FY2010 H-1B Numbers Update – Substantial Increase (October 25, 2009)

USCIS released updated information on the numbers of cap-subject H-1Bs filed since April 1.  As of October 25, 2009, USCIS has received approximately 52,800 H-1B petitions counting toward the 65,000 cap.   USCIS will continue to accept petitions subject to the general cap.

Additionally, USCIS has received sufficient number of petitions for aliens with advanced degrees and as a result, USCIS has announced that the master’s cap for FY2010 has been met.  As of October 25, 2009, all FY2010 H-1B petitions for holders of U.S. advanced degrees will be counted towards the general cap of 65,000.

The numbers, as of October 25th, indicate that there was a notable increase (of about 6,100) in the number of H-1B petitions, compared to September 25, 2009 (or for the past one month).    Based on our tracking of the H-1B numbers, this increase shows a notable monthly increase in the numbers of H-1B filings.

With recent news about the improving health of the U.S. economy and the substantial monthly H-1B visas increase of 6,100, we expect that the H-1B cap will remain open for at least a month or so.  However, if you are considering filing a cap-subject H-1B petition as part of the FY2010 quota, please contact us as soon as possible.