Apply for H1B when had H1B in past

[rmalhotra]

I had a H1B Visa in past and was in US for ~2 years on H1B visa.
I had to go to my home country and before I could come back, my H1B visa expired.
I came back to US on L1 visa with my same employer which I was on H1B with.
Now, I am looking to apply for H1B again, but have following query:

1. Do I need to go through H1B lottery system again even if I had H1B in past?
2. Is it like Employer has to go through complete process or it is a like a H1B transfer?

What else should I keep in mind?

I would really appreciate if someone could help me out with the above questions.

Regards
RM

[txh1b]

Need timelines.

[AttorneyJ]

RM:

Check out INA §214(g)(7). This says a foreign national is not subject to the H-1B cap and is he has held H-1B status within the past six years and is not eligible for another full six years of H-1B employment.

Also, the cap is still open so it really doesn't matter if your case is filed under the cap or if you revive your old H-1B. Either way, you will need the case to be approved to start working for a new employer in H-1B status. The same filing fees apply to your employer.