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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. Do not blame uscis for march 15th press release. All employers who very well know h-1b process will apply in first week on april. 15 days was to late to create a panic. the surge in april 1st week was bound to happen since everyone applies in first week. No point comparing to last year. This year there is demand and so was the surge, no point blaming uscis.

    Reply
  2. Fresh of USCIS site:

    General cap applications: 875,64
    Advanced Degree applications: 25,883

    http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

    Reply
  3. WASHINGTON—For the first time since 2008, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reached the statutory H-1B cap of 65,000 for fiscal year (FY) 2014 within the first week of the filing period. USCIS has also received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the advanced degree exemption.

    USCIS received approximately 124,000 H-1B petitions during the filing period, including petitions filed for the advanced degree exemption. On April 7, 2013, USCIS used a computer-generated random selection process (commonly known as a “lottery”) to select a sufficient number of petitions needed to meet the caps of 65,000 for the general category and 20,000 under the advanced degree exemption limit. For cap-subject petitions not randomly selected, USCIS will reject and return the petition with filing fees, unless it is found to be a duplicate filing.

    The agency conducted the selection process for advanced degree exemption petitions first. All advanced degree petitions not selected were part of the random selection process for the 65,000 limit.

    As announced on March 15, 2013, USCIS has temporarily adjusted its premium processing practice. To facilitate the prioritized data entry of cap-subject petitions requesting premium processing, USCIS will begin premium processing for H-1B cap cases on April 15, 2013. For more information on premium processing for FY 2014 cap-subject petitions, please see the related USCIS Alert.

    USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap. Petitions filed on behalf of current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap will not be counted towards the congressionally-mandated FY 2014 H-1B cap. Accordingly, USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions filed to:

    extend the amount of time a current H-1B worker may remain in the U.S.;
    change the terms of employment for current H-1B workers;
    allow current H-1B workers to change employers; and
    allow current H-1B workers to work concurrently in a second H-1B position.

    U.S. businesses use the H-1B programto employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields including, but not limited to: scientists, engineers, or computer programmers.

    Reply
  4. USCIS to Accept H-1B Petitions for Fiscal Year 2014 on April 1, 2013

    Premium Processing for Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions to Begin April 15, 2013

    Released: March 15, 2013

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it will begin accepting H-1B petitions subject to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 cap on Monday, April 1, 2013. Cases will be considered accepted on the date that USCIS receives a properly filed petition for which the correct fee has been submitted; not the date that the petition is postmarked.

    The cap (the numerical limitation on H-1B petitions) for FY 2014 is 65,000. In addition, the first 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of individuals with U.S. master’s degree or higher are exempt from the fiscal year cap of 65,000.

    Based on feedback from a number of stakeholders, USCIS anticipates that it may receive more petitions than the H-1B cap between April 1, 2013 and April 5, 2013. USCIS will monitor the number of petitions received and notify the public of the date on which the numerical limit of the H-1B cap has been met. This date is known as the final receipt date. If USCIS receives more petitions than it can accept, USCIS will use a lottery system to randomly select the number of petitions required to reach the numerical limit. USCIS will reject petitions that are subject to the cap and are not selected, as well as petitions received after it has the necessary number of petitions needed to meet the cap. The lottery for the H-1B cap was last used in April 2008.

    In addition, H-1B cap cases can continue to request premium processing concurrently. Due to the historic premium processing receipt levels, combined with the possibility that the H-1B cap will be met in the first 5 business days of the filing season, USCIS has temporarily adjusted its current premium processing practice. To facilitate the prioritized data entry of cap-subject petitions requesting premium processing, USCIS will begin premium processing for H-1B cap cases on April 15, 2013. For more information on premium processing for FY 2014 cap-subject petitions, please see the USCIS Alert .

    H-1B petitioners should follow all statutory and regulatory requirements as they prepare petitions, in order to avoid delays in processing and possible requests for evidence. USCIS has developed detailed information, including an optional checklist to assist in the completion and submission of a FY2014 H-1B petition. The processing worksheet is available on the USCIS website, www.uscis.gov.

    U.S. businesses use the H-1B program to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields, including, but not limited to, scientists, engineers, and computer programmers.

    For more information on the H-1B nonimmigrant visa program and current Form I-129 processing times, visit the H-1B FY 2014 Cap Season Web page or call the National Customer Service Center at (800) 375-5283.

    Reply
  5. http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

    Latest news from USCIS. I am surprised no one has posted this yet.
    “USCIS received approximately 124,000 H-1B petitions during the filing period, including petitions filed for the advanced degree exemption”

    Reply
  6. Lottery completed for FY2014 H1B. USCIS Received 1,24,000 applications. There is no information on the number of applications received towards Masters and regular quota.

    USCIS Reaches FY 2014 H-1B Cap

    Released April 8, 2013

    WASHINGTON—For the first time since 2008, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reached the statutory H-1B cap of 65,000 for fiscal year (FY) 2014 within the first week of the filing period. USCIS has also received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the advanced degree exemption.

    USCIS received approximately 124,000 H-1B petitions during the filing period, including petitions filed for the advanced degree exemption. On April 7, 2013, USCIS used a computer-generated random selection process (commonly known as a “lottery”) to select a sufficient number of petitions needed to meet the caps of 65,000 for the general category and 20,000 under the advanced degree exemption limit. For cap-subject petitions not randomly selected, USCIS will reject and return the petition with filing fees, unless it is found to be a duplicate filing.

    The agency conducted the selection process for advanced degree exemption petitions first. All advanced degree petitions not selected were part of the random selection process for the 65,000 limit.

    As announced on March 15, 2013, USCIS has temporarily adjusted its premium processing practice. To facilitate the prioritized data entry of cap-subject petitions requesting premium processing, USCIS will begin premium processing for H-1B cap cases on April 15, 2013. For more information on premium processing for FY 2014 cap-subject petitions, please see the related USCIS Alert.

    USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap. Petitions filed on behalf of current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap will not be counted towards the congressionally-mandated FY 2014 H-1B cap. Accordingly, USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions filed to:

    extend the amount of time a current H-1B worker may remain in the U.S.;
    change the terms of employment for current H-1B workers;
    allow current H-1B workers to change employers; and
    allow current H-1B workers to work concurrently in a second H-1B position.
    U.S. businesses use the H-1B programto employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields including, but not limited to: scientists, engineers, or computer programmers.

    For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit http://www.uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis) and the USCIS blog The Beacon

    Reply
  7. Any body has Idea how much time USCIS takes to send back Receipt number or documents(if rejected in lottery) ?
    or how much time it USCIS takes to en-cash the check ?

    Reply
  8. 🙂 read this:)
    http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

    Well, 124K plus petition form Masters is not so big number:) its 50% odds:)
    Good luck every1.

    Reply
  9. http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

    Approximately total 124,000 applications received by USCIS.

    Reply
  10. How soon can we expect the attorney to know if the application was selected or not? Is it only when they send a receipt or deposit the checks?

    Reply
  11. WASHINGTON—For the first time since 2008, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reached the statutory H-1B cap of 65,000 for fiscal year (FY) 2014 within the first week of the filing period. USCIS has also received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the advanced degree exemption.

    USCIS received approximately 124,000 H-1B petitions during the filing period, including petitions filed for the advanced degree exemption. On April 7, 2013, USCIS used a computer-generated random selection process (commonly known as a “lottery”) to select a sufficient number of petitions needed to meet the caps of 65,000 for the general category and 20,000 under the advanced degree exemption limit. For cap-subject petitions not randomly selected, USCIS will reject and return the petition with filing fees, unless it is found to be a duplicate filing.

    The agency conducted the selection process for advanced degree exemption petitions first. All advanced degree petitions not selected were part of the random selection process for the 65,000 limit.

    As announced on March 15, 2013, USCIS has temporarily adjusted its premium processing practice. To facilitate the prioritized data entry of cap-subject petitions requesting premium processing, USCIS will begin premium processing for H-1B cap cases on April 15, 2013. For more information on premium processing for FY 2014 cap-subject petitions, please see the related USCIS Alert.

    USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap. Petitions filed on behalf of current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap will not be counted towards the congressionally-mandated FY 2014 H-1B cap. Accordingly, USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions filed to:

    extend the amount of time a current H-1B worker may remain in the U.S.;
    change the terms of employment for current H-1B workers;
    allow current H-1B workers to change employers; and
    allow current H-1B workers to work concurrently in a second H-1B position.

    U.S. businesses use the H-1B programto employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields including, but not limited to: scientists, engineers, or computer programmers.

    For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit www.uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis) and the USCIS blog The Beacon

    Reply
  12. WASHINGTON—For the first time since 2008, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reached the statutory H-1B cap of 65,000 for fiscal year (FY) 2014 within the first week of the filing period. USCIS has also received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the advanced degree exemption.

    USCIS received approximately 124,000 H-1B petitions during the filing period, including petitions filed for the advanced degree exemption. On April 7, 2013, USCIS used a computer-generated random selection process (commonly known as a “lottery”) to select a sufficient number of petitions needed to meet the caps of 65,000 for the general category and 20,000 under the advanced degree exemption limit. For cap-subject petitions not randomly selected, USCIS will reject and return the petition with filing fees, unless it is found to be a duplicate filing.

    The agency conducted the selection process for advanced degree exemption petitions first. All advanced degree petitions not selected were part of the random selection process for the 65,000 limit.

    As announced on March 15, 2013, USCIS has temporarily adjusted its premium processing practice. To facilitate the prioritized data entry of cap-subject petitions requesting premium processing, USCIS will begin premium processing for H-1B cap cases on April 15, 2013. For more information on premium processing for FY 2014 cap-subject petitions, please see the related USCIS Alert.

    USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap. Petitions filed on behalf of current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap will not be counted towards the congressionally-mandated FY 2014 H-1B cap. Accordingly, USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions filed to:

    extend the amount of time a current H-1B worker may remain in the U.S.;
    change the terms of employment for current H-1B workers;
    allow current H-1B workers to change employers; and
    allow current H-1B workers to work concurrently in a second H-1B position.
    U.S. businesses use the H-1B programto employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields including, but not limited to: scientists, engineers, or computer programmers.

    For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit www.uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis) and the USCIS blog The Beacon

    Reply
  13. http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

    Uscis offical update on april 8th..

    Reply
      • http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

        Reply
      • http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

        Reply
      • WASHINGTON—For the first time since 2008, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reached the statutory H-1B cap of 65,000 for fiscal year (FY) 2014 within the first week of the filing period. USCIS has also received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the advanced degree exemption.

        USCIS received approximately 124,000 H-1B petitions during the filing period, including petitions filed for the advanced degree exemption. On April 7, 2013, USCIS used a computer-generated random selection process (commonly known as a “lottery”) to select a sufficient number of petitions needed to meet the caps of 65,000 for the general category and 20,000 under the advanced degree exemption limit. For cap-subject petitions not randomly selected, USCIS will reject and return the petition with filing fees, unless it is found to be a duplicate filing.

        The agency conducted the selection process for advanced degree exemption petitions first. All advanced degree petitions not selected were part of the random selection process for the 65,000 limit.

        As announced on March 15, 2013, USCIS has temporarily adjusted its premium processing practice. To facilitate the prioritized data entry of cap-subject petitions requesting premium processing, USCIS will begin premium processing for H-1B cap cases on April 15, 2013. For more information on premium processing for FY 2014 cap-subject petitions, please see the related USCIS Alert.

        USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap. Petitions filed on behalf of current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap will not be counted towards the congressionally-mandated FY 2014 H-1B cap. Accordingly, USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions filed to:

        extend the amount of time a current H-1B worker may remain in the U.S.;
        change the terms of employment for current H-1B workers;
        allow current H-1B workers to change employers; and
        allow current H-1B workers to work concurrently in a second H-1B position.
        U.S. businesses use the H-1B programto employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields including, but not limited to: scientists, engineers, or computer programmers.

        For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit www.uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis) and the USCIS blog The Beacon

        Reply
      • Here is the link.

        http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

        Reply
      • 124,000 applications including Masters. There you go: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

        Reply
      • http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

        124, 000

        Reply
      • Since I am pasting a link, it says “awaiting confirmation from moderator”.. but to answer your question: they received 124,000 applications including Masters.

        Reply
      • http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

        Reply
      • Since I am pasting a link, it says “awaiting confirmation from moderator”.. but to answer your question: they received 124,000 applications including Masters.

        Reply
  14. Latest Official News: USCIS received approx 124,000 applications including Masters. They conducted the lottery yesterday, 7th April 2013. THIS IS OFFICIAL NEWS !! See this link: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

    Copy – paste in browser if not clickable.

    Reply
  15. Everybody! Stop speculating and spreading rumors as to how many applications in in the pool for the lottery. Neither you, nor an attorney have the power to know this and all we have to do is wait it out till the USCIS releases some official numbers. Who knows, maybe the odds are very much in our favor.

    Reply
    • http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

      Reply
  16. Does anyone have any info on whether the immigration reform have any effect on the cap for 2014. Assuming the bill is passed and provides for more H1-B . Would it be applicable this year?

    Reply
  17. Hi All friends ,

    Any one knows whether i-squared will affect the cap of FY 2014 ?

    when will LOTTERY starts (Any specific date)?

    Thanak You,

    Reply
  18. Hi,

    Is the lottery happening for all the 85k or only for the ones that made it on the last day which was similar to 2008 scenario? Well, any idea as to when USCIS wud release the official update on the lottery date?

    Reply
    • Moreover, see how unlucky we guys are! For the past 3/4 yrs, the cap keeps filling for months together and we werent eligible enough for it. And now, we are in the pool yet getting sacked up in the lottery..really bad yar..

      Reply
    • Hi Deepthi,

      I guess no lottery happened last yr as there was enough time for USCIS to receive the petitions. Since 2008 this is the first time its happening.

      Reply
  19. Since they are going to start working on the Premium Petitions by 15/April/2013, I assume if we dont get our applications back by 30/April/2013, we have made it via the lottery.

    Pl confirm on this as my application is a normal one. Thanks and Regards

    Reply
    • There is no such cut off date. Also we cannot predict the timeframe. USCIS will start processing the lottery successful application in some sequence & despatch the receipt numbers. All this depends on the staff strength & the speed by which the USCIS staff works. The best way is to find out if your check has been en-cashed.

      Reply
    • You mean on or after April 8th? No. Sufficient number of applications have already been received by USCIS for 2014 Cap and they won’t accept any more applications.

      Reply
  20. Hi,

    My H1 application was part of 2008 lottery process & now again for 2013. Here is what happened in 2008:

    31-Mar-2008: All formalities/documentation completed by employer & lawyer. Application couriered to Vermont Center.

    1-Apr-2008: Vermont Center received the application.

    8-Apr-2008: USCIS announces cap reached. “…received enough H-1B petitions to meet the congressionally mandated cap for fiscal year 2009. USCIS has also received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the “advanced degree” exemption….”

    10-Apr-2008: USCIS announces number of petitions received. “…a preliminary number of nearly 163,000 H-1B petitions received during the filing period ending on April 7, 2008. More than 31,200 of those petitions were for the advanced degree exemption….”

    14-Apr-2008: USCIS announced that it has completed the random selection(lottery) process.

    8-may-2008: Anxious about my status, I asked my employer for updates. My employer received 15 receipt notices, but none of them is mine.

    17-May-2008: Lucky day!! I am thru the lottery. As per my employer they did not receive any notice/receipt number, but the check which was attached with my petition was en-cashed. So it was confirmed that I was selected(Smart attorney).

    9-Jun-2008: Received the receipt notice.

    5-Nov-2008: RFE received.

    11-Feb-2009: Sad day. Denial notice.

    That was my experience in 2008-09, which had few anxious moments but not a good end. Let us see what happens this year.

    Reply
  21. Hi,

    My H1 application was part of 2008 lottery process & now again for 2013. Here is what happened in 2008:

    31-Mar-2008: All formalities/documentation completed by employer & lawyer. Application couriered to Vermont Center.

    1-Apr-2008: Vermont Center received the application.

    8-Apr-2008: USCIS announces cap reached. “…received enough H-1B petitions to meet the congressionally mandated cap for fiscal year 2009. USCIS has also received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the “advanced degree” exemption….”

    10-Apr-2008: USCIS announces number of petitions received. “…a preliminary number of nearly 163,000 H-1B petitions received during the filing period ending on April 7, 2008. More than 31,200 of those petitions were for the advanced degree exemption….”

    14-Apr-2008: USCIS announced that it has completed the random selection(lottery) process.

    8-may-2008: Anxious about my status, I asked my employer for updates. My employer received 15 receipt notices, but none of them is mine.

    17-May-2008: Lucky day!! I am thru the lottery. As per my employer they did not receive any notice/receipt number, but the check which was attached with my petition was en-cashed. So it was confirmed that I was selected(Smart attorney).

    9-Jun-2008: Received the receipt notice.

    5-Nov-2008: RFE received.

    11-Feb-2009: Sad day. Denial notice.

    That was my experience in 2008-09, which had few anxious moments but not a good end. Let us see what happens this year.

    Reply
  22. have done my masters and got my degree also.i just have to submit my thesis but in my degree they say i matriculated snd in my i20 it says im still enrolled in college..i m working on stem 17 months extension OPT …my lawyer applied for my h1b in bachelor quota but on top of my envelope they wrote for masters quota,though they send my master degree and everything but in my application it says applying for bachelors…where would my application be counted??in masters or bachelors???

    Reply
  23. below is last year update from USCIS SITE

    http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=ee9f3f93131e7310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

    USCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2013 H-1B Cap

    same update for this year too but lottery !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! why ??????????????? I could not able to understand !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it has received a sufficient number of H-1B petitions to reach the statutory cap of 65,000 for fiscal year (FY) 2013. Yesterday, June 11, 2012, was the final receipt date for new H-1B specialty occupation petitions requesting an employment start date in FY 2013.

    USCIS will consider properly filed cases as received on the date that USCIS physically receives the petition; not the date that the petition was postmarked. USCIS will reject cap-subject petitions for new H-1B specialty occupation workers if they arrive after June 11, 2012 and seek an employment start date in FY 2013.

    As of June 7, 2012, USCIS already received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the ‘advanced degree’ exemption. USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap.

    In addition, petitions filed on behalf of current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap will not be counted toward the FY 2013 H-1B cap. As such, USCIS will continue to accept and process these petitions to:

    extend the amount of time a current H-1B worker may remain in the U.S.;
    change the terms of employment for current H-1B workers;
    allow current H-1B workers to change employers; and
    allow current H-1B workers to work concurrently in a second H-1B position.
    U.S.businesses use the H-1B program to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields such as scientists, engineers or computer programmers.

    For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit www.uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis) and the USCIS blog The Beacon.

    Reply
    • Aks,
      No lottery was conducted for the petitions received on the last day as they received just enough petitions to satisfy the cap count. In 2006, the cap wasn’t over till 30th May (I may be wrong about the exact date), but several petitions were received on 31st May. So they conducted lottery of the petitions received on 31st May to have just enough petitions.

      Does that clarify?

      Reply
  24. I am a stanford graduate and my thesis was on probability and stochastic processes. Let me ask my manager if I can get a national waiver interest. To hell with all indian offshore IT consulting companies.

    Reply
  25. F*** USCIS. All because of their press release on Mar 15th which created panic and every one rushed to file their petitions on first week. If they haven’t released such statement, people would have leisurely filed their petitions. I think USCIS desperately wanted lottery to prove that US economy has recovered. Well done USCIS.

    Reply
  26. They have said that they will consider applications for lottery ‘through’ 5th april. That means only those recieved on the 5th or from 1st to 5th.

    Reply
  27. It says ‘ The agency will conduct the selection process for advanced degree exemption petitions first. All advanced degree petitions not selected will be part of the random selection process for the 65,000 limit.’

    Conduct selection process for 20k visas..is it random or there is a procedure..

    Or I am just trying to feel better by thinking they have something in mind for selection of 20k ADE visas..

    I hope all legit ones get through. Sit tight guys, we will be through this too!

    Reply
    • Home > NEWS > Alerts
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      USCIS Reaches FY 2014 H-1B Cap

      U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it has received a sufficient number of H-1B petitions to reach the statutory cap for fiscal year (FY) 2014. USCIS has also received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the advanced degree exemption. After today, USCIS will not accept H-1B petitions subject to the FY 2014 cap or the advanced degree exemption.

      USCIS will use a computer-generated random selection process (commonly known as the “lottery”) for all FY 2014 cap-subject petitions received through April 5, 2013. The agency will conduct the selection process for advanced degree exemption petitions first. All advanced degree petitions not selected will be part of the random selection process for the 65,000 limit. Due to the high number of petitions received, USCIS is not yet able to announce the exact day of the random selection process. Also, USCIS is currently not providing the total number of petitions received, as we continue to accept filings today. USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap.
      USCIS will provide more detailed information about the H-1B cap next week.
      For more information about USCIS and its programs, please visit www.uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis) and the USCIS blog The Beacon.

      Reply
      • USCIS Reaches FY 2014 H-1B Cap

        http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=5051f359827dd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=e7801c2c9be44210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

        U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it has received a sufficient number of H-1B petitions to reach the statutory cap for fiscal year (FY) 2014. USCIS has also received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the advanced degree exemption. After today, USCIS will not accept H-1B petitions subject to the FY 2014 cap or the advanced degree exemption.

        USCIS will use a computer-generated random selection process (commonly known as the “lottery”) for all FY 2014 cap-subject petitions received through April 5, 2013. The agency will conduct the selection process for advanced degree exemption petitions first. All advanced degree petitions not selected will be part of the random selection process for the 65,000 limit. Due to the high number of petitions received, USCIS is not yet able to announce the exact day of the random selection process. Also, USCIS is currently not providing the total number of petitions received, as we continue to accept filings today. USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap.
        USCIS will provide more detailed information about the H-1B cap next week.
        For more information about USCIS and its programs, please visit www.uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis) and the USCIS blog The Beacon.

        http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-news/outsourcing/H-1B-visa-applications-Cap-reached-for-FY-2014/articleshow/19411239.cms

        http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/h1b-visas-may-be-decided-through-lottery-this-year-348405

        http://profit.ndtv.com/news/corporates/article-h-1b-visas-may-be-decided-through-lottery-this-year-320229?v_recent_also_see

        Reply
  28. ‘…Due to the high number of petitions received, USCIS is not yet able to announce the exact day of the random selection process….’

    the term high number scares me …

    Reply
  29. H1b visa cap reached!!! Official news alert:
    http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=5051f359827dd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=e7801c2c9be44210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

    All applications received by end of today will be subject to lottery. The process is outlined clearly in the alert.

    Reply
  30. http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=5051f359827dd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=e7801c2c9be44210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

    it is pray time!!

    Reply
  31. H-1B FY 2014 Cap Reached

    http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=5051f359827dd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=e7801c2c9be44210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

    Reply
  32. There you go – the announcement

    http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=5051f359827dd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=e7801c2c9be44210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

    Reply
  33. I just talked to the FedEx reps about delivery confirmation to the CA office. The rep said they delivered 22,000 packets on April 1st morning 10:30am delivery and out of which around 350 of them were not scanned properly to get the final electronic delivery confirmation. So they are sending a letter of explanation to substitute for proof of delivery. In other words, we, in that 350, will not have the tracking page updated with delivery confirmation. Note that this is one FedEx guy who dropped 22k on that morning. So if your tracking page is showing no delivery attempt, call FedEx and they are super helpful to give you an explanation.

    Reply
    • USCIS has released press release.

      CAP has reached. Lottery to select 65000 applications.

      U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it has received a sufficient number of H-1B petitions to reach the statutory cap for fiscal year (FY) 2014. USCIS has also received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the advanced degree exemption. After today, USCIS will not accept H-1B petitions subject to the FY 2014 cap or the advanced degree exemption.

      USCIS will use a computer-generated random selection process (commonly known as the “lottery”) for all FY 2014 cap-subject petitions received through April 5, 2013. The agency will conduct the selection process for advanced degree exemption petitions first. All advanced degree petitions not selected will be part of the random selection process for the 65,000 limit. Due to the high number of petitions received, USCIS is not yet able to announce the exact day of the random selection process. Also, USCIS is currently not providing the total number of petitions received, as we continue to accept filings today. USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap.
      USCIS will provide more detailed information about the H-1B cap next week.

      http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=5051f359827dd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=e7801c2c9be44210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

      Reply
  34. I’ve created a simple app for H1B applicants to enroll.. so that we can do a realistic lottery prediction. Please click my name to jump and enroll yourself..

    Reply
  35. Really weird article from economists, the publish date is April 6th????
    and it sounds like the author is quite sure there will be a lottery from the first sentence. So disappointed that such an journal publish this kind of shit!!!!!

    http://www.economist.com/news/united-states/21575782-how-hurt-economy-needlessly-not-working

    Reply
  36. Given by unofficial Fedex count to Vermont service center on Monday, 65k was reached on 1st day (including all service centers). and google trends numbers the volume looks all peak.

    If I were to guess with help of my Crystal ball, by end of tomorrow USCIS would have received 65-75K applications for General cap and 20-28K for Masters cap. But no need to panic, think of it as a rush; which only means everyone that applied in 3 months last year, applied in less than 1-week this time. But doesn’t mean you have reduced # of visa’s. 85,000 is still a huge number. So, majority of people that applied in first week should get through. Largely early birds (and few lucky ones) should see positive outcome. Few unlucky ones won’t make it thru the lottery. As usual, the ones that didnt make it, have to go for little soul searching; and find a way to spend the next 1 year in a productive manner. Be it beer, travelling, sports whatever be it.

    Reply
    • Dontcha worry mayt, we’ll get unofficial update tomorrow hopefully. Em hoping that the cap won’t exhoust – keepin ma fingerz crossed!

      Reply
    • If U R saying 65K applications recieved on first day, how can there be 75K in total over the next 4 days. It has to be much more. In addition, Fedex had some issues in delivering the applications on time.
      Also there was some rumour on 23K application delivered by Fedex and not 65K. Pl validate your numbers. Thanks

      Reply
  37. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9238127/U.S._gets_flood_of_H_1B_petitions_on_first_day

    See the above link. 50,000 applications on the first day itself

    Reply
  38. Hi everyone,

    Any idea when USCIS is going to give out an update on the number of H1-B applications thus far filled? I was actually thinking they would give out a number on the very first day since it was earlier announced that this time, the cap might reach in the first couple of days itself.
    I hope that doesn’t happen though.

    -Tejaswini.

    Reply
    • does anyone know anything about how much petitions have already been submitted so far in USCIS? I mean any latest info from anywhere(fedex,ups,etc)…please reply.

      Reply
  39. Guys, are Vermont and California only two USCIS service center for H1B petition? I was wondering if mine was sent to Nebraska or not? I am from midwest (colorado). I am asking this question because my attorney said lot of H1B petitions haven’t made yet to Vermont and California service center because of high volume and Fedex and UPS delivery delay. Mine was sent on March 31st.

    Reply
  40. Hi,

    Anyone know – when does the Employer come to know that the application is received by USCIS?
    My Employer asks me to wait for a week (minimum) to get any updates.

    Thanks in advance.

    Reply
  41. How does the H1b lottery work? If there is say a 30% excess of applications, does it mean 70% of each company’s applications will be selected in the lottery? Or it does not depend on how many H1Bs a company has filed?

    Reply

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