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H1B Visa 2009 : FAQ’s

By HSB 

Recent Updates

Everyone applying for H1B visa this year have a  lot of questions and they are trying to find some answers. I have been reading and following up H1B Visa 2009 issues for this year and have prepared few list of questions and answers that would answer some of the queries you have. Again, I’m not Immigration professional, but the information here is what I learned from reading other articles in the web.

Breaking News – New H1B Strict Hiring rules have been proposed for 2009. Few companies cannot hire H1B Visa workers in U.S.

When is the earliest I can apply for H1B Visa for fiscal year 2009-2010?

USCIS accepts application from April 1 2009.

How many H1B visas are available for Fiscal year 2009 – 2010?

65,000 under General Quota. 20,000 for students will Advanced Degree from U.S. Universities.

What is Lottery System?

Last year on first day April 1 2007 when USCIS started to accept the applications, they received about 115,000 applications. Only 65,000 visas were available to be issued. So, they followed Lottery system to randomly select applications to issue H1b Visa. In 2008 year, more about 163,000 applications were received.

Will there be Lottery system this year?

USCIS will accept applications for the Lottery system till first 5 days if more than 65,000 applications were to be submitted. Unlike last year, all the applications for H1B Visa during first 5 days will be considered for Lottery system.

What happens if more than 20,000 H1B Applications were received for Advanced Degree Quota?

H1B Visas will be issued by Lottery System for 20,000 H1B applications and those applications not selected under 20,000 cap will be included in general category Lottery system.

Can my employer file multiple H1B Visa applications?

No, not this year. Only one application can be submitted by an employer per person.

I have 2 job offers form 2 different companies? Can both employer file H1B applications?

Yes, both the employer can file H1B applications, that will increases your chances, but if both h1b petitions gets approved, you can work only for one employer.

Is there difference between applying through Private courier Services like FedEx, DHL and USPS?

I have heard and read that petitions filed by Private courier services are handled differently than petitions filed using USPS. and many prefer filing petitions using FedEx, UPS or DHL.

  1. USCIS will accept deliveries from 6:00am – 5:00pm, local time on from April 1 – April 6.
  2. USCIS will accept deliveries from 6:00am – 7:00pm on April 7.

H1B Visa : USCIS Interim Final H1B Rules

OPT to H1B : OPT Expiring before H1B start date (2008)

H1B Cap 2009

Related posts:

  1. H1B Visa 2009 Quota Set To Increase?
  2. H1B Visa 2010 – What is Mini Lottery?
  3. H1B Quota 2009
  4. USCIS To Conduct Mini-Lottery if Required for H1B Visa 2009/FY 2010,
  5. H1B 2010 – Cap Count Update – May 18, 2009

Comments

45 Responses to “H1B Visa 2009 : FAQ’s”
  1. Dave Varun says:

    Hi,

    Currently I m working in India.
    And I applied for H1-B visa in April-2009.

    So, now how can i see the updated regarding H1-B visa.?
    And how can i see my latest updates??????

  2. Sre says:

    Hi All,

    I have switched 2 companies. This is my 3rd company I am working.
    Currently I am having B1 visa which was processed by my previous employer (2nd company).
    Now my current Employer (3rd company ) company is trying to process my H1 visa will it create a problem if the details provided by me about my 1st Employer work experience for B1 visa is different than H1 visa.

  3. pooja kakani says:

    Hi, i am currently on H4 visa.
    I wanted to know if i can still apply for H1B for year 2009.
    it is 18th Oct 2009 as of today.

    Please let me know reliable consultants to approach for H1B application.

  4. Saket says:

    I wanted to know if the H1b visa applications are still open as of today 7-Oct-09.
    I wanted to apply for visa if they are still accepting applications. Please give me info your help is appreciated a lot.

    Thanks
    Saket

  5. Roma says:

    Hi,

    I am in the United States currently on H4 visa. Awaiting my status to be changed to EAD.
    My questions to you :
    1.While we have applied for a GC, can i still apply for H1?
    2. Is there any other kind of work visa that a company can sponsor if its is hiring me?
    3. I beleive i can apply for H1 till Oct 31.Has the maximum quota completed yet? its 6th oct today.

  6. vijay gupta says:

    I have L1B visa, i would like to apply for new H1B, please let me know what kind of documents required for new H1B……………

  7. Hank says:

    Hi, I have G4 visa. Somebody can tell me what is the process of changing G4 to H1 (Work visa)? I have already a sponsor but the sponsor does not know what to do. How lon is going to take to get the H1 Visa.

  8. Shushy says:

    Hi all,

    I am currently having 6 years of IT experience in an MNC. Please let me know If there any consultants who can file for H1B.

    I am currently in Hyderabad. Please reply asap…many thanks in advance…

  9. Reena says:

    Hi,

    I just want to know is it good to apply from h4 to h1 from US or from India, Iam here in usa right now since one year 6 months on h4. Which is the best option. If my h1 not approved (just in case)can I still be on h4 in us? Also I got my extension last year till jan 2011. Would really appreciate your advice.

    Thanks
    Reena

    • HSB says:

      Is it good to apply from h4 to h1 from US or from India? >> It’s all the same. Approval depends on your employer
      Iam here in usa right now since one year 6 months on h4. Which is the best option. If my h1 not approved (just in case)can I still be n h4 in us? >> Yes.

  10. raj says:

    [ Contents Deleted - Written in ALL CAPS] – Admin

  11. TJSha says:

    I have J2+EAD which can work for any employer.
    I also applied H1B of this year.
    but for current situation,the position is instable and
    once I lost the job,it is very boring for me to transfer status.
    so I think it is better not to active the H1B and use my EAD to work.
    then even I lost the position,i donot need to transfer status and can easily go to work when i find the next position.
    do you know how to cancel the H1B or change “automatically activation”
    to “active outside US”?
    Have u ever done this before?
    thanks.

  12. Vikram Rana says:

    Is the H1B quota is open as of now ? Date 15th Aug.

    Pleasse reply, its really important for me, I heard it is but not sure

  13. Muhammad Rizwan says:

    Hello to every 1

    i want to ask that i have got approval of H1b “Approval sent notice” has sent to my solicitor.

    now wht else do i need to submitt in US consulate

    if anyody have any kind of info plz share

  14. narendra says:

    Hi Folks,

    CAN SOMEONE PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHETHER I CAN APPLY FOR H1B NOW..HOW MANY APPLICATIONS ARE STILL LEFT. PLEASE ANSWER
    TODAY IS 29 JULY 2009

    • HSB says:

      Narendra – Yes, you can apply and if you are going to write in CAPS next time, you will net get any reply.

      • Deepthi says:

        Hi,

        I was just wondering if you can suggest me some genuine employers who can process h1 and not fake. I Want to apply for h1 next year :) Waiting for your reply! Also pls let us know about your contact info

        Thx
        Deepthi

        • shivaji says:

          you can try with alliedgroups….

          • dipti says:

            hi shivaji,
            can u let me knw more abt allied groups

            • shivaji says:

              Hi Dipti,

              I also have applied through allied groups this year. Last year one of my cousins applied through same company, but he was rejected and got money back. This year I am still waiting for my results…
              But I never heard anything wrong about alliedgroups even thru some of my friends….But now they have stopped taking applications…
              You can call me at 9011053497

  15. Lokesh says:

    Hi,

    Currently I have not yet stamped my H1B, but picked in a lottery system and got a ACK # which starts with WAC… I have paid half of the amount to my consultancy.

    What is the Procedure to Cancel the H1B Visa.
    After the VISA is canceled, Can I expect my Visa applied Money back.
    How much %age they(usics) are going to hold with them.

    Thanks

  16. Sneha says:

    Hi
    Can I still Apply for H1B visa as after 7th july…?

  17. Vanessa says:

    What if we have an H1B candidate that is under a current H1B status as a contractor? if we offer him the job, what would our process be?

    Thanks!

    • HSB says:

      You will have to transfer his H1B Visa to your company, so he can work for your company as direct employee.

  18. shanthi says:

    HI,

    Can we file H1b visa now that is may 21 2009? How would we know details regarding this? pls help us.

  19. pratap says:

    HI

    How many days it will take to cancel Valid H1B VISA by an employer.

    is there any option that we can cancel it ASAP and get some proof
    thx
    pratap

  20. Jay B says:

    Today is April 16 2009 and would like to know can I still apply for H1 for year 2009.
    Thanks

  21. Rizwan says:

    Hi

    does any 1 know about how long this process will take? means i have filed my petition for H1 b visa this year

    plz tell me ven i’ll know about recommendation or rejecton of file

    take care

    • sherry says:

      hello
      my name is sherry and i filed for my H1 on april 1st 2009…today is the 12th of may and i have no idea whether my application has been recieved because i havent recieved my receipt yet.
      somebody please tell me approx how long does it take to get a repeit number .

      sherry

  22. Balu says:

    How many H1-B Visa applications have been submitted in this year.(01/04/2009)

  23. ien says:

    Hi,

    This is ien, I am in America under F1 Visa, I will get my master degree at the end of 2009. I file for H1B 2009.
    I am concerned about my status at the moment. I am doing CPT and worked so far 24 hour weeks instead of 20 max allowed. Is this a reason not to proceed applying for H1B? Also, will CPT issue affect my OPT?

    Thanks. All helps are appreciated

  24. almah cenizan says:

    I have an H1B visa however i haven’t used it yet. I also have a B1/B2 visa. My current company would like me to fly to our US company. Is there a problem with having an H1B Visa?

  25. Sakshi says:

    HI
    THIS IS SAKSHI,
    I WANT TO KNOW THE DETAILS OF HI1B FILEING, PLEASE RESPONSE ANY ONE TO KNOW THE FILEING DETAILS

  26. Shailesh Wazalwar says:

    Hi,

    I am working as Sr. Oracle DBA and have 5+ yrs of relevant experience.
    I wish to file for H1B visa 2009-2010.
    My contact details:
    Email : shaileshnw@gmail.com
    Mob: 00919270151392

    Regards,
    Shailesh Wazalwar

  27. Julie says:

    If you have questions about Immigration processes, please contact an attorney or HR director – each case is different and your best chance for a properly filed case is to get help.

  28. saranya says:

    Hye!!!!!!!!!!
    iam saranya i want to know a hib visa details

  29. Aman says:

    Hi,

    I will apply for H1 in 2009 and would be on OPT by then. Can I travel outside USA, if my H1 is in process, or approved , on OPT ?

    Please let me know.

    Thanks.

    Aman

  30. Faisal Khan says:

    Hello,
    I have a question about the expriy of H1B visa. My case is approved in November 2008, for the year of 2009. But my employer did not sent me any document yet, so i have nevery applied for US visa. My question is, Is there any kind of expiry enolved in H1B? if somebody has delayed for visa stamping.

    Regards
    Fasial Khan

  31. ravi says:

    Hi

    I am currently in US on L1 , but i am also having a H1 B petition which was approved in sep 2006.

    I have never used my H1B,but now I am planning to shift to H1 status at the same time i am planning to change my employer, i only have the EAD no and no documents apart from that
    is it possible to change my employer and change my status from L1 to H1.

  32. ABDUL BASEER says:

    @Faisal Khan

    You have to carry your H1B Äpproval Notice”to US Embassy along with your service/ educational certificates.Visa officer will also demand for employer’s offer letter.
    Also carry your updated resume with you

  33. Faisal Khan says:

    Hello,
    The status of my H1B case is changed to “approval notice sent”. By this i understand that the only thing remaining is to get my visa stamped from the consulate.
    I have no idea about the required documents for the H1B stamping. Can anybody shed some light on this if he or she has some information.

    Thanks alot
    Faisal Khan

  34. RAMANATHA says:

    WHAT IS THE QUESTION IN USA CONSULATE FOR H1B STAMPING FOR CURRENT YEAR
    WHAT ARE THE DOCCUMENTS REQUIRED MANDATOR
    HOW TO ANSWER EFFECTIVELY

    THANKS

    REGARDS
    RAMANA

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