the same.
How to find H1B Visa 2014 Sponsors ? Various Ways to find H1B Sponsoring companies
Finding right H1B Sponsor can be a very daunting task. There are few options to find sponsors like checking the H1B Sponsors Database and randomly contacting employers, working with IT outsourcing companies, looking at options in American Universities, Networking with friends. Each of these options are explained in this article :
How to find H1B Visa 2014 Sponsors ? Avoid Fraud
Why do we call H1B Visa 2014, when the petitions are filed in 2013 ?
USCIS operates on a fiscal year basis instead of calendar year ( Jan 1 to Dec 31st). Its fiscal year starts from October 1st and ends on September 30th. On that lines, USCIS’s fiscal year for 2014 starts from October 1st, 2013 and lasts until September 30th, 2014. So, though we file H1B petitions in April of 2013, they are counted towards H1B visa fiscal year 2014 and everyone calls it in short form as H1B visa 2014.
What is H1B visa 2014 Cap count for Regular quota and Masters Quota ?
If you are not aware of H1B cap count, it is the congressionally mandated numeric limits for H1B petitions based on category. Regular quota is for anyone who meets H1B visa requirements and Masters quota is specifically for students who have a Masters degree from US University. Typically, below are the numeric limits… ( we had these H1B cap limits set in 2004, if any changes by USCIS, we will update this page)
- Regular Quota Cap – 65,000
- Masters Degree Quota Cap – 20,000
Also, typically USCIS sets aside 6,800 visas for Singapore and Chile Free Trade agreement filings, which is H1B1 Program. Also, read article All about H1B Caps – Basics Calculations, Lottery
H1B Visa 2014 filing deadline – What is the last date ?
Well, there is no set deadline as such by USCIS. They start to accept petitions from April 1st, 2013 and will continue to accept H1B petitions until the H1B cap (85,000) is reached. It can vary based on the H1B visa demand.
- For H1B Visa 2012, the cap was complete on November 22nd,2011
- For H1B visa 2011, the cap reached on January 26th , 2011
Will there be Lottery for H1B Visa 2014 ?
This is most commonly speculated question by many H1B seekers. Due to very high demand and hype for H1B workers, we had lottery in some of the previous years. But we do not know, we just have to speculate based on past data and economic conditions. As done in previous years, here is our analysis:
Check out H1B Visa 2014 Lottery prediction- USCIS Data Analysis
. You can also check out last year’s: H1B Visa 2013 lottery prediction
What will be H1B visa 2014 filing fee ? Any changes ?
There has not been any changes to the filing fee for the fiscal year 2014. Check out the article : H1B visa 2014 filing fee – Who Pays for what ?. In general, it can range from $1,575 to $4,325 based on the number of employees ( this does not does not include attorney fee and premium processing fee).
International Students – Can we do Change of Status ( COS) from F1 Visa to H1B visa for FY 2014 ?
Yes, international students pursing their Bachelors, Masters or PhD programs from US Universities, who may be working on OPT, can file a H1B Visa petition to USCIS with Change of Status(COS) option. The advantage of COS from F1 visa to H1B visa is that you can continue to work after OPT expiration starting from October 1st, 2013 without leaving the country. You have to do the COS before your OPT expires to maintain legal status in America.
How soon Can I start working, if I file for H1B visa 2014 fiscal year ?
One can start working from October 1st, 2013 , if you have an approved H1B petition. You may need to get H1B visa stamping done, if you file your petition from overseas and wish to come to America on H1B visa.. Unlike, if you are filing for a COS by staying in US, you can start to work without leaving US for H1B visa stamping.
What is current H1B visa 2014 cap count ?
The H1B season for FY 2014 will begin on April 1st, 2013. We will keep track of the USCIS cap count updates with analysis.
All H1B Cap counts will be tracked at : H1B visa 2014 Cap Count Tracker .
In the mean time, you can check out our FY 2013’s : H1B visa 2013 Cap count Tracker
Would you like to be informed about H1B visa 2014 ?
My Employer told me that My check has been encahsed .. So Am I in???? still cn not decide due to some confusing post… is there any one over here whose check has been encashed but still did not get the receipt??
You are.
Thank you mate…
its not my luck atall.. It is grace of God!
I’m RQ/RP called school today they said the SEVIS is highly unreliable. My status has showed no change but it doesn’t mean anything according to them….lawyer is checking to see if my check has been cashed out but they also repeat it doesn’t mean anything…i guess we can only wait???? Has anyone seen/heard about rejection package so far?
just confirmed w/ lawyer check hasn’t been cleared yet but neither did the ones who already got receipts.
As far as I know SEVIS is the most reliable source since this is your valid status. I have checked with my lawyer too.
I contacted my international students office and they provided me a receipt number from my SEVIS records. I guess that means I made it through the lottery. Big relief. Phew.
I got that too. It says it’d going through initial review. I don’t know, I personally think if there is a receipt number, that means you are selected in the lottery. So I’m just gona go with that. Feel kinda relieved now, even though it doesn’t mean that I’ll get the visa for sure, but it’s one step close. Good luck to everyone!!!
Guys,
I got the approval today morning. REG/PP/Vermont
This forum is awesome, helping each other, sharing their happiness /sadness , advising each other and motivating others by words… I am really appreciating you all guys…
I wish everyone to achieve their GOALS…
Thanks a Lot…
Hi Everyone,
My application got selected under AD/Regular process/Vermont. I been waiting so eagerly for this .Good luck to all who applied I know this is killing time even I faced the same wishing u all good luck .You will get it.
THIS WAITING REALLY KILLS EVERYONE!!!
All the delay is due to the time it takes for the data entry, cashing the checks, generating receipt number, email/mailing it etc.,
Moreover, getting the receipt number is not the end, its just a starting.
We need to wait several months to get the final approval. If the data entry and the receipt number generation itself takes more than one month, then the final approval will go beyond Oct 1st.
Everything in US is computerised, its hard to believe that they manually do the data entry in USCIS.
A suggestion to USCIS :
Please change the application submission process as below.
This will really speed up the application processing time.
USCIS should completely computerise this process such a way that the below can be achieved.
Filling the I-129 and the other forms should be totally computerised.
The attorney/employer who fills I-129 and other forms should fill it in USCIS website directly.
Once the form filling is completed, the website should give PDF file with a barcode with receipt number in it.
Attorney should send the print of the PDF file along with the other supporting documents to USCIS for processing.
Once USCIS receives the hard copy application, they should scan the barcode using RFID and it will pull up the details of the applicant from their database.
In case of lottery for any year, USCIS should announce the receipt numbers which won the lottery in their website(and also by automated emails to the attornerys,employers & employees) immediately
after completing the computerised lottery.
This way we will be able to come to know whether we are selected in the lottery or not immediately.
This will be much helpful for Fresh H1Bs,H1B transfers, Extensions, even for L1 visa etc.,
This will really time & money saving for everyone including USCIS.
Similar procedure was adopted by Indian Passport Office in India as well as here in Indian Embassies.
This really speeds up the process.
US should follow India : -)
If required, UCIS can approach any of the Indian outsourcing company for this automation project. 🙂
What do you think Guys?
Hi All,
Please go through this link:
http://news.oneindia.in/2013/04/17/us-hike-h1b-visas-merit-will-count-for-green-cards-1195745.html
It says “US to hike H1B visas, merit will count for green cards” Published: Wednesday, April 17, 2013, 12:36 [IST]
Please tell me to what extent this news is true. Because im also one among you who is waiting for H1B regular quota.
Did some one from Syntel in (Mumbai,Pune,Chennai,GGN) India received any confirmation regarding H1B filing and acceptance of application in Lottery?
No
Receiving the receipt number, does that mean my application is picked up in the lottery?
Guys quick question. Whoever got their receipt number so far, does that mean the petition got approval or it has been submitted?
RECEIPT = SELECTED IN LOTTERY.
Anyone from accenture got receipt num? RQ/RP waiting here
Hi, Can anyone tell me what will be impact of new US immigration bills decision over this year’s H1B Cap. As per news congress is planning to increase cap limit.
“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”
http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/us-immigration-bill-to-increase-h1b-visa-may-hit-indian-firms-113041600117_1.html
My employer had filed my h1b visa ( regular cap )..along with few others in my company
How do I get my status ..can any one help pls
Guess, for Regular Quota, RP , the receipt would be issued a month from now. Thats how it been mentioned in the usavisa URL. Even here the expectations and patience is put to test!
Any one got receipts for AD/PP category from CSC?
I’m in the same boat…AD/PP/CSC
Got my receipt today… Advanced-degree/Regular processing/California Service center
Received receipt number WAC13132….. from CSC AD/RP
Bunny is happy!
Where do you stay bunny? I am in SF…wondering if its possibly taking longer for the mail to get here.
Hi,
After I heard about the possibility of checking the sevis record its the first thing I did. So I am INNNNN!!!
The status on my sevis says pending and my school gave me the receipt number yayayay 🙂
I even cried thats how much stressed I had until now.
One thing to note:
My check hasnt been cashed yet and my employer doesnt have the receipt yet but they confirmed they should receive it any moment.
My H1 application is in intial review!
Good luck to all. Dont lose hope!!!
Hi, did you call the international office? Can everyone there answer or it has to be a specific person? Thanks
No , you can call your school DSO /ASDO(Designated School Official ) and send email with details ,purpose of checking otherwise they don’t check .
I got mine by calling and send email to my councilor
WAC1313351300 (Masters/Regular processing /CSC)
Hello my MS friends ,
Please call your school counselor /DSO/ASDO —-mine is no money deducted /no correspondence with attorney .
Use this option atleast you may get relief —as i pained —now its relieved for sometime .
Thanks ,
MS
Hi, I called the student services and they transferred me to the DSO who told me about the pending status and gave me the receipt number.
I am AD/RP/Vermont.
iS this schooll DSO facility is available to know the status of an regular degree petition as well.If yes then Can anyone please let me know where can i found the contact number for this DSO for california center?
The dso is the office of international students of the U.S. university where the degree was earned. Does not matter whether masters or bachelors as along as u are on student visa right now. If u r not on student visa then it does not apply to u.
Got mine today. I called my school and they said SEVIS record had a receipt number.
Few hours later got confirmation from lawyer.
AD/RP/CSC
received:8th april
notice date:15th april
KEEP HOPE GUYS!! WILL PRAY FOR ALL OF YOU! BEST OF LUCK!
Share a update with anyone here. Keep hope. My colleagues started to receive receipts two days ago and mine just arrived. Good luck to everyone.
Advanced Degree cap
Regular Process
petition received date : April 8, 2013
Notice Date : April 15, 2013
Vermont Service Center
i lost hope AD/Regular proc/Vermont
Hello better to call your school DSO , that is the easy way to know the status , mine was changed status from F1 to Intial review .
AD/RP/CSC
Same here
Advanced Degree cap
Regular Process
petition received date : April 8, 2013
Notice Date : April 18, 2013
Vermont Service Center
Check was cashed on April 17th. My lawyer informed me immediately and got the receipt number from her today. Such a relief!
Good luck All!
Just share an update with everyone here:
Advanced Degree cap
Regular Process
petition received date : April 8, 2013
Notice Date : April 12, 2013
California Service Center
From whatever responses we keep getting in this web-site, so far I see more of AD or PP cases being mentioned that they have recieved the reciepts. People who have recieved reciepts with Normal Degree / Normal processing (Non PP) is very less. So is there still hope for Normal Degree / Normal processing. Is USCIS first processing in the following order
a) AD/PP
b) Normal / PP
c) AD / Non PP
d) Normal / Non PP
I think so, I am RQ/RP/VSC.
I guess USCIS does not differentiate between AD and Regular quota. Its only the Premium processing and Regular processing that makes all the difference.
Guys,
Anyone Regular quata, Regular Processing , has checked SEVIS ” center and got “status pending changing”. Worried
Calling my school surely helped !! I finally got it and thanks to all those who suggested this trick…
What did you ask? Please let me know so I can call my school!! Ty
Hi Brijesh,
I asked the international student center about my sevis status indicating any change of status. I provided my sevis number and I was notified immediately about it.
Wish you good luck.
Anand
Thank you.
They said your status is still active, No change yet!!! 🙁
Even my status has not changed does that mean I didnt make it? I am regular processing….
I am worried haven’t heard anything so far ..
Have applied in general quota
Feel nervous n sitting at home haunts me !!!
Anyone who’s RP/non-AD heard from the lawyer yet? I checked with my employer today and check has not been cashed out….lol
Guys, who got receipt for Premium processing today or yesterday ?
Guys, is there anyone who got receipt for Premium processing today or yesterday ?
AD, PP, Vermont, no check cashed, no update from employer nor lawyer, no mails, checked with DSO – no updates against my SEVIS either – does it mean I didn’t make it or are they still processing PP with AD cases?
Prompt reply is much appreciated.
Thanks,
SJM
You cannot use that information to draw a conclusion. The only way to know that you have not been selected is through the reject mail that is mailed to the employer/attorney.
I got selected and my case is pending. I filled on Advanced degree Regular Processing.
Thanks for the guys who posted on SEVIS. I called my school DSO and she confirmed that I have a change of status pending. Then I asked for my receipt number. and she gave it to me:
WAC1313X51XX8.
AD regular don’t wait any longer, just call your DSO and ask to check it is your right.
Just checked with my DSO …. no updates ..
hi ,
School people are asking me to scan and send them I don’t know how u guys got that.
My lawyer informed me yesterday that the check is cashed out.
AD / RP
Please check with your school…you will get the note as “Chnage of status pending” as well as the receipt number…
AD/RP/CSC – no receipt yet
I have called my school today he can see note as “ Change of status pending” put up on 04/17 but not able see any number(receipt number).
What does this mean?
-Thanks!
same thing happened to me!!
Hi AM,
I got a “Change of status pending” but no receipt number. Do you know what that mean?
No idea dude..my DSO sent me a screenshot…I saw that ” change of status pending” and EACxxxxx no on the side…
when i checked the EAC no on USCIS site, I got this update
“Initial Review
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. 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”
Hey guyz – anyone got ” the 15-day Premium Processing clock stopped on your I129″ while in Initial Review stage?
Hi,
For me also its showing the same ” the 15-day Premium Processing clock stopped on your I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER”. What does that mean?
whit in few hours it will change to Approved or RFE.
On April 18, 2013, the 15-day Premium Processing clock stopped on your I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. A notice was sent on this date explaining the specific reason for stopping the premium processing of your case. This notice will contain detailed information on further action required by you. Your premium processing receipt notice contains contact information for direct inquiries on your case.
What might be the reason for this status in”Intitial review” phase?
Hi All
I was here as a reader for a while.
I had the same feeling as many of you.
But there is nothing you can do except waiting, even though we know it is painful.
Luckily, I got receipt today. But I still have to say, dont let things which you can not control get you down. All troubles make you become stronger, and in the end, all the effort you did for your career will be paid off. Just stay strong and seize the day…at lease we are alive…
GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU
Just got to know from my Employer that my application’s cheque got deducted today. Mine is General/Regular proc/Vermont.
Congrats Ravi….
Is it AD/Regular OR non-AD/Regular ?
@ Ravi are you currently in the US on OPT? If yes can you please call your college DSO to see if there is any update on your SEVIS records?
That way we can tell if check was cashed does it necessarily mean receipt nos is generated immediately and updated on SEVIS.
**Anyone on OPT and petition Regular Quota/Non premium/VSC should please Update too…
Thanks all.
My check got cashed today which means that my application is selected this time.
Good Luck to all.
Hi Guys,
I am a silent reader,
My H1 filled under (Advanced Degree)AD/Regular proc/vermont.
My Attorney just received mail regards my petition got picked in lottery,which is stated that it’s done on 8th April,but we received mail today.
Good luck..All, Don’t loose hope.
Any regular/PP
I received my receipt today, AD/RP/VSC. Received on April 8th, posted on the 12 th and my employer received it today morning.
Just gor receipt number from My SEVIS record
SO happy!!1
Does that mean I am selected?
What do you mean by “SEVIS RECORDS”
If you are currently F1, you should be able to check your SEVIS record from your school.
I guess you should have a change of status pending right?
yes, the status is pending now
Can we check online oru called the school
I think you need to call. We donot have the access to the SEVIS record
@Chris: I used the sevis number on the I20 to check it, but it didn’t give me whole lot of details. From where you obtained it, and where did you check it?
I donot think we have the access to the SEVIS record.
I called my university and ask them to check my SEVIS record.
b.t.w what do you mean by “it didn’t give me whole lot of details”? what did you get then? and where did you enter your sevis number?
Guys with Advanced degrees who are still waitin to know the receipt number – Contact your University and ask for you SEVIS status. You H1 b details might be updated there.
Yes, I just got the receipt number from SEVIS record. I donot know how reliable it is.
I just got my receipt number from the university WAC1313******.Although I haven’t heard from my employer yet….It works as it gives you some assurance..
Anyone from persistent systems got confirmation?
No. haven’t heard from them.
Hi,
Any Updates for Regular Processing/ from VSC?
Wait is On and On and On.. Waiting for the mail..
All the very best for all those who already recieved the Reciept Number…
God Bless..
AD/RP/Vermont
My lawyer in NJ received my receipt yesterday. My employer is in NYC.
My application reached there on 1st April.
Received date on my receipt is 8th April.
Notice date is 12th April.
I received on 17th April.
Wish all the luck to all of you!
Same Here. The only difference is my employer is in CT and lawyer from NYC.
Got confirmation
AD/CSC/RP
still waiting for my wife
AD/CSC/RP
My lawyer received receipt today.
AD+Regular+CSC
Lawyer also said that the check has not been cashed yet. That means even if your check has not been cashed yet then also you have chance. USCIS is in the process of data entry right now and that can take one month approx for them to finish.
God Bless
Thanks bro, that’s a good news to me..I was worried why wasn’t my check cashed yet..
Any news on PP cases? Are they done sending receipts
EAC1313853950 and many more in the 53xxx series
I am only checking VSC.
EAC1313853985
One more !
Any one know if they are sending receipts for Regular cap, regular processing , CSC.
Please let me know if you have read any one post here or anywhere else.
Same case, RR/AD/CSC no news so far.. neither the check is cashed.. f**king tensed..
Regular cap/ regular processing/ => still waiting
I am advance degree + regular process, my company used Fragomen and they havent received anything!! Someone is like me?
Same here. My company is working through Fragomen too. I applied through AD+Regular processing+CSC. Still waiting.
I just received my Receipt. AD/Regular Processing/Vermont…Good Luck Everybody.
By the way, it shows the date as 04/12/13. Two other colleagues at my company also received their notices today. Please keep your hope and I am sure all AD candidates will make it. Good Luck again!!!
My application was approved for H1B, PP regular quota.
I was checking continuously but the status never changed from acceptance to any other, so don’t worry guys who are waiting for approval The status might not change but you might get an email from your lawyer….
Good luck. Praying for all you guys who are yet to receive there receipts..
My employer received the receipt today.
Regular/ advanced degree
Master’s/Regular, Money has not been deducted from the account yet and no receipt. Anyone else same situation ?
Do I ask HR or lawyer about whether the check is cashed?
thanks
HR, the company writes the check to USCIS.
Asking either of them shouldn’t hurt.
I am in same situation 🙁
I’m RR/AD/CSC regular, my employer said that the USCIS hadn’t cashed the check yet. Seems like I’m already dumped in huge pressure.
Hi Kumar,
You mentioned RR does that Regular processing?
Yes Madhu.
hey Madhu, may I know which type of processing and which center did you apply for?
I Applied for AD/Regular proc/vermont
Kumar,
If you are AD, I dont think you need to worry.
My lawyers said, USCIS will be doing data entry for non PP cases till May end.
Also, for AD people there is 92% chance that you get through (assuming 24K applications)
Hi Pankaj,
Thanks pankaj I am in same about your words gave us small hope.
I got cleared today. I fall in AD category.