Home » US Immigration - Visas » H1B Visa » H1B Visa 2014 – All you need to know – FAQs

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.

   

Other Articles

7,993 Comments

  1. Putting this info for all those like me who have applied to WAC – General Category – Normal Processing:

    I tried to calculate how many applications are being processed each day by the WAC. So I dug the USCIS website with some approximate receipt numbers & found the below numbers:

    For Apr-8 receipt numbers processed:
    WAC1312750001 – WAC1312750418 = 418
    WAC1312850001 – WAC1312851070 = 1070
    Total = 1488
    Let us reduce 5% as applications from other category: 1488 – 5% = 1413
    Rounded to 1400 applications for Apr-8

    For Apr-9 receipt numbers processed:
    WAC1312851072 – WAC1312852851 = 1779
    WAC1312950001 – WAC1312951853 = 1853
    Total = 3632
    Let us reduce 5% as applications from other category: 3632 – 5% = 3450
    3450 applications for Apr-9

    For Apr-10 receipt numbers processed:
    WAC1312951855 – WAC1312953525 = 1670
    WAC1313050001 – WAC1313053861 = 3861
    Total = 5531
    Let us reduce 5% as applications from other category: 5531 – 5% = 5254
    5254 applications for Apr-10

    As we see WAC has constantly increased the number of applications processed from Apr-8 to 10. If we assume that 5o% of the total applications i.e 42500 are to be processed by WAC then it would take them 6 more days to send the receipt number thru email/mail.

    Anyone else doing any similar calculations please share your data or even verify the data I have posted.

    So for all of us who have not received any update we have hopes till next mid-week, add another few days for the receipt to arrive thru mail for non-premium processing.

    Hopes are still alive……Best of luck for all of us.!

    Reply
      • Siva, This info is not an official post. I had done my own analysis by going thru the uscis.gov website & plugging in WAC numbers.

        Reply
        • Hi Ajay,

          Your calculation is perfect dude, we need to consider similar number for other three USCIS centers

          LIN – Nebraska Service Center (LIN refers to Lincoln, Nebraska).
          EAC – Vermont Service Center (old name: Eastern Adjudication Center).
          SRC – Texas Service Center (old name: Southern Regional Center).

          I have made similar calculation for Vermont Service Center, I can see EAC1312850001- EAC1312851247 (i.e 1247 applications/receipts processed till now)

          I expect around 10-12K receipts processed till now (by Wednesday evening US time)

          ***This information is based on our knowledge and estimation, this may not be exact figure

          All the best to you all

          Tx
          Ashok

          Reply
    • Thanks for your precious information.
      I used them to determine if USCIS started the generation of receipt letters for non PP applications. Here is what I found:
      On April 10, USCIS started to send out the receipt notice for non PP petitions: This is proof of my arguments.
      “…On April 10, 2013, we received this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER, and mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case. Please follow any instructions on this notice. You will be notified by mail when a decision is made, or if the office needs something from you. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address or contact our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283…”[Can be check on USCIS.gov using this receipt number: WAC1313053859]

      All the PP petition receipt notices were already sent out. You can see that the verbiage is different and looks like this:
      “…On April 10, 2013, the 15-day premium processing clock started on your I129,PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. You will be contacted by the office that is processing your case when a decision is made or additional information or action is needed. Please check our website at www.uscis.gov for further updates on your case. Your premium processing receipt notice contains contact information for direct inquiries on your case….” [Can be check on USCIS.gov using this receipt number: WAC1313053858].

      So, if they really started send out the physical mail by April 10, some of non PP will receive their receipt by this Friday.

      Reply
  2. Friends !!

    Write your prayer below , and pray for all the applied friends that they get
    receipt from USICS .

    Who so ever in you believe Ishwar, Allah, God, Vahe Guru , Bhagvan , etc etc etc

    Do it, believe it !!!

    Reply
  3. I received an email from my company’s lawyer that my petition (Masters cap, PP, Cali office) won the lottery around 10:30am PST.

    Good luck to everyone and stay strong!

    Reply
  4. I got my receipt number from my attorney this evening at 4:30 pm EST
    Masters – Vermont – PP

    But USCIS sent this info to my attorney yesterday night 8:30 pm EST.
    Hang in there and be patient. Good Luck to everyone

    Reply
  5. Hi guys!! I applied regular quota premium
    Processing. I am not sure which service center.
    I haven’t heard anything yet. Did most of regular
    Quotas get an email or only master quota’s are
    Getting the email?

    Reply
  6. Anybody received confirmation receipt for Regular Cap, general processing (not PP)?

    if not then when they gonna start providing ?

    Reply
    • It take time to know under Regular Cap, general processing. Because USCIS need to mail the receipt copy to corresponding address.( attorney/employer).
      you can expect in next week.

      Reply
  7. Just got receipt from Vermont service center at 3:45 CST. Masters’s +PP
    Need not get panic.The receipt notices still on their way.All the best!!!

    Reply
  8. I just got an email having receipt number from my lawyer for my PP application.
    Hang in there guyz. We all will get through this lottery. Just have faith in god.

    Reply
  9. Hello –

    I got my EAC # this afternoon. Does that mean I am selected in lottery or it is just an indication that my application is received by USCIS?

    Reply
  10. Just got my receipt from CSC – Master’s+PP

    They are still sending out receipts. Hope for the best and Good Luck to all 🙂

    Reply
  11. Just got my receipt from CSC – regular+PP

    its weird that the receipt states ‘Date received’ as 04/08/2013
    I dont know what that means

    Now another big wait for final approval

    hold on tight guys – i have a feeling USCIS has selected lot of applications (including the backup for rejections) lot of my frends have received too. jst a matter of time you will receive your receipts. just hang on there

    Reply
  12. Applied for masters quota Premium (Vermont Service Center) processing…
    haven’t heard anything yet, that means I’m not selected?

    Reply
  13. Seems like people who got selected have received email receipt. How about people who didn’t get selected? Will there be an email notifying the result?

    Reply
  14. Nice information here added that is why I come across and read the new information about all visas here. People of US and other region in the world need such information where all the facts and faqs are cleared very thoroughly and comprehensively.

    Reply
    • The Act is true but if it gets passed in upcoming week, it’ll be effective starting from next year cap. It won’t apply for this one 🙁

      Reply
    • Once selected in lottery, it should not be a problem as long as your application is good and valid. You should be able to get it approved in the stipulated time.

      Reply
  15. Received the receipt today. Mine was premium processing, hence got the confirmation through email to my lawyer. Regular cases I heard will be notified by post to lawyer office. Good luck to all the waiting guys.

    Reply
  16. I have filed in regular PP.Haven’t heard anything from my employer. I don’t know attorney details, neither to which service center it is filed.Any ways to get that details?

    Reply
  17. Hi,

    I applied in the Masters Quota, Premium Processing and I haven’t heard from my lawyer yet. Is this bad news?

    Thanks,
    SU

    Reply
  18. Just received an email from attorney stating that the petition has been selected for the processing. Phewww..big relief
    Master Quota…premium processing
    good luck yall!!

    Reply
  19. One of my colleague got his receipt. ADE Premium..Vermont

    Hopefully its done quickly for regular processing guys too.. Pls update this page ones we start getting regular ones update

    Reply
  20. Has anybody in the general processing received any acknowledgement yet? Pls update when somebody does, especially the EAC center.

    Reply
  21. Guys just got a notification of approval for MS quota under premium processing. Thanks for all the support. I hope the luck prevails on everyone who deserves this.

    Reply
  22. Guys just for a notification of approval for MS quota under premium processing. Thanks for all the support. I hope the luck prevails on everyone who deserves this.

    Reply
    • Hi, How did you hear from USCIS? through lawyer or employer? I have also applied for premium processing and so far did not hear anything… Let me know if there is any way to check it out

      Reply
      • My attorney called me.
        FYI : I was in the Master’s quota.

        And attorney told me that it takes anywhere between 1-3 weeks to get the receipt number.

        Reply
      • My lawyer emailed me with the receipt number. Don’t worry too much, I think you have till this Friday to get your receipt number if you applied for premium processing. I hope you will get yours soon.

        Reply
  23. Anybody got the Receipt number for Premium Processing ?? Please see the below link..

    http://redbus2us.com/h1b-visa-2014/

    Reply
  24. Hello everyone.

    Don’t be angry to each other because of USCIS cap. It’s not our fault. I wish all good luck and be chosen by the lottery.

    Reply
    • look at this

      The work visa shortage is likely to raise costs in the short term for Indian firms like Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys and Wipro which are heavy users of H-1B visas. Indian companies say they will have to turn to short-term US hires to fill job vacancies, which will cost more.

      Reply
  25. Software people’s are real fuckers !!!!
    They ruined alll !!!!!

    They should sit at their home land to fuck the existing companies !!!

    Engineers, architects where do we go ?????

    This is is completely fucking unfair !!!!

    Reply
  26. Hey guys, USCIS release a press with the total number of applications, and stated that have already done the lottery.
    http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

    Reply
  27. Here you have today news from USCIS http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

    Reply
  28. Hi I applied for H1B this year.I got an email fro my attorney saying

    Unfortunately, the H-1B cap was filled last week. In addition, the LCA was still processing so your application cannot be counted towards this year’s H-1B cap.

    Can you guys please suggest me what is my next possible step to continue my work with the company.My opt is expiring on Aug15

    Can I go to India and work for my company as a contractor or full time employee.If yes,May I know the process for that

    Thanks

    Reply
      • That’s interesting… My prev post was deleted, however it contains nothing wrong, but apologies. So once again, sorry guys, I was a bit of out of my mind. Actually it doesn’t matter who are you or what you do. We’re all in the same boat : Indians, Russians, Turkish, Chinese ; IT guys, engineers, architects, designers – waiting for the visa. And also it doesn’t matter whether or not you’ve done your degree in US. The opportunity should be given only for genuine high skilled/experienced specialists.

        Best of luck everyone with the lottery.

        Reply
    • If LCA is still under processing than how can you say that you applied H1 this year ? Are you planned to apply or what ? Please be specific.

      Reply
    • If you are a PhD or your company can prove you are extraordinary you can go for O1 or if your company exists in INDIA they can get you L1 – some options other than green card

      Reply
      • I think Russians are also an immigrant to USA…or someone who knows English wanted to post the mssg in Russian language.. Hmmmmm.

        Ok. Anyway…

        Its just H1B Visa, if that get rejects, it doesnt mean that Indians are not highly qualified….

        If a person is highly qualified for a job, he can come back in L1A/L1B/Business Visa or again come back in H1B next year.

        Its the Job Opportunity given by the Us gov and recruited by US citizen.

        Reply
    • Saikiran Boberoi Shaik,
      If you are eligible for OPT extension then that’s one option for you. You can work for the company from outside US as well. This is something you and your employer will have to discuss and there are no US immigration laws that impact this.

      Reply
    • oh i am kindof in the same situatiom..can u tell me which forum is it where we can discuss such stuff…n wat r u palnning to do after aug15???my opt gets over too…is thr ne way we can continue with the same job ..i m working through a contractor….

      Reply
    • Join some school. I’m no expert but just thought this would give you more time to stay in the US. Better check with an attorney.

      Reply
  29. Now since our fate has been decided with this stupid process. Can someone please provide suggestion on
    With the maths in play now of 104K figure how USCIS will take care of the 59200 number for general quota (as 5800 goes to the Chile and Singapore folks) do they anticipate X number of applications are going to have issues in terms of incorrectness and then they will utilize the left out applications once again in the general count. It seems not to be the case but I just wanted to ask from you all.

    Reply
    • The press release from USCIS today lays out the types of applications it will continue to receive and applications from Chile/Singapore is not one of them. This leads me to think they might select more than 59200 applications, should the number from Chile/Singapore be less than 5800. They also say – “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..”

      What do you think?

      Reply

Leave a Comment