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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:

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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. Came to know today that I have been selected in the lottery.

    RQ/RP/CSC
    Petition Received 4/8
    Receipt date 4/24
    Received by Fragomen legal team 4/29
    I was intimated today morning 5/3.

    WAC131425xxxx

    Reply
    • On May 3, 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. This case is being processed at our VERMONT SERVICE CENTER location. 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 call our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.

      Reply
    • On May 3, 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. This case is being processed at our VERMONT SERVICE CENTER location. 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 call our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.

      does this mean they are still generating receipts?

      Reply
  2. I received information from our mobility team today that they have received the Receipt Number for my application. (RP/RQ/CA). Thanks to my god and all of you for the wishes ..!!

    Wishing all the best to all those who are waiting for the selection and for the processing thereafter..!!

    Reply
    • for next 2 days (friday and saturday) if you receipt is in snail mail (USPS) then you will get it, NO NEW receipts with 8th April are generated in last 4 days so data entering is over last week.

      Now its USPS lottery , some of you will get the receipts and others will get your regular mails from USPS.

      its over 2014….

      Reply
        • Papi papi papi choolo, pingami pingami, trun, trun, Here we go bro, well said, that dude is really big time dumb ASSS, I am with u on that BROOOO.

          Reply
          • EAC1315251259 is odd one out , this is the only one receipt number today with 8th April, so we assume it is a cap exempt case.

            OR

            someones petition got rejected and VERMONT picked up one new application from wait list.

            I am just surprised why only one receipt number with 8th april ….any answer ??

          • There were a couple in the 503xx series i saw in the morning. But I called that dude a dumbass because yesterday they assigned more than 200+ I129 petions dated as 8th april; 500+ if you count 8, 9 and 10th April.

            People are posting conjuncture without providing evidence.

            As my pappy always says: Opinions are like A-holes, everybody has one! 😉

          • ….. and to answer your question (dumbasstoo), that receipt can be any of the following:

            1) New application selected in lottery pending adjudication
            2) New application wait listed that finally received pending adjudication
            3) H1b renewal that reached on 8th April
            4) Cap exempt H1b

            We wont know for sure about its just a running hypothesis that this is a new H1b application (1, 2 or 4)

    • Hi H1 Jesus,

      They are generating Receipts, though in bits and pieces.

      The pace has definitely slowed down. But there is still hope. There were many reciepts which were generated on 28, 29, 30 April for which checks are still getting deducted and people are still receiving the receipts. (Pace of receipts getting generated really slowed down from 1st May though)

      If you ask me, if there is hope, then definitely there is hope, no doubt as of today.
      You can have your light of hope burning bright at least for next 3 to 4 days. But after that i think things will really slow down for new Lottery picked receipts and waiting list candidates are the only ones who will get the receipts. So technically till beginning of June or till you receive your return package you surely will have hope.

      Reply
  3. My status changed from acceptance to initial review

    message is :
    On May 3, 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.

    I am really getting feared .Any Idea what does it means?

    Reply
    • Hey Swapna,

      Dont worry, this might not always mean RFE.. it can be any thing…

      Normally this happens when your petitioner is approved or if your petition goes onto RFE. Lets pray for the best and hope your petition gets approved.

      @H1 Jesus: Did USCIS service center call you and tell she got an RFE :).. nice answer though hehe

      Reply
      • Hey Rs,

        Thank you for your reply.It got approved. Just now I have received a mail from my attorney as well states that my petition was proved..

        Reply
    • how you people are getting the status frm USCIS.They told me that they can n’t disclose the status with employee.They will tell only to employer

      Reply
  4. Hi ,

    I have selected in lottery and my employer send me receipt number, How I know that receipt number belong with my name……………….

    Reply
  5. Today, I have finally received the receipt number. My employer sent me an email with the receipt number.
    I have been following this forum religiously, I used to check this forum every day from 1st of April and the day I missed it I got an email from my employer with the receipt number.
    Thanks to all contributors of this forum.

    Reply
  6. I got receipt notice on 4/18, and my H1B approved yesterday, Advanced degree, regular processing. I checked it from USCIS.gov website indicating post decision activity with approval notice. Good luck everybody who is still waiting for receipt or approval.

    Reply
    • Hi Lion8,

      Did you submitted the client letter when you applied ,even I am waiting for my approval. Can you tell me the receipt num series ex:eac13137xxxx

      Reply
  7. Hello Everyone,

    I have got my petition picked up in lottery this year. I have also got the reciept number from my manager. Now my manager wants to file a B1 also so that i can travel for any assignments before OCT 2013. Please advice should i go for B1 also? Can a person have H1 and B1 at the same time?

    Please help!!!

    Reply
    • PuneRP,
      You can appear for B-1 stamping even after H-1 has been approved or is pending. You need to have valid reasons to travel on B-1. Once you return, you can appear for H-1 visa stamping, provided your petition has been approved by that time. It is possible that VO will cancel B-1 visa stamp at the time of H-1 interview as B-1 is a pure non-immigrant visa and H-1 is a dual intent one. If not canceled, you will end up having both B-1 and H-1 visa stamps in the passport and can use either depending upon the use/purpose.

      Reply
  8. Hi ,
    i was closely following this website and coments from the people. Today is my first post , just wanted to share that i got my receipt today . receive date Apr8th , notice date apr 29
    RQ/RP/EAC . thay are still sending the receipt guys , so hold on and have faith .

    Thakns

    Reply
  9. My company filed my h1b as RQ/PP and i haven’t heard back anything till now. When i checked with the concerned guys they told that out of the 65 people for whom they filed under the same RQ/PP 57 have got through the lottery and for the remaining 8 there is no communication. He even said that he hasn’t received any approvals in last one week or so.

    Is there still any chance of getting it approved? Doesn USCIS not process PP in 15 days as its already been more than 15+ days and ideally a approval/rejection should have reached by now.

    Reply
  10. Yesterday I told you the accountant of my company told me the checks have been cashed!
    And today come in the mail my receipt!!

    Finalllyyyyy I am sooo relieved. I would really like to thank this blog for keeping my hopes up. People, do not listen to ANYONE (like H1B Scotland, no offense I know you really don’t mean any harm!!) who comes up with speculations. Just wait and see.

    Company in Pennsylvania, Lawyer in PA too. Vermont Service Center.
    My number:
    EAC-1314852***

    Received April 8th
    Notice date 29th
    Posted-Stamped on the 30th
    Check Cashed on the May 1st
    Received on May 3rd

    A full month wait!
    Do not hesitate if you have questions!

    Reply
  11. just now got receipt for my petition under Regular processing…
    Best of luck …
    still hope is there…dont worry…

    Reply
  12. Hi Saurabh,

    I applied H1b through some consultancies , They confirmed me my application got approved for h1b processing and send me along with receiptno . My question is here How i know weather that receipt number belong with my name.

    Reply
  13. Did anyone in tcs heard anything from their managers ???/
    I had called chennai visa cell today, they are saying check with ISU RMG and Project Management Team. I have not heard anything from them …

    Does anyone ?????

    Reply
    • The PROJECT team or the RMG SPOC from your account will have the details for a few people.. You’ll not know your petition number but you ll come to know whether you are part of the people who have cleared the lottery or not.. As far as I know, this list is also not final.. They are still awaiting to hear about the others.. So even if your name is not their in the list.. please DO NOT PANIC.. they are still awaiting for the other lists…

      Reply
  14. Hi Friends,

    Just wanted to know what would be the processing time and the various steps that are involved before we go to the visa interview. Hoping for an answer from some of you guys. Thanks in advance.

    Reply
    • Got my receipt number yesterday for NP/RQ/EAC. Guys keep hope, since USCIS will continue to send acknowledgement receipt till end of May 2013.

      Reply
  15. @Sourabh:
    My husband’s petition has been selected in the lottery. When should I apply for h4? Can I do it immediately so that we could go for the interview together? There is a remote chance that I could get an L1 visa by my current employer. Should I apply for h4 after I know for sure that they won’t send me on L1?

    Reply
    • Sh,
      Once the petition has been approved, you can appear for stamping either together or separately (in this case H-1 first followed by H-4). Yes, go for H-4 stamping after you get clarification on your L-1. The earliest day to go for H-1/4 visa stamping is July 1 (90 days prior to H-1 start date of Oct 1).

      Reply
      • @Sourabh:
        Thanks a lot! Suppose I decide to go with h4, do I go directly for visa stamping with my husband? Or do I have to apply beforehand?

        Reply
        • Sh,
          You need to follow the process for visa stamping. You can go to US consulate website in your home country and they will have the process outlined. Usually, it involved submitting the fees, completing DS-160 form, scheduling interview date, going for biometrics and then appearing for interview.

          Reply
  16. I like many of you have not gotten my receipt and I called USCIS yesterday. The wait time was 97 minutes but there was an option to leave your phone number and they will call you back. After 90 minutes or so I got the call from USCIS. Long story short he did not find my name on the system. He said there was nothing with my name over there. No rejection or denied and no receipt number aswell so I have lost all hope. Out of the 12 people my company applied I am the only who did not get the receipt. My was RP/RQ/EAC. I hope n wish every deserving individual gets selected.

    Reply
    • Don’t give up yet. I don’t know if they have finished the lottery processing yet. But even if they have, a lot of those petitions are going to get rejected.

      Reply
    • Dont worry dude..had the same issue till last week. Then I got the reciept on 29th. This no name in the system issue is actually a good nnews if you look at it carefully. This rules out the possibility of your application being rejected. Just keep your hopes high. You will surely make it.

      Reply
    • how you people are getting the status frm USCIS.They told me that they can n’t disclose the status with employee.They will tell only to employer

      Reply
      • I was in the office when the call happened. I told the person on the phone if he wants I can hand the phone to my manager. He said he will first see if I am on the system and then give the receipt no to my manager. But my name was not on the system atall 🙁

        Reply
  17. I have come across a statement saying ‘If you d0n’t sign the required documents while filing petition, the application will be rejected’. Which form do we need sign while applying? I would like to be sure as I don’t remember signing any

    Reply
      • I remember signing a employer and employee relationship agreement which states i am in consent with the services provided by employer. That is the only document I signed

        Reply
  18. I have been following this forum since last 3 weeks and waiting for my own receipt notice but still no good news. I know it’s life, and we always don’t get what we want. Life is not being created like that so I ask everyone waiting on this forum to have patience and show strength in case we don’t get our visas this year.
    I request all of the people waiting to get receipted to pray for others like they would pray for themselves. And that’s how we will pray for each other with our utmost sincerity and devotion. I pray for all of you guys to get your receipt notices as soon as possible. And may God bless you all.
    I have prayed for all of you guys.

    Hope 4 d best….

    Reply
  19. VSC has been processing a lot of numbers today. Latest one as I post this : EAC1315152335; That is 2335 receipts for day 151, significantly higher than 148, 149 and 150

    A lot of them are 8th , 9th and 10th April and for the last 300 numbers I see significant portion of them in PP.

    Reply
  20. I am very anxious and wanna call USCIS. When you guys called them as an employer did you use one of the employers name or a entirely new name?

    Reply
  21. I have one question
    Lets say, My employer had sent my h1 application to VSC
    1. Will it definitely be processed with VSC? Is it for sure I will get WAC13*** if I am through lottery?
    or
    2. Will the uscis process (generate receipt numbers) in any of their service centers irrespective of where the application has been sent to?

    Thanks In Advance!!!

    Reply
    • XYZ,
      1. If they sent to VSC, then number will start w/ EAC. If sent to CSC, then it will start w/ WAC
      2. Receipt numbers are generated at both centers.

      Reply
      • Emre : Do not lose your confidence. Check with your school.
        I had checked with my school on 16th. They had a receipt number but never got my physical receipt. Last week my employer called uscis and they confirmed that the receipt number was on my name. Today my school sent me a new I20 which has receipt number on it. [which I think is a good proof]. My attorney had requested for it. They are going to check if the checks were encashed today. Yesterday the receipt number from my I20 moved from initial review to address changed first and then to approved.

        Reply
  22. Can some one throw some light on following,

    Back in 2008, are any one aware when return packages were sent.
    If no one are receiving return packages, does it mean all the applications are retained in waiting list. (which is good off-course).

    If the applications are in waiting list, what is the order of preference in waiting list, i mean is the first preference given to AD and then RP is considered.

    Sorry for so many questions, just curious.

    Reply
    • Am not sure about package.
      in 2008, i got info from employer that my file is picked by USCIS on May/27.
      So i guess, everyone can wait till end of May

      Reply
      • Thats what I heard from my buddy in MSFT. His application receipt came thru on 6 June 2008 and was approved in September.

        This year they may have been prepared and hence it is likely that we can expect rejection returns around 1st week of June.

        On a side note, my company lawyer recieved a rejection package for one of the employees.
        However this package was selected in the lottery but was returned due to incorrect fees.

        Reply
  23. Hi,
    My employer filed H1 for me – RP/non-AD, the application ws sent to califormia sevice center. I have couple of quesitons –
    a. Did anyone from CSC (WAC) received recipt notice today or yesterday? If yes, what are the 5 digit of receipt notice.
    b. Are all the H1Bs for 2014 (cap based ) going to have a received date on April 08th on the recipt notice??

    Thanks!

    Reply
  24. Hi,

    Are they processing it alphabetically? I have not received any update on my H1 till now. I am frustrated. This is the last option I am left with. Donno wat to do If I don’t get h1 this year. losing hopes guys.I am so so sofrustrated. I am RQ/RP

    Reply
      • i had same question, but i got the answer yesterday.
        My wife and friends name starts with S and they got receipt number last week.
        One of my another friend name starts with A and he got receipt today. All RQ/RP

        Reply
    • Got the receipt just now 🙂 RQ/RP/VSC…. COS from L1 to H1

      I was talking to the lawyer office (Fragomen).. interesting thing is they have NOT received any returned packages so far (NOT selected in lottery) and it seems the receipts are trickling in slowly….

      So Please DONT loose hope and keep praying…. everyone will get their receipts.

      Good luck folks!

      Reply
      • can you please tell me what does it read for your receipt case status. I am in the same boat L1 to H1 COS

        Reply
  25. Received my receipt notice on Apr 23, just checked my status now…got approved . For those who haven’t received their receipt notices, don’t loose hope, keep your faith up….all the best. Regular Processing, Vermont

    Reply
  26. Hello everyone!! I have been a silent follower of the blog and today the accountant of my company informed me that the checks have been cleared yesterday night!!!

    So yes, they are still processing applications!
    RQ/RP/EAC!

    Reply
  27. Worried about this
    On May 2, 2013, the 15-day Premium Processing clock stopped on your I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER.

    AD/PP/VSC
    what does this mean…?

    Thanks.

    Reply
  28. Just received my receipt regular I129 petition. So do not give up faith. Keep calling them it makes them process it.. Best of luck to every one hang in there….. It’s not easy.

    Reply
  29. Hi All,
    I got the receipt number today and it is thro’ normal processing.

    Thanks to God.Best of luck to everyone.

    Reply
  30. AD/ RP / EAC 13 XXX XXXXX

    Apr 8 – Received Petition
    Apr13 – Notice Date
    Apr19 – Received Receipt Notice in Mail (Employer Got it)
    Apr19 – May 2 — Initial Review
    May 2 — Approved !

    I wish every one Good Luck !

    Reply
  31. Hello All,

    Has any one got receipt from VERMONT CENTER mentioning that you are put on waiting list ?

    Today I don’t see any new H1B number generated on USCIS site for 8th April date. They have def done with data entry of H1B cases.

    Reply
  32. I got my receipt from my employer today. Thanks to god and many of you who have filled hope in me…And many thanks to this great forum..was one among the many silent readers.

    RQ / RP Vermont..

    Thank you.

    Reply
  33. I think csc has stopped generating receipts for h1…the last no I see is WAC131481659 and its generated for CRI89 petition
    …hopeless on h1b now :'(

    Reply
    • In vermount we can still see number getting generated EAC1315150100, I don’t understand why u r still using 148 in WAC.

      Reply
  34. I got my receipt today from my employer. Thanks to god. Was one among the many silent readers of this forum. This website has been of great help, only this forum has kept my hopes alive.

    Reply

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