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H1B Visa 2014

H1B Visa 2014 – All you need to know – FAQs

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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

  2. Bad news. On my birthday today my case went to RFE 🙁

    Eac13146

    Can anyone guide me on roughly how long the process takes to get a final decision either way??
    Thanks

    Reply

    • hey its not bad news.Atleast your case is touched.just keep ur fingers crossed. you will get there soon .dont worry.enjoy ur bday.
      Happy bday 🙂

      Cheers

      Reply

    • You got RFE, that mean your rejection chance will be zero during interview. Most people visa rejected or issued 221g form during visa interview, whoes petition approved without RFE

      Reply

  3. Folks my series is in WAC13136****** and still in IR , all the petitions 20 before and 20 after and showing some kind of desicion either RFE or Approved. any ideas what is the reason or is anybody in the same series still waiting in IR

    Reply

  4. Hi Saurabh/All,

    Saurabh..thank you for doing a tremendous job on this forum. But, I still have a query.
    Receipt Number:EAC1314552***
    Receipt Date : 8th April.
    Notice Date : 25th April
    RQ/RP.

    I see a lot of people getting approvals in series >EAC13145*****.

    Although I a wish them good luck, It leaves me a little worried. From what i know now, USCIS is processing petitions in a random order. But from your experience, could you please let me know when we could see movement on the EAC13145 series?. When is the last date by which all the petitions will be acted upon?

    Awaiting your reply and thanks in advance.

    Reply

    • Abhilash,
      The general processing time in years of lottery is 2-6 years. It is not possible to comment on a particular series, but as per historical trend most of the petitions should be processed by Oct.

      Reply

        • That is correct. I thought I am getting better in posting the same reply “2-6 months” again and again, but nope 🙂

          Reply

          • Thanks for the quick response Saurabh. My jaw hit the floor after I read 2-6 months in your reply. Just joknig. Keep up the good work Champ. We appreciate it.

  6. Hi Saurabh,
    Thanks for all your guidance and this forum. I have been watching this discussion adn ur replies for almost 2 months now.
    Finally my H1b approved today. EAC13148***** ( directly changed from IR to approved)
    Best wishes to all those who are waiting..

    Reply

  7. Hi Sourav,

    I am an Indian Citizen , currently in Mexico on mexico Work Permit FM3. My H1b is in process, so if the approval comes can I got for stamping in Mexico or should I come back to India for stamping. Please note that I do not have any H1 stamped in my passport previously.

    Appreciate your kind response..

    Reply

    • Raichand,
      As you are currently residing in MX, you can go to a consulate there for H-1B stamping. However, as different consulates have different rules around TCNs (third country nationals), you should call the US consulate there and confirm w/ them.

      Reply

  8. Got rejected news today!! :'(
    Leaving this forum now forever with heavy heart!!! Thank you guys for all the info and help I received in this forum. This forum is really a great help for ppl out there…
    Best of luck for all pals who got good news on their H1 application…

    Reply

    • I have also applied through Accenture and havent received any update from them on the status of my application.

      Reply

        • I called them a while ago and they had no updates. They asked me to wait until 2nd week of August for any further updates. Fingers crossed.. hope the wait pays off well..

          Reply

  12. Few peoply says that WAC is faster than EAC .. I see that WAC series currently going on is 137,138 … And in EAC series 145 is going on ….. How can u say WAC is faster than EAC ?

    Reply

  13. Wt is the last 5 digit number range given by USCIS in each series 13138, 13139 ?? Can I say range of last 5 digit is 13135_50000 to 13135_59999 ?? or can i say 00000 to 99999 is possible range for last 5 digit in each day series ??

    Reply

    • 13 is year
      138 is working day.
      5 is constant for all, I don’t know its reason.
      Last 4 digits are the unique number for a person’s case.
      and last 4 digits, I have seen mixed cases, not all are H1B, they are mixed, means behind your number of onward your number, there could be some other nature of petition.

      Reply

  16. Hi Saurabh,

    Hope you are doing good.
    I wanted to know for a candidate who is in regular processing and when he/she gets an RFE, can that be converted into premium processing after providing details to USCIS on the RFE.
    Normally what we have seen is that USCIS takes some/long time to get back on RFE.
    Please let me know.

    Reply

    • awaiting-H1B-approval,
      When the employer submits the RFE response, they can also upgrade it to PP. Then they will review it within 15 calendar days. Under normal processing it typically takes up to 60 days but can take more as well (no SLA).

      Reply

  17. Friends,

    I got my approval long time back. Am working for Indian IT MNC. My company received my physical copy of approval and as per the apprval petition is approved for 1 yr only. I heard petition generally approves for 1 yr to 3 yr. So would like to know the criteria for 3 yrs of petition approval. Also does this mean visa will approve for one year only or more than that is also possible. I have over all 10 yrs of experience in Automation Testing and am working as Test Manager.

    Thanks.

    Reply

    • h1b-approved,
      The visa stamp in the passport is issued for the same duration as the petition. They issue it for 1-3 years based on what employer requests and what USCIS seems appropriate based on submitted documents.

      Are you working for a consulting company? If yes, then what was the duration of the client contract / project letter submitted. At times, that determines the validity period.

      Reply

      • Thanks for the response Saurabh.

        I am working with Service based company. We have the client SOW and I will be placed at client location. I have seen few people with same SOW got there petition approved for 3 yrs and mine is approved for 1 yr only. So want to understand if there is any specific criteria for 3 yrs of approval. Other guys have less expereince and BE, BTECH degree, I have Masters Degree in Computers.

        Thanks.

        Reply

          • SOW is going to end by december 2013, as per petition. But I heard during Visa interview our HR team will provide us new SOW with end date December 2014 for the same client. Basically every year same SOW is renewed for same client on yearly basis.

          • h1b-approved,
            As SOW was for less than a year, that is why they issued it for 1 year. It is USCIS officer’s discretion whether to go by SOW term or issue it for the entire requested term of 3 years.

            You will be issued visa for the same duration, and later your employer can file for extension.

  18. Hi GUYS,

    Just want to check if any one got approved for EAC13138 series.My receipt no is EAC1313850***.

    Thanks In advance
    Kumar

    Reply

  19. Guys pl reply if anybody got an approval or denial or second rfe, after replying to first rfe? My case is showing as initial review clock stopped since 11th July.

    Reply

    • Hi All,

      I have got a RFE on June 18. My Attorney has n’t finished preparation for the RFE response. She asked me to hold my patience. But, almost 1 months have already passed. Am I getting late ?? 🙁 What to do now ?

      Reply

      • Same thing happened to me. Received RFE on June 11 and still waiting for attorney to send them response. I really hope it does’nt affect USCIS decision.

        Reply

      • RFE_MMM,
        Ask you attorney what the RFE response deadline. It can be 60-90 days from the issuance date. That will give you an idea how much buffer you still have.

        Reply

  20. Hi Saurabh,

    I have a question regarding the status. I worked on H1 b visa 5 yrs 6 months and Eb3 perm application got denied and my employeer appealed to USCIS .
    If my appeal gets denied ..my question is can convert into F1 ,is there anything like after 6 yrs on H1B visa do we need to be out of US for 1year ?? Is it necessary?

    Thanks

    Reply

    • User,
      1 year stay outside US is only required if you want to continue on H-1. If you want to move to F-1, then there is no 1 year stay required. However, whenever you decide to move to H-1 in future (even after moving to F-1 in b/w), you will have to satisfy that 1 year requirement.

      Reply

  22. Hi everybody, can anyone provide updates on EAC1313851*** series.

    its a bit frustrating also to see the same status for 3 months.

    Reply

  24. Hi Guys,

    My case has changed today to ‘ we cannot provide you with any information on your case’

    Does this always mean it goes to RFE or do they sometimes go to approved? Its been in IR since 8th April….

    Thanks

    Reply

      • Roughly how long does the process take for RFE? Once the attorney receives notification and sends information back, how long does the USCIS take to process? Im just starting to get a little anxious on timescales

        Reply

  25. Does anyone know what is going to happen with the people who are left in IR? USCIS is leaving many IRs in every series.

    Reply

    • Nothing bad is going to be happened. I am in series EAC-13-144-5****. Still I am also waiting in IR, I think my case is solid enough, and every document is already submitted, boss told me at that time, that the lawyer is very experienced and intelligent, she already submitted all required documents.
      So I am not expecting any bad thing, if RFE, then again RFE is not a bad thing, its just for more detailed papers.
      So keep smile and wait, also let us too (who are in IR). 🙂

      Reply

      • I hope you are right about this, I was just waiting my series to become active for a long time and now i see numbers before and after me getting approved or RFE but i am still in IR.

        Reply

  26. Hi Guys,

    I got my H1B approval notice from the organization that applied my H1B. Thank God.
    People who are still waiting, please keep up with your patience. You’ll succeed soon enough.

    I just wanted an advice. I’m getting a bit tensed / nervous for getting a Visa Stamping appointment. Not sure if I should schedule an appointment for as soon as possible, or should I take a bit of time in understanding the petition and other documents and only then schedule the interview.

    I plan for a visa stamping sometime in start of August or End of August. I heard understanding of a petition is a must and you need to be very clear with all your documents and petition before entering for the interview.

    My company is still under the process of sending me with the Petition and other relevant documents and I will soon have them. Any suggestions from you guys are highly appreciated.

    CHEERS.

    Reply

  27. Hi All,

    I have received a RFE notice on this June 18. USCIS need several documents (10 types) for my case & gave a deadline – Sept. 10.

    Copy of Employment Agreement
    Copy of Employment Offer Letter
    Copy of Valid contract, Statement of Work, Work Orders, Service Agreement
    Copy of Documentations that describes the skills
    Copy My Company’s Federal Income Tax Return
    Copy of Company Brochure, Pamphlet, Internet Website
    Evidence of Sufficient Production Space and Equipment to support the candidate’s speciality occupation work
    Copy of Critical Review of the Software
    Copy of Marketing Analysis of the Final Software Product
    Copy of Cost Analysis of the Software Product

    Though It’s too early to ask but my Attorney is still not prepared (1 months have already passed) to give the RFE reply. I’m outside USA and My case is RQ/RP/CSC….WAC 13136….series.

    Would that be a problem ?? Would It be a matter of worry for me ? Can anyone pls tell me . I wud be grateful.

    Reply

  29. Hi,
    An odd scenario for me, I got my H1B approval recently.

    And 20 ago I lost my job, as I was working for a MNC in India. I dont have job now. What to mention in “Current Employer” section in DS-160?

    Please suggest.

    Thanks,
    DS

    Reply

    • Hi DS,

      Same scenario here. I’m also looking for the answer although currently I’m in RFE status.

      Can anyone pls ans. the question ??

      Reply

      • If the employer who filed the h1b is the one, then no chance for you. I don’t understand how a company can layoff anyone after filing and paying H1B fees.

        Reply

    • DS / RFE_MMM,
      You lost job w/ your Indian employer who is different from the H-1B sponsor, right?

      If yes, then you should mention current employer as N/A as you are currently unemployed. In the previous employer section enter that Indian employer details along w/ other old employers (if any).

      Reply

  30. Hi,
    my case is EAC1314850***, even after waiting for months finally i got RFE today from USCIS, god know what’s there in the RFE as i have not receive any communication from attorney yet.

    I work for a reputed company and all my peers got their approval already hoping that its a clerical error from attorney side and nothing big.

    Reply

  32. Guys did anyone get a second rfe?? I’m not sure what do you mean if the status shows as clock stopped???is it a denial???

    Reply

  33. Believe or not: I got a RFE about my company’s address on VIBE. The information you provided about your company/organization’s name XXXXXXXXXX, and address, XXXXXXXX, is insufficient for USCIS to match your company/organization in USCIS’s VIBE.

    I don’t know if this is a good or bad thing because (1) the documentation my company provided probably was enough for them to get the right address and (2) there was another applicant (PP) that already got approved in April and didn’t get this RFE. Anyways, my companies attorney already answered about one week ago. I’m really anxious.

    Reply

  34. Filied 2nd April
    RFE – 18th April
    Respond – 26th June – JD, 6 years Return
    Status Changed – IR – 3rd July

    PP/MQ/

    Wish me luck…..Dont let me out of your gress

    Reply

  35. Did anyone receive 2nd RFE? my lawyer submitted RFE response and we received 2nd RFE notification today. Will have to wait and see what they asked. Anyone in the same boat?

    Reply

  36. Hello Friends,

    Anyone whose H1B application was filed by ASAP solutions group. What is the status on your applications.

    Reply

  37. Anyone have still pending with series WAC13135512XX ? mine belong to this series RQ/RP and still in IR. I see some application for 140 and onward also got approved.
    when i can expect something positive to happen with my case ?

    Reply

    • I am working in TCS,My petition was selected in lottory in may month.Till now,I did n’t receive any receipt or any more information regarding my visa.When I asked Visa cell they are just telling it will take time.Could you please guide me or give information.
      If any Chennai Tcs’ers please share info….

      Reply

    • Hi ,I am working in TCS,Chennai.My petition was selected in lottory in may month.
      Till now,I did n’t receive any receipt number or any information from visa cell.
      I just went asked them they are telling it will take time.I am seeing in this blog many of them are approving….but did n’t receive atleast receipt number…please share information….

      Reply

    • Yes the WAC1313850xxx is moving. i can see few ones approved today and yesterday.
      Mine is in WAC1314050xx serires.. So hopefully in a month, i should hear something.

      Reply

    • Hi Vic,

      WAC1313850*** in this series till yesterday it was showing IR Rq/RP.

      Suddenly it changed to the following
      Post Decision Activity

      On July 11, 2013, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283

      Reply

  39. My case series is EAC13146542** , interesting fact is most of series ahead of me and behind me have got their decision, but mine is still in IR, not getting how the process is working. frustrating as well.. Also, working in an top most IT company in india, are USCIS consider the case of IT companies differently, If not then this not the way to annoy seekers.. 🙂

    Reply

    • How are you saying that most of the people ahead of you got approval? several people here havent got approval in EAC13138** series.. So be patient.

      Reply

      • Karthikeyan- i have checked it myself going through 50 series ahead of me as well behind me, and most them are approved. still IR, i am patient, but just cnt understand the process.

        Reply

      • Thanks Karthikeyan,
        Mine is in EAC13138** series and in IR.
        I think by the end of month we would get any positive news 🙂

        Reply

      • Hi Vic,

        WAC1313850*** in this series till yesterday it was showing IR Rq/RP.

        Suddenly it changed to the following
        Post Decision Activity

        On July 11, 2013, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283

        Reply

    • congrates dude..
      Are you under premium or regular? or did you move it to premium after your petition was accepted in the lottery system.
      Actually my client wants me to start work in october, so i am thinking if i dont get any update by end of this month, i can move mine into premium processing.

      Reply

  41. Hello friends,

    My husband got an RFE in May. Two weeks back, the lawyer said that he has mailed all the required documents to USCIS. But the status in the uscis website still showing as RFE and didnot change to RFE response review.

    Is there anyone else who has faced a similar situation where the status didnot update even after replying to the RFE???

    AD/RP/California center
    WAC13134 series

    Reply

    • Sona,
      If the status doesn’t change in few days, your attorney/employer should follow-up w/ USCIS. At times the status is stuck, but its better to confirm w/ USCIS through employer/attorney.

      Reply

  42. Hello friends,

    I husband got an RFE in May. Two weeks back, the lawyer said that he has mailed all the required documents to USCIS. But the status in the uscis website still showing as RFE and didnot change to RFE response review.

    Is there anyone else who has faced a similar situation where the status didnot update even after replying to the RFE???

    AD/RP/California center
    WAC13134 series

    Reply

  45. My number is wac13143xxxxxx … It seems that USCIS is working on wac137 and wac138 series currently. But still many numbers are pending in wac135 and wac136 also. If I say that USCIS is taking at least 2-3 weeks to start the new series. And to finish almost all number in one series.

    Then it will take still 3-4 month to come at 143 series ? Then POST decision will come for me around in NOV ?? Will it really take this much time. April to Nov to approve the petition.

    Can any one pls comment about this …

    Reply

  46. Need advice, All those ppl who called USCIS as employers to check the status, Could you tell me if there is a chance the employer gets to know about this enquiry? I want to call USCIS but at the same time do not want my employer to know.

    Please let me know

    Reply

    • @H1B user: Your employer or attorney can call up USCIS and inquire about your case. I did not receive any notification about them hence upon calling them we came to know that the petition was selected in the lottery. Mine is EAC 13148***** (IR).

      All the best and keep fingers crossed.
      Thanks

      Reply

      • Thanks Ambz, my employer is not to keen on contacting USCIS and wants to wait to hear back from them. So wanted to check if the enquiry made goes into USCIS records and if the employer will be notified.

        Reply

        • Hi H1buser,
          I am facing the same.So did you call up or any reply from USCIS? and where exactly you are calling?Appreciate your response. Thanks

          Reply

      • Hi, I called as my employer and am scheduled a call back. Am scared, what happens if they find out I am not the employer but the applicant. Thanks

        Reply

        • SS,
          It is against law to impersonate as someone else. You should have known better before going this route. Now, wait to see what happens. You must have given a call back number. Is it yours or will they call the employer?

          Reply

  47. Hi Guys,

    My H1B application was approved yesterday WAC13133* series. RP/AD quota. Mine was in initial review from Apr 2nd week. So “patience is a virtue”!!!

    Saurabh and other experts,

    I have a question for you guys. I came here on F1 visa. The address in my passport is 4 years old and my parents moved to a different state in northern part of india. Could you please tell me if it is important to change the address to the new address on my passport? I don’t stay there anymore. But it is my permanent address. If it HAS TO BE DONE, how can I do it? I am working here in the US and I have only 3 weeks vacation for my H1B stamping. Is it possible to finish all the process within a week and then go for the H1B stamping?

    Thanks in advance.

    Reply

  48. Hi All,
    Anybody from series EAC13142***** have got any updates.
    Mine is still in Initial Review. Its been nearly
    3 months now.
    RP/RQ/VSC

    Thanks

    Reply

  50. The EAC13137***** RQ/RP series seems to remain untouched. >.<
    Have anyone in this series have got any updates ??
    Any piece of information is appreciated.
    Many Thanks

    Reply

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