H-1B Cap Update: Fewer than 15,000 H-1B visas remaining

As of November 26, 2010, approximately 50,400 H-1B cap-subject petitions were receipted. Additionally, USCIS has receipted 18,400 H-1B petitions for aliens with advanced degrees. There are 65,000 “regular” cap-subject visas and 20,000 “advanced degree” H-1Bs”.

Historically, as the H-1B usage number has gotten closer to 65,000, the number of filings increases. Accordingly, MU urges all MU to prepare that the H-1B cap will be reached in January 2010, and may even be reached by year’s end.

The H-1B is the common employment-based nonimmigrant visa. The H-1B is a common visa for healthcare professionals such as Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, some nursing positions, and other professions ordinarily associated with a Bachelors degree or greater. The H-1B traditionally has been in great demand by the IT community.

Generally speaking “new” H-1B petitions are subject to the H-1B cap. Employees that may need an H-1B visa include:

- International students working on an EAD card under an OPT or CPT program after having attended a U.S. school;

- International employees working on a TN may need an H-1B filed for them in order for them to pursue a permanent residency (green card) case;

- Prospective international employees in another visa status e.g. H-4, L-2, J-1, F-1;- H-1B workers with a cap exempt organization; and

- Prospective international employees currently living abroad.

International workers who are working here in the U.S. on an H-1B visa with another cap-subject employer are not subject to H-1B cap. These cases are commonly referred to as “transfer” cases and may be filed at any time throughout the year.