H1-B and J-1 / J-1 Waiver

[gigel]

Hi,
I'm currently on a J-1 visa valid till spring 2005.
I'm subject to the 212E - 2 years Home Residence Req.
My employer is willing to apply for a H1-B visa for me.

1. Can I apply for H1-B visa (as soon as possible, because of the H1-B CAP)
and the same time apply for j-1 Waiver?

2. If I apply for H1-B visa before getting the Waiver, but I submit the Waiver Case Number with the H1-B application, will my H1-B visa be considered as a valid application? but NOT approved because of the 212E HRR?

3. Any news about the current number of applications for H1-B? What is the situation with the H1-B CAP for f.y. 2005?

4. What chances do I have to obtain a H1-B visa if I submit my application in November 2004????

The processing time for HRR Waiver based on NO Objection Stmt. is 12-16 weeks. The H1-B CAP is 65000.
I'm worried about the fact that to obtain the Waiver it will take about 16 weeks and that means to apply for H1-B at the end of November 2004 --->
there are big chances not to get the H1-B because of the CAP limitation.

please, if you have all this information and answers to my questions, sharethem with me and the others. Thank you.

 

[jaxen]

1. Yes
2. dunno
3. Number of applications are very minimum as of now. Predictions are that the cap might be reached by jan 2005 (speculation!)
4.50-50