H-1B Application twice a year?

[barcod]

I am a US Master's degree holder. Can I apply for H-1B visa for the 20,000 quota twice a year? (March 8th & September 8th). I know for a fact that I can apply on March 8th. The other date is just what I heard. I guess the general question is, are there two periods a year that one can apply H-1B for?

Thanks

 

[Chris Brunot]

I am not too sure why you wish to file a petition for H-1B twice.

Since you have done Master's from a U.S. University, you may be eligible to apply starting March 8 under the cap-exempt 20,000 H-1Bs. The petition can initially be approved for 3 years and can be extended upto a maximum of 6 years (in certain circumstances beyond the 6th year too). Thus you may not need to file a new petition if you continue working for the employer who petitions for you.

In case you find a new employer, you can transfer your H-1B by filing for H-1 transfer. That will NOT be a new petition but an H-1 transfer. You can transfer your H-1 from one employer to the other from within the U.S.

 

[barcod]

It wasn't that I wanted to apply for it twice, I thought there were two days in a year when you can apply. Anyways, I found out that it was not correct. Thanks for your reply though.