Sathi haru,

I am a recent undergraduate currently in my OPT. I am trying to work with my employer to file for h1b visa. I know that the filing date began on April 1; does anyone know if the 65000 quota has been met yet? If yes, what other options do I have. My OPT ends on May 15, 2011. Can I apply for H1B on April 1, 2011? Your guidance would be highly appreciated.

There still are lots of H-1 B available. If your employer files for your H-1 now, you will be able to start working on H-1 starting October 1, 2010. Until then you will be on OPT. Here's the table (as of May 21, 2010):

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Cap Eligible Petitions	Date of Last Count
H-1B Regular Cap	65,000	19,600	5/21/2010
H-1B Master’s Exemption	20,000	8,200	5/21/2010

Source: http://www.happyschoolsblog.com/h1b-visa-2011-cap-count-update-may-21-2010/

Since your OPT doesn't expire until May 15, 2011, if you can't find a H-1 sponsor for this year, you should be okay if they file for H-1 next year. I think the new rule has an automatic OPT extension (cap gap) provision. So, if they file for your H1 between April 1, 2011 and May 15, 2011(assuming the quota for 2011 doesn't run out on April1,2011) you should be able to work on OPT till October 1, 2011 and start working on H-1 from October 1, 2011. I think that's how the cap gap works. You might want to double-check that, though.

Thanks a lot for your comprehensive info Sabkosathi!