H1B expired - have to go through lottery?

[vividprose]

Hi

My H1 was through my previous employer and it is now expired.

1) My last exit from USA was 1.5 years back.
2) My H1 was from prior employer.
3) On my prior H1, I have spent total 2 years 7 months in USA.

Do I still have to go through lottery system?
Or is it transferrable while I am in India?
If later is true, how are my chances of getting an employer - and how?

I am really confused as I get different views on this.

Thanks,
-vividprose

[iamwhoever]

I don't see anything that stops you from finding another employer for an H1B visa. I would say that it would be possible as long as you don't exceed the 6 year limitation; however, I would contact your local US embassy to be sure.

Also, if you interested in permanently settling in the US, then you already know that the H1B doesn't all for that as it is a temporary work visa and a non-immigrant visa; however, while you are in the US on the H1B, or in India, you can apply for the diversity lottery every year as long as Indian nationals are eligible.

My suggestion, contact your local US embassy for clarification on your eligibility of the H1B. I checked the US embassy - New Delhi website for info on the H1B, but I didn't find any statements about how many times you can apply for one. The only limitation stated is that it can't exceed 6 years.

Best of luck.

[vividprose]

thanx iamwhoever

I had once spoken to uscis.gov (US office) but they didn't have clarity over this one.
Morever, it depends on the employer attorney who should be convinced whether I am eligible or not. So I am having difficult times convincing the prospective employers abt my situation.

So current situation is wait n watch..
-vividprose