FY2010 H-1B Numbers Update (November 6, 2009)

USCIS released updated information on the numbers of cap-subject H-1Bs filed since April 1.  As of November 6, 2009, USCIS has received approximately 54,700 H-1B petitions counting toward the 65,000 cap (an increase of 900 in a week).   USCIS will continue to accept petitions subject to the general cap.

U.S. Masters Degrees Quota Reached

As we mentioned in last week’s H-1B visa numbers report, 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 two weeks – as of October 30th and as of November 6th, indicate that there was a notable increase.  As we previously reported, there was an increase of about 6,100 in the number of H-1B petitions, between September 25, 2009 and October 25, 2009.  Similarly, there was an increase of 1,000 between October 25, 2009 and October 30, 2009 and there was an increase of 900 between October 30, 2009, and November 6, 2009.  Based on our tracking of the H-1B numbers, this increase shows a notable monthly 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 9-10 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.