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H1B Visa 2014 – All you need to know – FAQs

H1B Visa 2014

 

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

 

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.

 

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 ?

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.

   

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7,993 Comments

  1. received my receipt number from my lawyer today, applied under Regular, non advance, EACXXXXXXXXXX looks like USCIS have started sending out regular quota now. Good luck all.

    Reply
  2. My employer was hesitant to share the FEIN id (Tax id) . The worry that they may not have sent the packet at all is bothering me. Has anybody else here NOT gotten the FENID or fedex tracking number from the employer?

    Reply
  3. I called USCIS but they could not find the receipt number of my application. Does it mean my application was not selected in the lottery? Or just that even if it were, they do not have the information yet?

    Still keeping my hopes up! Good luck to all.

    Reply
    • Could you pls share what number you called and what details they asked you? My employer received some receipts but mine wasnt there, I am really worried

      Reply
      • Anxious – number is 18003755283.
        They asked for –

        1. Employer FEIN id (Tax id) – if you don’t know this, look up your I-129.
        2. Employer Name
        3. Employer Postal address
        4. Name of the caller (Tell them you are somebody from the employer, think of a name beforehand)
        5. Name of the applicant.

        I scheduled a call back.

        Good luck.

        Reply
          • about an hour. If they do not have any information, does it mean the applicant did not make it through the lottery?

          • i called them. after 45mins wait, they answered that they could not find my name in the list. so, he said that probably i did not make through the lottery. mine was AD/PP/VSC. i was expecting the same since i did not hear any premium processing updates from 1 week.
            gud luck to everyone. hope u guys will get it.!!!!!
            does anyone know any school that provide CPT immeditely?

          • I scheduled a call again yesterday with USCIS. I made through the lottery and they provided me the receipt number.
            Mine is RQ/RP/CSC.

            CSC is still updating the system with the new receipts. Good luck to all!!!

  4. Folks,I have a question about SEVIS. My wife completed her masters in 2008. This year her company has applied for H1B in Masters 20,000 quota. Do you think her SEVIS record will have any information or SEVIS is for curent students only?

    Reply
  5. Hi All,

    My H1b was filed under AD/Regular/California and received Receipt on 22nd Apr.
    Im Planning to move it to Premium process.
    My Question is ..Are there any chances of getting a rfe since i do not have client letter??

    Reply
  6. My petition was selected. Got the receipt yesterday. The petition was applied in Master’s quota. For folks with advanced degree’s I would recommend you to be little patient as all my friends who had applied under the Advanced degree quota are getting their receipts one after another. Just hang in there!

    Reply
  7. Hi All,
    My h1B employer employer for 2 H1b’s, received by USCIS on 1st april (confirmed by fedex).
    Yesterday my employer called USCIS to find out our status. My colleague has been assigned his tracking number but there is nothing on the system for me. they said it has not been processed yet and there was no number assigned.

    Does this mean that I am not selected in the lottery, should I lose all hope now?

    Seriously stressed/depressed applicant

    Reply
    • Let me understand your question:-
      You mean to say, Your employer applied for 2 H1B(for 2 employees including you). The application of the employee(other than you) did reach USCIS on Apr-1, confirmed by fedex. Regarding your application there isn’t any information, whether it reached USCIS?
      Please correct me if my understanding of your situation correct?

      Reply
      • Hi,

        Thanks, Yes you are correct, my employer filed for 2 applications, they both were sent and received at the same time (april 1st, 9.00am by fedex) yesterday he called USCIS to find out what the story was. there is a number and data associated with the other applicant but so far nothing on my application.

        Reply
          • Hmmm, disappointing…. I was holding out for the slim hope that they had already assigned a “fate” to my application and just hadn’t gotten around to processing it etc…. have all applications been processed and they are just in the process of notifications now?

  8. OMG.. my current case status is “request for evidence”…and was held for suspense…. I am so worried and upset. does it mean my lawyer missed something in petition, or made some mistakes?

    Reply
    • Could be. But do not worry that does not mean you application is denied. they are just asking for more information. Good Luck.

      Reply
      • What kind of information they might request? I am so worried. It will take a while for us to receive the notification? anyone in same situation?

        Reply
        • @Godbless, I’m in the same situation. My lawyer got an email saying that USCIS has mailed a letter asking for Request for evidence 🙁
          The lawyer got the email on Monday of this week, and I’m still waiting for the letter. She said not to worry about it. They may need extra information. She also said that RFEs are very common.

          Reply
          • GodBless, Patty,

            U have successully got through the lottery. After the intial review of the petition, RFE is a common stage before USCIS takes the decision to approve your petition. In RFE, they would be asking for few additional documents for clarification.

            Regards
            Venky

  9. Finally Happy

    Selected in Lottery.
    Received date on 8th April 2013
    Notice Date on 18th April 2013
    Regular/Normal/CSC

    Best of luck to every one.

    Reply
  10. RQ/RP/VSC…Received email from my company today that my petition is selected … EAC131395XXXX.
    I wish all the best to every one.

    Reply
  11. Hi,
    My H1B is selected in lottery
    H1B New/Regular processing/ Regular Quota/ from India. So USCIS started sending the EAC number to regular quota also.

    Reply
  12. Is this true? I just found in google. Petitions Not Selected in Lottery : If your petition was not selected in lottery, USCIS … been trying for H1B for past 4 years and missed the quota narrowly last year. … selection..so chances are there till this USCIS will process the last receipt…

    Reply
  13. Last year my Employer in India decided to apply for my H1B. Inspite of submitting all my documents well in time (April-2012), they sent the documents only on 07-June-2012 and I missed the H1B quota. I got the reply that my application was rejected after 2 weeks. Not sure exactly what happened as I just got an email from my Employer saying USCIS returned my application as quota was full. Because my Family was in the US, I had no option but to quit and sit for H4. This year also I applied for Regular Quota / Regular processing through a Desi Consultant. So far I have not heard anything. I was just wondering whethere I could sue my Indian Employer (basically the US Subsidiary) for messing up my H1. Even though I submitted my documents well before time, and followed agressively with them, the ISG Dept of that company was working like a Govt. organization. Finally they sent in just as the quota was closing and I missed my H1B by 1 day. Now it IS FRUSTRATING FOR ME TO SIT ON A H4 in the US (as I had offers for 35 Lakhs and above back in India and I could not take them as my Family was already in the US. My Wife works for a major software company in the US)

    The company is one of the Big Four back in India. Thanks

    Reply
    • Please use your “Brain’s” on what basis would you sue?????
      They have every right to decide which employee they want to send to states. Stop maligning IT firms based in India. And start using some common sense!!!!!

      Reply
      • First of all, since the Indian Company offered to do the H1 for you (however it came with a clause that if you leave within a year after you get your visa, you have to pay 15K USD as penalty). Taking the 15K USD penalty into mind and believing them, I did not go with any other company to file my H1. Because of them, sending in my application LATE even though I submitted my documents 1 month in advance and doing an AGRESSIVE FOLLOW UP and was GUARANTEED MY APPLICATION WILL MAKE THE QUOTA (This was guaranteed at GM Level), they sent it 1 day before the quota closed and USCIS sent back my application. I lost one year of earning in the US because of them. Should I not be compensated.

        Reply
        • Revenge,
          I don’t think you have a case here, but if you want to proceed it’s your wish. Did they take any money from you – if yes, then you can complain to USCIS as H-1 fees need to be paid by employer and not you.

          But if they didn’t take any money then they were just lethargic. I don’t think they broke any law. As for compensation, you will have to show actual losses in order to get paid by the court. The company can show its own saga of how much business they have lost b/c of missed cap.

          In addition, let’s say your H-1 was applied and gets approved. The company is not obliged to call you to US. Would you still have sued them in that case? Of if RFE was issued and they decided not to respond to it. Would you still have sued them in that case?

          Reply
    • My friend is under AD/PP category and his I129 was approved on April 17th (not just initial review). He checked on the website. Receipt no. is WAC13129*****. I don’t know if there’s gonna be a physical copy though

      Reply
  14. Hi,

    i hv applied in masters quota and premium processing. but no updates yet.

    any one has similar situation?> what shd i do? when can i expect updates?

    experts pls reply.

    Jay.

    Reply
    • Jay,

      I’m also in the same situation but mine is AD/NPP..my sevis is not updated nor heard from anything from my attorney.

      Thanks!

      Reply
    • You guys can call your school — the school DSO will check your status . That is the easy way to check status ..
      Mine was AD/REG/CSC — i called my school DSO — they gave me receipt # WACxxxxxxxxx

      That is the easy way ———

      Reply
      • Hi RR,

        Congratulations on getting your receipt #. I have a question about SEVIS. My wife completed her masters in 2008. This year her company has applied for H1B in AD 20,000 quota. Do you think her SEVIS record will have any information or SEVIS is for curent students only?

        Reply
  15. I never posted here but you guys have been my inspiration.
    Today I got this email from my Employer:

    The California Service Center has approved the following
    I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker
    that had been filed under the Premium Processing Program:

    Receipt Number: WAC13131XXXX
    Petitioner: XXXX

    Beneficiary: XXX
    DOB: 06/27/81
    Classification: H1B
    Starting Validity Date: 10/01/13
    Ending Validity Date: 09/11/16
    Consulate notified (if applicable):
    I-94 # (if applicable): 323XXX

    Thank God, I am so happy …I was checking my status on USCIS website every hour but all the time it said Acceptance, only after my employer received this email then it turned into Approved..Best of luck to all of you… Hope for the best.
    Thank you!

    Reply
  16. Has the time come when AD/PP should cease hoping for their receipt notice from USCIS.. Knowledegable people please enlighten…

    Reply
    • Better to try your school DSO otherwise wait for response from your employer or attorney .
      Some of my friends also waiting under AD/PP .

      Reply
    • lmao…Deemagh ka dahi … we are in the same boat .. the problem is that there are too many opinions and assumptions being thrown out here regarding all this ..we better start looking for a back up ..and wait for a decision .Good luck !

      Did you check with your university? If they see any update on ur sevis?

      Reply
  17. My employer received 5 receipts yest under RP/RQ but mine wasnt present. Does it mean I was not selected? Does USCIS send all applications from one employer together or its really random?

    Reply
      • Still havent heard anything either, I am RQ/RP,California, my school said my OPT/SEVIS status is on “completed” , so no updates yet… She said there might be a delay since my grace period expired April 15 and the H1B receipts were given out around April 19… Lets hope for the best…

        Reply
  18. Just got the receipt from my HR today. AD/Regular/ VSC. A ton of relief!!

    All the best everybody. Be patient. People are getting their receipts.

    Reply
  19. Does getting a receipt notice mean that you will be approved? Am sorry if my question is not valid but I need to know before I get excited….

    Reply
  20. Hi,

    Did not receive my receipt number as yet. RP/ reg quota/ california center. My emplyer’s cheque has also not been encashed. Is there still any hope..

    Thanks.

    Reply
  21. Hi Everyone,

    I have just received my receipt number from my attorney. Regular/General/VTVery much excited!!!!!! Good luck to all….

    Thanks,
    VSIND

    Reply
  22. Hey Guys….

    Just received the email from employer & attorney with the golden words..!
    I am Regular Processing-Regular Quota-WAC.
    Attorney received the receipt by mail on Apr-22, it says Notice Date Apr-17, Received Apr-8. Receipt number WAC131355xxxx.

    Good luck to all & just have patience.

    Reply
  23. Any hope for regular quota premium processing for non US master degree holder?
    I m going h4 to h1
    Please suggest m extremely tensed now….

    Reply
      • She said my check is not cashed yet plus no mail or email for receipt. Yesterday she said start thinking about how u can get f1 for next year’s filing!! I m like crying since its already my second try this year. Last year my packet was returned back for quota was full. This year I sent it on April 1 still waiting…. it’s killing me! :”(

        Reply
        • Whoa, I thought I am the only one with that odd luck. Applied last year, application received on last day the cap was reached and was ignored. Applied again this year, this time on April 1, PP and the fact that there is no answer till now, the writing is on the wall! Somehow, getting them to accept the packet is becoming impossible for me!!

          Reply
          • Anyways few optimistic people are saying we shall wait more till end of first week of May! I don’t know as it was said that pp will be done between 15 and 30 April!!
            Now regular quota regular processing people are also getting receipt ! I m terrified!!

          • I haven’t heard any pp case getting received in so many days now! U won’t believe how this wait of years to get visa is killing me and eating up my carrier!

          • Guys, I missed last year and looks like no luck for this year,@KC and @Twice in a row! , are you guys from medical background or IT?

          • same here. RQ/PP. I assume the lawyers sent everything to CSC. No answer yet and checks not cashed. My lawyers screwed up the filing date for FY2013 so this is actually my first application for FY2014. I don’t want to say it but I will give up next Tuesday.

          • You mean ‘career’ 🙂 Yes, it has been extremely frustrating and equally annoying. But I believe everything happens for a reason. For example, I got much better offer this year as compare to last year but that’s another story that I didn’t get VISA in both the years, lol. There are also some rumors that this immigration reform MIGHT get applied this year and they waive the quota off but not sure how much of them is really TRUE. Anyway, getting mentally and logistically prepared to pack my bags & get ready to go.. (enough with H1 and its logic defying rules)..

          • I have also not received any receipt ..does that mean mine is not selected in lottery…or still they are sending out receipts for selection..Do we still have chance…

          • also, my employer has applied for my H1B …what shud i ask them to check myself at USCIS …is there any Receipt number with attorney…

        • I had the same issue last year. Last year my Employer in India messed up my H1 papers and sent then on the last day (07-June-2012) even though I submitted my documents well in advance (April-2012). Now I am sitting in H4 in the US. I applied for Regular Quota / Regular processing at Vermont and so far no reply has come. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED.

          Reply
  24. Application Received date: 04/08/13
    Notice Date: 04/18/13

    Regular Processing, Regular Quota, H4 to H1, VSC , received receipt number yesterday from my Lawyer.

    Reply
  25. Hello everyone,

    My Receipt EAC13132XXXXX got approved yesterday with 3 years. Mine was Regular cap/Prem Proc/Vermont center. Till yesterday noon 1PM, the USCIS website was showing ACCEPTANCE status, but in next few minutes I got the approval email from attorney and when I checked the site it said DECISION APPROVED. So, those who are keep on checking the USCIS site, leave it instead wait for the email from your attorney/employer. They are the ones who get upto date info.

    I wish all the best for those who are waiting!

    Reply
  26. Hi Everyone,

    Did anyone get their receipt number those who have applied from India Regular/General(Non-AD). I have applied from India Regular/General/Non-AD/VT, but have not heard anything. I got an E-mail from my attorney yesterday saying

    “As of now I have not heard either way on whether it was accepted or rejected. I have received some accepted cases but no rejections as of yet. ”

    I have been expecting some positive news.

    Thanks,
    VSIND

    Reply
  27. Hi,

    I recently had an RFE on my L1 B and my extension is denied as on 15-APR-2013. My employer asked me to leave US immediately. I applied for H1 B regular processing non-AD on April 1st through another employer and I haven’t heard anything yet.

    1) Can I stay until I receive my H1 B petition receipt, if I am lucky to be through lottery?
    2) If I stay to know the H1 status and my petition is not picked in the lottery, is it illegal to stay in US and will it affect my future US Visa petitions?
    3) If I am through the H1 B lottery process, should I still stay in the US, until I get a result on it being approved/rejected?

    Can some please help me on this, as I need this info very urgent to travel back?

    Thanks in Advance,
    SAJ

    Reply
    • Since your L1 Extension is denied you are now out of status and its illegal if you have any intention to stay in US at this point of time without a valid I94. Irrespective of whether your H1B Petition is accepted or not you must leave the country, at the moment, ASAP for your own good.

      Reply
    • You are considered out of status unless you have a valid I-94. If you don’t have valid I94 better to leave the country asap to avoid future complications. Though you get H1B petition approved, you are eligible from Oct 01 only. This is my opinion!

      Reply
    • SAJ,
      1. No
      2. You cannot stay in US once L-1 extension is denied.
      3. No

      Leave US now and if your H-1 petition gets selected and approved, go for H-1 visa stamping and return after Oct 1.

      Reply
  28. Finally got my receipt today. My lawyer(Fragomen) informed me today around 4 pm PST. I applied through AD/RP/CSC. Good luck everyone!

    Reply
  29. Hi Guys,

    🙂

    Finally I got my receipt number WACXXXXXXXXX. My Employer applied RQ/RP/CSC for me.

    Today morning I got email from my employer that I got selected through the lottery.

    Its really relief for me.

    From today I need to wait for my approval. This is second stage of waiting.

    All the best to every one.

    Reply
  30. Hi,
    I am on L1 and my employer had applied for H1 (regular Processing, regular quota) for me and H4 for my wife and kid. I have not heard anything about status of my application from my employer yet. However, I got a 797-c notice of action containing receipt number for H4 class for my spouse and child today. Case Type is mentioned as “I539 application to extend/change non-immigrant status”. Does that mean my application was selected in lottery?

    Thanks,
    aj

    Reply
    • AJ,
      Yes, one can make that assumption. However, USCIS has done mistakes in the past and there is also a possibility that they issued the notice for your family w/o waiting to see whether you have made through the cap or not.

      So its better to hold on to the celebration until you receive a receipt number for yourself.

      Reply
      • Thanks for the response Saurabh!

        Yeah, I am not celebrating yet, especially after the experience I had last year when I missed the boat by 1 day! 🙂

        Reply
  31. Hi,

    Please let us know on the first alphabet of your last name for ppl who all got receipt in regular processing reg quotas

    Reply
  32. Hi All,
    I am in India and I have applied H1B in regular quota and regular processing.
    I got email from my employer today that my petition is accepted by USCIS and would get receipt number in USPS mail in couple of days.

    Does any one got acknowledgement first then receipt number after few days?

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Hi Rakesh,

      May I know your highest degree(AD)? Just wanted to know whether its Bachelors/Masters? I have applied from India Regular/General/Non-AD/VT, but have not heard anything. I got an E-mail from my attorney yesterday saying

      “As of now I have not heard either way on whether it was accepted or rejected. I have received some accepted cases but no rejections as of yet. ”

      I have been expecting some positive news.

      Thanks,
      VSIND

      Reply
  33. Still…waiting. I know one of my friend received confirmation that her application was selected and she got her receipt number today :-). Hoping to get mine sometime this week.

    All the best to every one.

    Reply
  34. Hi, I got my receipt number from my Sevis, but havent received any paper receipt yet. I check with lawyer today and he said no. Is this bad? my receipt number is 13137XXXX.

    Reply
  35. Hi my new h1 b visa application is regular quota non masters premium processing
    I m going h4 to h1
    I have not received receipt number yet, also my cheeks are not cashed yet..
    What’s the hope for me, any idea?
    I tried last year c as well but quota got exhausted before my application reached !
    This year I sent it on 1st April … no update yet!
    M extremely tensed! Now even regular quota regular processing have started getting receipt!
    So now what about RQ PP?

    Reply

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