FY2011 H-1B Numbers Update – 13,500 Regular and 5,600 Masters Cap Visas Used (April 8, 2010)

The H-1B season is well underway.  Yesterday we reported on the Vermont Service Center’s H-1B FY2011 numbers as of April 5.

Today, USCIS released the first “official” FY2011 information on the numbers of cap-subject H-1Bs filed since April 1 for both the Vermont and California Service Centers.  As of April 8, 2010, USCIS has received approximately 13,500 H-1B petitions counting toward the 65,000 cap.   This count means that as of April 8, there are 51,500 H-1B visas left under this year’s H-1B quota and USCIS will continue to accept petitions subject to the general (regular) cap.

Similarly, as of April 8, there were 5,600 H-1B visas filed subject to the U.S. Masters cap (which has 20,000 limit).  This means that as of April 8, there are approximately 14,400 visas left under the U.S. Masters H-1B cap.

H-1B Quota Trends

Throughout every H-1B cap filing season, we provide timely updates on the H-1B numbers and we draw predictions and conclusions based on the numbers and our experience.  So early in the process for this year, it is impossible to draw any trends; however, stay tuned for more numbers and updated trends over the next days and weeks.  You may want to subscribe to our free weekly immigration newsletter to receive timely updates on this and related topics.

In the meantime, if you are considering filing a cap-subject H-1B petition as part of the FY2011 quota, please contact us as soon as possible — it is never too early to file a cap-subject H-1B petition.