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
- USCIS Update : 124,000 Petitions Received. Lottery Process followed. News Summary
- H1B Visa 2014 Quota Cap reached on April 5th, USCIS official Update
- USCIS First Cap count update FY 2014 – April 8th or 5th ?
- Will there be Lottery for H1B Visa FY 2014 ? USCIS Data Analysis, Prediction
- USCIS Press Release : Petitions accepted from April 1st. Lottery ?
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.
- For H1B Visa 2012, the cap was complete on November 22nd,2011
- For H1B visa 2011, the cap reached on January 26th , 2011
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 ?
EAC1313653067
Wooop another PP case!!! YAY!
JAY, THIS MEANS THEY WENT ACCEPTANCE TO INITIAL REVIEW, NOT ANOTHER NEW ACCEPTANCE. THIS MEANS NO HOPE FOR PP NOW
Are you sure? It is a receipt generated today (136) so suggests it is a NEW receipt…
I’m little confused.
1. When my lawyer forwarded me the USCIS mail it is showing below
“The Vermont Service Center will adjudicate this case within 15 calendar days of the “received date” set forth above.” where received date is 08-Apr-2013.
2. When checking with the receipt number at USCIS website it is showing “On April 12, 2013, we received this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER ”
3. And finally USCIS said “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.”
So my question is from which date the 15 days calender will start.
Wait… uscis has not sent even one notice of rejection under lottery.. not email for pp and not a mail for regular. .. all petitions are kept on hold pending decision on immigration bill today.. we all will get through… hang tough guys!
Regular processing in AD category CSC center, are getting receipts. Don’t loose hope. !
What is the source of your information? Did you received your (regular/AD)?
What is the actual language on the receipt??
Please share.
Thanks.
Did any one get aproval in general quota/Normal process ?
does anyone know how many Applications went into the Advanced category. Fragomen is not giving out any results and I have lost hope 🙁
USCIS has started approving PP petitions. !!!
when you say approving – you mean moved to initial review stage or you got approve petition back?
I mean application has moved from initial review to Decision. Application was Approved !!
congrats!! mine is still in acceptance state. Premium processing. Was your application filed by a consultancy or a company?
Sam,Was this under AD cap?
Min echanged from Acceptance to initial review few minutes ago and it did say.On April 15, 2013, the 15-day Premium Processing clock stopped on your I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. did u see something like this?
Anu,DO u mind giving the receipt number?
AD PP application.
Anu,
I got the same notice – I got a RFE. I dont know the reason yet, my lawyer must have got a fax, I am waiting on him to respond.
Let me know if you know the reason behind your PP clock to stop.
Hey guys who ever getting that “your clock has been stopped” that doesn’t meen you got RFE..you must see acceptance in few hours..there is a glitch in USCIS site.. when ever decision has been made they stopped your clock and as they didn’t submit result you are seeing that message..
Did you get to know the exact RFE message? I got RFE too for my AD/PP.
This waiting is too much…USCIS should atleast send lottery selection results quickly.
How to find the latest receipt number from uscis
Any one from Cognizant has received the receipt number yet? My case is PP/Non Master.
I am loosing hope now.
How you knows that whether it is Regular or PP ?- Are you referring your I-129 form copy from myvisa portal ?
Regular processing
This is killing me, how long should we wait?
For info on h1b 2014 visit this link… This is unofficial information but I think we can rely on it…
http://www.shahandkishore.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1368%3Aanswers-to-when-your-cap-case-will-be-processed&catid=25%3Anews-articles&Itemid=1
Normal quota, Regular processing, Waiting…
Any people on PP received updates today? I’m under ADVANCED/PP, and still hear nothing from Fargomen, any one on the same boat as me?
Yes, you are not alone. AD/PP/Fragomen
Hey,
My employer applied at Vermont in AD/ PP but I still haven’t received any receipt number. Since it is already 15th and USCIS stated that they will start processing PP from 15th onwards – does this mean that I haven’t been selected?
My employer filed h1b for other consultants and employer already received receipt numbers for some.
Should I loose hope? Any possibility that I might still get selected?
Looking for prompt reply.
Thanks,
SJM
Keep ur hopes alive…
Some ppl have got their receipts by mail not email, even though they have filled through PP…
Hope u get ur mail soon…
All the best …..
My employer applied in General quota ,no PP, haven’t heard back from USCIS yet, does it mean the application has not been selected in the lottery ?
Yes. Goodbye.
Please, people scroll a little through comments, instead of asking the same question all over again.
people under regular processing are still getting receipts after all the PP applicants got theirs…you don’t have to tell them goodbye.
I went as far as EAC1313650130 before stopping and didn’t see a single PP in EAC today 🙁
Has anyone come across a PP example from today to indicate PPs are still being generated? If so please post the EAC number!
From where you were searching all those receipt numbers ?
Any one received receipt for Regular quota(non masters) and regular processing?
Please reply.
Anybody received receipt number from Nerbaska centre for H1B visa -2013 – regular PP?
Thanks for the info
Hi Saurabh,
My friend received following mail on 2nd April 2013. He applied for this year H1b quota. This mail looks like SPAM. But dont know how to confirm. What does this mail means when the lottery was done on 7th April then how come he gets email on his personal id (he never shared this id with USCIS) regarding the case status.
“From: USCIS
To:
Cc:
Date:
Subject: Case Status Information for Receipt Number: WAC1020xxxxxx
*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***
The last processing action taken on your case
Receipt Number: WAC1020xxxxxx
Application Type: I129 , PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER
Your Case Status: Initial Review
On April 1, 2013, your Alien Registration Number was changed relating to your I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. Please check our website at www.uscis.gov for further updates on your case. Please wait until the end of normal processing time before calling customer service at 1-800-375-5283 for live assistance.
During this step, USCIS initiates the background checks of the applicant/petitioner and identifies issues that may need to be addressed either during an interview or by asking the applicant/petitioner to submit additional information or documentation. USCIS reviews the applicant’s/petitioner’s criminal history, determines if there are national security concerns that need to be addressed, and reviews the application/petition for fraud indicators.
If you have filed an I-485, I-589, I-751, N-400, I-90, I-821, I-131 or I-765, you can expect to receive an appointment notice to appear at an Application Support Center to have your fingerprints and/or photographs taken. The timing of your appointment is determined by the number of applicants ahead of you that also need a biometric appointment. We try to schedule biometric appointments as quickly as possible and in most cases you will receive your appointment notice within 30 days of submitting your application. We will send your appointment notice approximately 14 days ahead of your scheduled appointment. It is important that you keep this appointment. If absolutely necessary, you can request that your appointment be rescheduled however, please be aware that rescheduling may delay the processing of your application. Please follow the instructions on your appointment notice if you need to reschedule. Occasionally, you may receive an appointment notice to appear at an Application Support Center to have your fingerprints taken when you have filed a form other than those listed above. In these situations, you may receive your appointment notice more than 30 days after submitting your application or petition.
If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results
listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current
processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283.
*Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov under Check Processing Times.
*** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.
Sincerely,
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)”
Thanks,
Regards,
Mayank
Mayank,
Did the person leave US recently? This typically happens when there is a change in I-94#. Also check w/ attorney if the correct I-94# and copy was submitted.
Does the receipt number belong to your friend? USCIS will not have issued receipt number by April 2nd. Also did he create an account on USCIS website and entered another receipt number for tracking/alert.
Thanks Saurabh, but I guess this is by mistake as he never been to US and he applied this year for H1b. There have to be some mistake by USCIS in the email id. That’s why he received this mail when he is not the intended person. Thanks.
Mayank,
Most likely that is the case. Still if he wants to get additional clarification, his employer will have to follow-up w/ USCIS.
One of my friend received the Receipt Number (WACXXXX). On USCIS website we found below message, can someone tell us what this means
“On April 1, 2013, your Alien Registration Number was changed relating to your I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. Please check our website at www.uscis.gov for further updates on your case. Please wait until the end of normal processing time before calling customer service at 1-800-375-5283 for live assistance.”
Did anyone receive confirmations of application been accepted under regular quota and normal processing? I am having goose bumps now. It seems like USCIS is being secretive about this process when they should have eased out everyone by clearly putting out the probable dates for the receipt of notice of action on their website. It seems like a messy situation. We can only wait and watch how the whole drama unfolds. Hope for the best for everyone.
Any updates for AD/Regular Processing/VSC.
This is getting crazy
Same boat as you. I am almost giving up. Looks like PP is closed for AD in VSC. I havent seen any today here
AD | Regular processing | CSC. Waiting.
Any updates for Regular/PP case from fragomen? I have been waiting till now and now loosing hopes
Oh God ! I called Fragomen and the not so polite woman told me reciepts are still coming and they have recieved very few reciepts .
This was in the am . I am CSC, AD , PP still waiting .
Since its Friday evening pretty much in every part of the US , I can safely assume I didn’t make it .
AR
Yeah, It looks like applicants who had petitions handled by Fragomen and Minami-Tamaki have rarely got any receipt notices.
Masters/Premium/CSC/MinamiTamki
It seems the only people who have not yet received any updates regarding their cases are those whose applications were filed by Fragomen. Including me 🙁
And taking into account that it’s already an evening in US, I am afraid my application was rejected 🙁
Regular cap, Premium Processing
First of all, not all 124000 h1b applicants/petitioners are spending their day on redbus2us.
Second, the USCIS news alert said earlier this week that the PP processing will begin on 15th April. It did not say that the all receipt notices will be sent out by email by 14th April.
My attorney hasn’t heard about any of the nearly hundred cases that he had filed. While most receipt notices are expected in 3-4 weeks, some have even taken longer in the past.
Stop sweating, most people are still waiting.
USCIS is still processing PP along with regular. Dont loose hope.
Any news for regular cap and normal processing?
Well,
While we are all waiting I will add my word. I am surprised the large number of computer whizzes did not post anything regarding probabilities for Advanced Degree Cap (ADC) so I feel obliged, a simple chemist I am, to do so.
If USCIS really received 124000 applications and all those took part in the lottery the probability for the ADC can be calculated: P = 20/x + (1 – 20/x)*(65-6.8)/(124-x), where x is the number of Advanced Degree petitions/1000. Considering that both ADC ad regular cap were filled x >20 and x<59. So, depending on how many AD applications there actually were the probability varies from 0.85 to nearly 1.0 for advanced degree applicants. Note that the lowest probability, 0.85, only occurs when the number of AD applications would be 40000, which is probably not the case. Even then, out of seven of us, ADC people, only one will not be processed further. So, not bad. Keep up the hopes! 😉
x>20 and x<65
Good one !
Hi there, I’m still waiting for a receipt number. I got this email from my lawyer today and I thought I would share. USCIS has announced that it has completed the H-1B lottery drawing. It is in the process of sending out receipts to those who were selected in the lottery. Obviously, it will take some time since there are 85,000 to send. After sending receipts, the USCIS will return the petitions to those who were not selected. USCIS expects to have everything completed by the end of May.
There is still hope! Good luck! I’m regular processing, Master cap.
My company checks deducted in business company account and they gave receipt number… backside check… and i didn’t received email from USCIS… i don’t no my h1b pp got lottery or not… can someone help here…
Reply
Thanks Patty for your information about H1B, i am waiting for regular cap results, hope for the best to all applicants
Any lottery selected petition from CSC that moved from ‘acceptance to initial review’ ?
Just got off call with my friend, his H1 got approved today. he received his receipt number from vermont service center on April 8th. few of my friends checked the status, it moved from acceptance to initial review.
Harry
Are the petitions you mentioned from VSC or CSC?
From VSC
hey guys
i am silent reader of this forum….
here i am to boost some confidence…..my employer filed 5 h1bs premium.. today 5 have been selected….so it seems more chances to win lottery for everybody…….
anyway best of luck for all of u guys……
Which employer?
My company checks deducted in business company account and they gave receipt number… backside check… and i didn’t received email from USCIS… i don’t no my h1b pp got lottery or not… can someone help here…
Anyone received receipts from California center for Advanced degree/regular processing?
Yes, me too.
Masters/PP/CSC.
Lost hopes!
I meant to reply to the post below this one.
I have NOT received any receipt!
hey dont worry dgcal still you have a chance to select in regular cap dont loose hope all the best
is anyone with AD & PP still waiting for the receipt?
Yes, I know a few other guys with the same situation, me included, bless~
AD/PP/CSC still waiting
AD/PP/VSC still waiting….
Yes I am waiting on the receipt. I applied for H1B AD/PP to California Centre.
AD/PP/VSC still waiting….
Yes, me too.
Masters/PP/CSC.
Lost hopes!
Hi Every One,
Ppl who applied in Premium Processing for AD to CSC, I got a reciept mailed instead of email to my employer though I opted for PP in AD category. So pls don’t loose hope, your appl might be selected and may be it is being mailed instead of email.
All the best Every One!!!
Bin
Diplomats of this country are trying hard to kick the immigrants and immigrants are trying hard to get in…Look at the irony no body wants to go back to the country of their origin…
This is the first time I am in this stupid race… Relax guys… and this is not the only option…
Well said HP.
and this is a land of immigrants
Sent two email to Fragomen yesterday and today. No response at all! At least let me know you have not received anything instead of being silent.
The same here. Also wrote them yesterday and still have not received any answer from them.
they usually don’t respond much, but they would send you an email if they have your receipt numbers. they sent me an email
is it for regular/pp ?
Did any one get receipt for Regular cap and Regular processing?
It is a little odd if no one in pp has got rejection by email… I think all applications are kept in backup pool in case if the new immigration bill is passed in the next week.
Even the bill is passed and made into the law by next week then also it won’t make any difference to the 2014 CAP, its already over. For this year CAP, there was no difference between regular and PP application. Lottery was done irrespective of PP application.
They can increase the cap right away. It has happened before and it can happen again.
Hi All,
I just now received the email with the reciept number from Vermont Service Center . Mine was regular cap with premium processing. So everyone dont loose hope still there is time to get reciepts.
After reading comments here and interacting with my colleague,I think everybody has been almost selected in lottery.so this make me believe that the USCIS did not have received the high number of applications as they had announced on there Press release on 8th Apr.It appears to me USCIS is more interested in generating the artificial shortage and put pressure to increase the h1b cap.
I also agree on this….
I would really like it to be that way, however, I am still waiting for my receipt … (
Regular Cap, Premium Processing
There are many who didn’t receive their receipts. The one thing we need to know is that USCIS said they would select a sufficient number of applicants to fill the caps. Based on the denial rate, they would have to select at least 15% more applications so that they can deny many and still meet the cap. The number of receipts given out is much more than 85000 according to me. In any case we can make all the assumptions we want, fate is still left to be decided.
Why they don’t get receipts for some premium processing people?
I also agree to this, See the words they used in press release “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. ”
Why they have written ‘For first time’ , ‘within first week’ in their official news ?is nt it sound like advertisement or aaj taak breaking news..
I agree with you that sometime is not clear regarding this Cap stuff.
Why does USCIS didn’t disclose the number of petitions received for AD like they used to do?
Secondly the gap between FY2013 and FY2014 is to high. Nothing can explain this drastic change in demand for H1-B. Since we are still receiving from the crisis.
But I agree with the methodology because it’s gonna push politicians to increase the Cap. We should not keep the live of high qualified workers who are paying their taxes, on the hand of luck while giving CG to people who just claim fake asylums or who are doing fake marriages, or whatever ; and leave on food stamps and Gvt help.
Don’t agree, at least I know 5 people filing AVD/PP, and haven’t got any reply, including me.
California center is very slow due to the high amount of applicant comparatively to Vermont center who has two office. I guest that your employer filled your petition at California center.
Lol then how come am I still waiting? But I like your optimistic approach though. (RC/PP/US Bachelors)
I am still waiting for mine Regular/PP/VSC.
I don’t see anyone received receipt for regular cap regular processing….
May be will get in next week…
Any lottery selected petition moved from ‘Acceptance’ to ‘Initial review’. I saw two in this board. any more
Mine is still in acceptance stage for last 3 days. hopefully they will start next week. Let me know if see any movement in your case.
sure will do. you too post your updates
Please stop asking these questions, there are people who still did not receive their receipts and you asking something like this disturb others, please don’t do it.
Good Luck!
When can we expect the Regular Cap, receipts to be mailed? I havent erceived mine yer, I heard ALL non Premium processing receiipts will be mailed,
Has any one received the regular Non Premium receipts by mail?
Thanks
Vamshi
Me also waiting for the receipt..am regular cap regular processing..Vermont
I am also waiting for the receipt for Regular Processing non premium.. hope we all get that by next week.
Hi All,
I am still waiting for receipt number – Regular Premium processing.. All my friends got the receipt number.. Just worried.. Are they done with the PP or still I have hope.
Rani, i am also waiting
Hi , i just recieved the reciept 2 hours ago .hope u also got
Congrats Anu..m also waiting and really worried now
AD / Regular processing/ Vermont. Has anyone received reciept Please update
Yes…My Attorney got the receipt No today morning. VERMONT/REG/PP..
Sorry!!!!Mine was Regular Quota / Premium Processing…Vermont Center
@SAS – what time did ur attorney got the email?
today morning…..Dont be panic…you will get it before EOD today
Thanks SAS…ur words means a lot
same case as yours VSC/Reg/PP..still waiting..n worried
Hi Friends
Did Anyone received Any update for H1B regular Quota– in India (Not Master not Premium Processing) in India.
No
Hi Friends
Did Anyone received Any update for H1B regular Quota– in India (Not Master not Premium Processing) in India.
Thanks,
Pranai Nandan
Hi Friends
Did Anyone received Any update for H1B regular Quota (Not Master not Premium Processing) in India.
Thanks,
Pranai Nandan
If the CAP risers to 100000 will it be effective from this year
http://news.oneindia.in/2013/04/09/serious-talks-in-us-to-raise-h1b-visa-cap-1189723.html
No. I wouldn’t be effective from this year
If not for this year there is no need for serious and urgent talks…
Guys,
Can anyone who got the reciept tell me how does the reciept number seem like? I havent got any communication from my company (i work for a top tier Indian IT company) and they have told us to be paitient until they get back to you in 90 to 120 days.
I am also waitng… My is also applied by my company
This the last receipt number that was generated in vermont center:
EAC1313451438
How do you know all that? Where do you see everything that is beeing processed?
Has anyone received the rejection due to non selection in lottery application already ? Do I understand it correctly that the rejected application were to be mailed back by USCIS and if so this should have been done in this week?
Has anyone received the rejection due to non selection in lottery application already ? Do I understand it correctly that the rejected application were to be mailed back by USCIS and if so this should have been done in this week or so ? Correct my understanding.
Received my receipt number today for Regular Cap PP from CSC…:)
Received Receipt Number Today for Regular Cap PP…