FY2010 H-1B Numbers Update – 8,100 H-1B Visas Left (November 20, 2009)

USCIS released updated information on the numbers of cap-subject H-1Bs filed since April 1.  As of November 20, 2009, USCIS has received approximately 56,900 H-1B petitions counting toward the 65,000 cap (an increase of 1,300 in the past week).   The updated count means that as of November 20, 2009, there were 8,100 H-1B visas left under this year’s H-1B quota and USCIS will continue to accept petitions subject to the general cap.

U.S. Masters Degrees Quota Reached

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.

H-1B Quota Trends

The numbers, as reported over the past few weeks indicate that there was a notable increase in the H-1B filings.  As we previously reported, there was an increase of about 900 H-1B visas for each of the past four weeks, in addition to this week’s increase of 1,300 H-1B visas.  Based on our tracking of the H-1B numbers, this increase shows a notable weekly increase in the numbers of H-1B filings.  As a result, if the current trend remains, we estimate that the H-1B quota will be reached within 6-7 weeks.

If you are considering filing a cap-subject H-1B petition as part of the FY2010 quota, please contact us as soon as possible.