FY2011 H-1B Numbers Update – 53,900 Regular and 19,700 Masters Cap Visas Used (December 17, 2010)

USCIS released the weekly FY2011 information on the numbers of cap-subject H-1Bs filed since April 1.   As of December 17, 2010, USCIS has received approximately 53,900 H-1B petitions counting toward the 65,000 cap (an increase of 1,500 over the last week).  Similarly, as of December 17, there were 19,700 H-1B visas filed subject to the U.S. Masters cap which has 20,000 limit (an increase of about 600 over the last week).

H-1B Quota Trends – Final Stretch in H-1B Cap Season Results Increased Regular and Masters’ Cap Filings

The numbers, as reported over the past week, show increase over the past week compared to the weeks prior.  The regular cap H-1B filings have increased to about 1,500 per week and we expect the number of filings to continue to increase.  The U.S. masters cap H-1B filings was 600 over the past week and we expect that the Master’s cap be reached within the week.

H-1B Master’s Cap to be Reached This Week; Regular H-1B Cap Expected to be Reached in Early 2011

With the current pace of filings, or over 1,500 regular H-1B cap filings per week, we estimate that the regular H-1B cap to be reached by early 2011, most likely in January or early February 2011.  The Master’s H-1B cap is expected to be reached this week.

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, and as the end of the H-1B cap is in sight, it is very likely that the pace of H-1B filings will increase and the cap will be reached fast.  In prior years, the H-1B filings increase over the past weeks of the H-1B cap and we expect the same this year.

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.