H1B Cap Exempt - 1 year rule

Hello everyone,

I have a question regarding the H1B Cap Exempt. I quit my job on the 15th of October 2013 and is technically eligible for a cap exempt. However, I’m closing in on my one year when I could do the cap exempt.

I’m planning to go over to the US to meet some companies and get a sponsor but would love to know more about the rules on the cap exempt:

  1. Does the one year count from when the sponsor send in the papers and file for the request? Or is it my contract? Please let me know when the one year ends.

  2. If I find a sponsor, can I still be in America (on a tourist visa) as they are submitting my request?

Thanks everyone!