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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. Anyone in the similar situation?

    On April 15, 2013, the 15-day Premium Processing clock stopped on your I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER.

    My lawyer said he did not receive any notice yet.

    Reply
  2. Guys just received a notice for H1B. Mine is Advanced Degree — Regular— Vermont Service Center. My employer just received a notice at around 1 PM EST.

    Reply
  3. Hi Everyone,

    I am on Regular Quota/Regular processing.Did anyone get receipts on it.This Waiting is very tough time for me.I lost the hope.If I am Not through the lottery,
    I have to search for Masters admissions,plz share me some info regarding Masters/cpt/opt.

    Thanks in Advance.

    Reply
  4. Hi Everyone,

    I Am on Regular Quota/Regular Processing.Did anybody get receipts?This Waiting is very tough time.If I am not through the lottery.
    I have to Search for college admissions.Anyone plz share me the info regarding MASTERS/CPT/OPT……..

    Thanks in Advance

    Reply
  5. Received the receipt today. Advanced degree/ Regular processing/ Vermont center. Wishing all other hopeful applicants all the best.

    Reply
  6. last evening attorney got the receipt : Regular/Regular/Vermont
    Vermont received the application on 1st April.
    big relief !

    Reply
  7. Did some one from Syntel in (Mumbai,Pune,Chennai,GGN) India received any confirmation regarding H1B filing and acceptance of application in Lottery? Kindly confirm.

    Reply
  8. http://www.happyschoolsblog.com/summary-of-immigration-innovation-act-of-2013/
    http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/us-immigration-bill-to-increase-h1b-visa-may-hit-indian-firms-113041600117_1.html

    will this impact petitions which are rejected in lottery system?

    Reply
  9. My employeer filed H1B on first April 2013. Last update they said they have not heard anything back from USCIS.
    This wait is killing very slowly…I wish i could get it!!!!

    Reply
  10. When will this waiting time come to an end? Every single day is equal to year. Hope everyone gets selected. Good luck. May God bless us

    Reply
  11. http://www.usavisanow.com/receipt-notices-for-fy2014-h-1b-cap-cases/

    According to this update, uscis won’t release any information about regular processing until May.

    Reply
  12. Hi Everyone,

    Have been reading this blog for last few weeks and its good to see people helping each other and providing emotional support. I completely understand that the wait and watch mode is gruelling, but it is my sincere urge to all of you to look at life from a holistic perspective and be happy with what you have and enjoy your life as of today. This day/moment will never come back. Leave it to God to decide what comes out of lottery as he will always do things good for you, no matter how much we feel it is bad currently, but in the hindsight its always for good. Nothing in this world is so bad or good that we should drive ourselves crazy, be it personal or professional. Kill the fear before fear kills you. And I say this after getting sacked from a job in US last year and going through the pain of being jobless and relocating. You need to just keep your tempo high and face life strongly and confidently, with a smile and hope which others can get inspiration from. You will do your bit before leaving this planet.

    Would like to end with this quote below from Adam Smith and wish the best to all of you. Take care and be happy. Never give up.

    “The great source of both the misery and disorders of human life, seems to arise from over-rating the difference between one permanent situation and another. Some of those situations may, no doubt, deserve to be preferred over others: but none of them can deserve to be pursued with that passionate ardour which drives us to violate the rules either of prudence or of justice; or to corrupt the future tranquillity of our minds, either by shame from the remembrance of our own folly, or by remorse from the horror of our own injustice.”

    Reply
  13. I came to know from my employer today that money is not been cashed from the bank yet. So I am done. No more hope. I am regular and pp. I am desperately down to the earth. Now I have to find the college n get the admission. Still good luck u all…

    Reply
  14. has anyone seen case moved from acceptance to Initial Review satage – Regular Q/PP?

    Mine is showing under acceptance since 10th April.

    Reply
  15. Just received an email from my attorney that the check was not cashed. Does that mean my application was not selected in the lottery? or USCIS still cashing the visa fee checks?

    Reply
  16. FYI..
    http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/nri/visa-and-immigration/us-immigration-bill-to-increase-h1b-visa/articleshow/19581635.cms

    Reply
    • This is just a proposal. It has not been approved and made into a law yet. This approval might take months. I don’t think it applies to current filing process.

      Reply
  17. California center /AD/regular process…. still haven’t get any thing.. want to cry..:(….anyone in the same situation gets any reply?

    Reply
  18. The check of my wife’s application (H-4, it was sent with my H-1 application) has been cashed by VSC filed office today’s morning.
    Do you guys think I passed through the lottery?

    But I haven’t got any receipts yet.
    I am AD/RP.

    Reply
  19. Hi Guys…I finally got my EAC, RC/PP/VSC.
    My lawyers got the email on April 11,Thursday night..but unfortunately they sent me today..its a big relief

    Reply
  20. Hi friends,

    Did any one got updates regarding regular processing masters quota please update.This wait period is killing me .

    Reply
  21. I just spoke with my employer, neither they received the package back (rejection) nor the cheque been submitted to bank ! This wait is frustrating.

    Reply
  22. Hey Guys,
    Finally got the call from employer that the check got encashed but has not received official mail notice. Looks like it got selected in lottery.
    I am AD/RP/VSC

    Relieved!!!

    Reply
  23. Are We Sure that this Lottery process is a Fare one. I mean how do we know what they are processing , may be they are processing applications on the order they received till 3rd or 4rth of April to see if they reach 65 k or they are sorting on base of companies because they cant afford that one company eg TCS, Infosys , Wipro who have applied get minimal Visa .Does anybody knows the Criteria of Lottery !!!!

    Reply
    • There is no transparency. My doubt has always been that. They might have considered first few days and rejected the applications filed on 4th n 5th. When there is no transparency, we can only assume.

      Reply
  24. I got email on april 11 from uscis that my application is accepted.
    My employer applied under premium processing. I hold engineering and ms degree from india.

    Reply
  25. Has any one received rejection notices via email/mail yet?
    I’m waiting on either an acceptance/rejection for Reg/PP/VSC , sleepless nights .
    Should I give up hope 🙁

    Reply
  26. Hi everyone…
    I hav a question..my wife just received her petition I797C “notice of action” with EAC no. for her H4 visa. But I hav not received anything for my H1B. Wondering how…will it be same EAC no. or diff. do they sent separate letters for H1B and their dependents??

    kindly reply…

    Reply
    • Did your wife get receipt by mail or email? Did she get it directly at your home address or through your employers attorney?

      If she received this directly, it is likely that your receipt number will be with the attorney. It will be the same receipt number probably.

      Reply
      • She received it directly from USCIS on the form I797C. Does that mean that we were selected in the lottery and i should get my letter soon?

        Reply
          • Thanks for you reply. I will check with my attorney tomorrow morning.There must be more people in my kind of situation.
            My case was Master’s and regular processing at Vermont Centre.

          • Hey-
            Your wife is on H4. USCIS will send receipt notice to all dependant. Primary Petioner notice will be sent to Attorney. You have different receipt #.

          • My case is also the same as SM. I checked with attorney but they did not receive anything yet. I’m tensed.

            SM,
            What did your attorney tell you?

    • My case is also the same as SM. I checked with attorney but they did not receive anything yet. I’m tensed.

      SM,
      What did your attorney tell you?

      Reply
  27. Just saw the GOLDEN WORDS…

    “On April 15, 2013, this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER was approved and we sent you an e-mail notice”

    Hope everybody’s petition gets Approved (especially the Advance Degree holders)

    Thanks for all the Support!

    Reply
  28. strange..

    my wife received her EAC no. today for H4 but I havn’t received any information for my H1B visa approval…mine was AD/regular/vermont

    can anyone tell me what is the heading of notice
    In my wife;\’s case its written “This notice does not grant any immigration status or benefit”

    Reply
    • My case is also the same as you. I checked with attorney but they did not receive anything yet. I’m tensed.
      What did your attorney tell you?

      Reply
  29. Hey guys,

    I do want to share my happiness to you all.
    I received my receipt today after day and night waiting..
    I am in a regular processing, in master quota. I think I am one of the first lucky guys who receive receipt on Regular Processing. I want to make a good wish for you who haven’t heard any good news yet—-the good news is around the corner waiting for you.

    Chris

    Reply
  30. My employer his attorney didnot do premium processing as it was clearly mentioned on USCIS page that they will not accept any petitions filed with PP. and now I get to see that most ppl filed in PP. Now I am clueless. I applied uder masters quota + regular process. still no news , no receipt no. I am slowly loosing hope …does that mean mine not selected. How and when will I know ?/ any updates

    Reply
    • I’m PP but I just got my receipt a few minutes ago… They sent the mail on 10th, and it took 5 days for the mail to arrive. So, don’t lose hope, your receipt is on the way.

      Reply
    • SG,
      Actually USCIS never said that they will not accept PP petitions. What they said was that even if petition is filed w/ PP, the PP clock will not start until April 15. Your employer/attorney understood it wrong.

      Reply

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