FY2012 H-1B Numbers Update – 5,900 Regular and 4,500 Masters Cap Visas Used (April 8, 2011)

The H-1B season is well underway and USCIS just released the first “official” FY2012 update on the number of cap-subject H-1Bs filed since April 1 for both the Vermont and California Service Centers.  As of April 8, 2011, USCIS has received approximately 5,900 H-1B petitions counting toward the 65,000 cap.   This count means that as of April 8, there are 59,100 H-1B visas left under this year’s H-1B quota and USCIS will continue to accept petitions subject to the general (regular) cap.

Similarly, as of April 8, there were 4,500 H-1B visas filed subject to the U.S. Masters cap (which has 20,000 limit).  This means that as of April 8, there are approximately 15,500 visas left under the U.S. Masters H-1B cap.

Comparison to the Last H-1B Season (FY2011)

Our office keeps detailed statistics of the previous H-1B filing seasons, and we are able to make comparisons with prior H-1B years in an effort to estimate demand and when the H-1B caps may be reached.  While it is too early to provide an estimate of when the H-1B cap would be reached for this fiscal year, all indications are that the cap would remain open for at least 6-8 months.

Last year, during the FY2011 H-1B filing season, by April 8th, there were $13,500 regular cap H-1B petitions filed.   This is almost three times as much as this year’s April 8 indicator.    Also, last year’s April 8th count of Master’s H-1B cap filing was 5,600, compared to this year’s count of 4,500.   Based on this information, and assuming there is no dramatic increase in the rate of economic recovery, we anticipate that this year’s H-1B season would extend for at least 6-8 months.

H-1B Quota Trends

Throughout every H-1B cap filing season, we provide timely updates on the H-1B numbers and we draw predictions and conclusions based on the numbers and our experience.  So early in the process for this year, it is impossible to draw any trends; however, stay tuned for more numbers and updated trends over the next days and weeks.  You may want 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 FY2012 quota, please contact us as soon as possible — it is never too early to file a cap-subject H-1B petition.