FY2011 H-1B Numbers Update – 42,800 Regular and 15,700 Masters Cap Visas Used (October 15, 2010)

USCIS released the weekly FY2011 information on the numbers of cap-subject H-1Bs filed since April 1.   As of October 15, 2010, USCIS has received approximately 42,800 H-1B petitions counting toward the 65,000 cap (an increase of 900 over the past week).  Similarly, as of October 15, there were 15,700 H-1B visas filed subject to the U.S. Masters cap which has 20,000 limit (an increase of about 300 over the past week).

H-1B Quota Trends – Slight Decrease in the Trend of Regular Cap Filings due to Columbus Day Holiday

The numbers, as reported over the past week, show a slight decrease over the past week.  Last week’s increase of 900 regular cap cases marks a notable decrease compared to the numbers reported on October 8th (1,300).   However, the decrease over last week’s H-1B filings can be attributed to the Columbus Day holiday when USCIS is closed (it is a Federal holiday).  The master’s cap filings have remained steady, of about 300-500 per week over the past few weeks.

H-1B Quota Expected to be Reached in February or March of 2011

With the current pace of filings, or about 1,000-1,500 regular H-1B cap filings per week and 400 master’s cap per week, we estimate that the H-1B cap would be reached in 15-20 weeks, or sometime in early 2011.

We wish to reiterate our caution to potential H-1B employers and employees that as the U.S. economy is seen to recover and grow, it is possible that the pace of H-1B filings will increase.

We invite you 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.