USCIS released the weekly FY2011 information on the numbers of cap-subject H-1Bs filed since April 1.   As of January 14, 2011, USCIS has received approximately 60,700 H-1B petitions counting toward the 65,000 cap (an increase of 2,000 over the last week).  Also, as of December 24, the U.S. Masters cap (with its 20,000 limit) has been reached.  The numbers indicate that there are only 4,300 H-1B visas left under the FY2011 cap.

H-1B Quota Trends – Final Stretch in H-1B Cap Season

The numbers, as reported over the holiday weeks and for the first two weeks of January 2011, show significant increase over prior weeks.  With the U.S. Masters cap being reached, all H-1B filings (regular and Master’s cap) will be counted under the remaining H-1B quota.    We expect that the number of both regular and Master’s H-1B cap filings would increase as many employers rush to file last-minute H-1B petitions before the cap closes.

H-1B Master’s Cap Reached; Regular H-1B Cap Expected to be Reached by Late January 2011

With the current pace of filings, of 2,000-2,500 H-1B cap (regular plus Master’s) filings per week, we estimate that the remaining 4,300 or so  H-1B cap visas to be used by late January 2011.

Given the H-1B processing timelines and the current state of the H-1B cap, it is unlikely that new H-1B petitions can be filed under this year’s H-1B cap which should be reached within a week or two.   If you are considering filing a cap-subject H-1B petition as part of next year (FY2012) quota, please contact us to start the process.