<p>The H-1B visa cap for fiscal year 2024 is <strong>85,000 visas</strong>, which includes:</p><ul><li>65,000 regular cap visas</li><li>20,000 advanced degree exemption visas (for U.S. master's degree holders)</li></ul><p>The cap is typically reached within the first week of April filing period.</p>

<p><strong>Yes, you can continue working on OPT</strong> while your H-1B petition is pending. If your H-1B is approved and you are in a cap-gap situation, your OPT will automatically extend until October 1st when your H-1B status begins.</p><p>Important: Make sure your OPT is valid and you maintain your F-1 status throughout the process.</p>

<p><strong>H-1B Visa:</strong></p><ul><li>For specialty occupation workers</li><li>Requires bachelor's degree or equivalent</li><li>Subject to annual cap (85,000)</li><li>Initial period: 3 years, extendable to 6 years</li></ul><p><strong>L-1 Visa:</strong></p><ul><li>For intracompany transferees</li><li>Requires employment with company for at least 1 year</li><li>Not subject to annual cap</li><li>L-1A: Managers/Executives (up to 7 years)</li><li>L-1B: Specialized knowledge workers (up to 5 years)</li></ul>

<p>The Green Card process timeline varies significantly based on:</p><ul><li><strong>Your category:</strong> Employment-based (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3), Family-based, etc.</li><li><strong>Country of birth:</strong> India and China have longer wait times due to per-country caps</li><li><strong>Priority date:</strong> When your petition was filed</li></ul><p><strong>Typical Timeline:</strong></p><ul><li>EB-1 (Extraordinary Ability): 1-2 years</li><li>EB-2 (Advanced Degree): 2-5 years (India: 5-10+ years)</li><li>EB-3 (Skilled Workers): 3-7 years (India: 10-15+ years)</li></ul>

<p><strong>STEM OPT extension</strong> allows F-1 students with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics to extend their Optional Practical Training (OPT) by an additional 24 months, for a total of 36 months of OPT.</p><p><strong>Requirements:</strong></p><ul><li>Degree must be in a STEM field</li><li>Employer must be enrolled in E-Verify</li><li>Must file I-765 before initial OPT expires</li><li>Must submit training plan (Form I-983)</li></ul>

<p><strong>Yes, but with important considerations:</strong></p><ul><li>You need a <strong>valid H-1B visa stamp</strong> in your passport to re-enter the U.S.</li><li>If you travel while your petition is pending, make sure you have valid F-1 status and travel documents</li><li>If your H-1B is approved but you don't have the visa stamp, you'll need to get it at a U.S. consulate</li><li>Consider premium processing if you need to travel soon</li></ul>

<p>A <strong>221(g) refusal</strong> is <em>not a denial</em>, but a request for additional information or administrative processing. The consular officer will provide a letter explaining what additional documents or information are needed.</p><p><strong>Common Reasons:</strong></p><ul><li>Additional documentation required</li><li>Administrative processing (security check)</li><li>Missing forms or information</li></ul><p><strong>What to Do:</strong></p><ul><li>Provide requested documents promptly</li><li>Follow up with consulate</li><li>Be patient - administrative processing can take weeks or months</li></ul>

<p>To maintain F-1 status, you must:</p><ul><li><strong>Be enrolled full-time</strong> in an academic program (minimum 12 credits for undergraduates, 9 for graduates)</li><li><strong>Maintain valid I-20</strong> and keep it updated</li><li><strong>Not work without authorization</strong> (except on-campus work up to 20 hours/week)</li><li><strong>Complete your program</strong> within the time limit</li><li><strong>Report address changes</strong> within 10 days</li><li><strong>Keep passport valid</strong> at all times</li></ul><p><strong>Always consult your DSO (Designated School Official)</strong> for specific requirements and before making any changes.</p>

<p><strong>H-4 Visa Status:</strong></p><ul><li>Dependent visa status for spouses and children of H-1B holders</li><li>Allows H-4 holders to live in the U.S. with the H-1B holder</li><li>H-4 children can attend school</li><li>H-4 spouses cannot work (unless they have EAD)</li></ul><p><strong>H-4 EAD (Employment Authorization Document):</strong></p><ul><li>Allows certain H-4 spouses to work in the U.S.</li><li>Only eligible if H-1B spouse has approved I-140 (Green Card petition)</li><li>Or if H-1B spouse is in 7th year extension based on I-140</li><li>Not all H-4 holders are eligible for EAD</li></ul>

<p>An H-1B visa is initially granted for up to <strong>3 years</strong> and can be extended for another <strong>3 years</strong>, for a maximum total of <strong>6 years</strong>.</p><p><strong>Extensions Beyond 6 Years:</strong></p><ul><li>Possible if you have an <strong>approved I-140 petition</strong> (Green Card petition)</li><li>You can extend in 1-year increments</li><li>No maximum limit if I-140 is approved</li></ul><p><strong>Important:</strong> The 6-year limit applies to H-1B status, not the visa stamp. You can renew your visa stamp multiple times as long as your status is valid.</p>

<p>When going for H-1B visa stamping at a U.S. consulate, bring:</p><ul><li>Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months)</li><li>H-1B approval notice (I-797)</li><li>DS-160 confirmation page</li><li>Visa appointment confirmation</li><li>Recent passport photos</li><li>Employment verification letter</li><li>Pay stubs</li><li>Degree certificates and transcripts</li><li>Previous visa documents (if any)</li></ul>

<p><strong>Yes, you can change employers on H-1B</strong> through the H-1B transfer process:</p><ul><li>New employer files a new H-1B petition</li><li>You can start working for new employer once petition is filed (portability rule)</li><li>No need to wait for approval if previous H-1B was valid</li><li>Premium processing recommended for faster approval</li></ul><p><strong>Important:</strong> Make sure your new employer files the petition before your current H-1B expires.</p>