H1B - Cap Exemption

[aspiredusa]

I have my H1B visa stamped in 2015 which was valid till 2018 but due to certain circumstances, I was unable to travel to USA. Now, I am not working with that employer. I have following queries:

1. Am I eligible for cap exempt H1B visa or do I need to go through lottery again?

2. If I am eligible for cap exempt, what is the process to get this done?

3. If I am eligible for cap exempt, what is the validity period of this cap exemption?

[flyingron]

If you'd attempted to extend it while it was still valid, you might have been able to avoid the cap. Your visa is worthless now. You need to start over subject to the cap requirements.