H1b visa new application or transfer enquiry

USA H1B Visa
1

Hello,

I obtained an H1B visa in 2015 and worked under it for 1.5 years before returning to India in 2017. During my previous tenure on the H1B visa, I did not utilize the full six-year cap.

My query is:
Firstly, am I eligible to apply for a new H1B visa through the lottery process?
Secondly, if my application is not selected in the lottery, would I still qualify to apply for an H1B extension based on my previous petition?

I would greatly appreciate any insights you could provide regarding this process.
Thank you.

3

You will not go through lottery of you have unused time left from previous H1B time spent in the US. For e.g. of you spent on 1.5 years with a previous H1B you still have 4.5 years left.