H1b approved 2017, but never activated — am I still Cap-exempt?

USA
1

Hi,

I had my H1b approved back in 2017, but I left US before 1st October, so it never got activated. Am I still cap-exempt since I won the lottery. Its been almost 8 years now in 2025 does that matter , I read on forums it should be activated within 6 years but others had argued that 6 years is the time period allowed within US on h1b, it has nothing to do how long it would take to file cap extension.

would really appreciate your guidance.

Thanks.

2

There is no black and white rule here.

Sometimes, the government approves the visa and other times they ask that you should have used the visa at least once (to be considered activated it).

The only way to check is to apply for H1B.