FY2013 H-1B Numbers Update – 32,500 Regular and 13,700 Masters Cap Visas Used (May 4, 2012)

The H-1B season is well underway and we have received the fifth “official” update on the FY2013  cap-subject H-1Bs filed since April 2 for both the Vermont and California Service Centers.   As of May 4, 2012, USCIS has received approximately 32,500 H-1B petitions counting toward the 65,000 cap.   This suggests a rate of filings of approximately 3,000-4,000 regular cap cases per week.   Similarly, as of May 4, there were approximately 13,700 H-1B visas filed subject to the U.S. Masters cap (which has 20,000 limit).   This suggests a rate of filings of approximately 1,200-1,500 master’s cap cases per week.

This report suggests a relatively steady rate of filings of about 3,000-4,000 per week in the regular cap and 1,200-1,500 per week in the U.S. master’s cap.   We expect that a similar rate of weekly filings will continue for at least a few more weeks.

Comparison to the Last H-1B Season (FY2012)

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.  Considering the estimated rates of filings for the regular and master’s caps, all indications are that the cap would remain open for 3-4 months.

Last year, during the FY2012 H-1B filing season, by May 4th, there were 10,200 regular cap H-1B petitions filed.   Last year’s May 4th count of Master’s H-1B cap filing was 7,300.   This year’s 32,500 and 13,700 filings for the regular and master’s caps, respectively, for the first five weeks of the H-1B filing season suggests that there is notable increase in the number of H-1Bs filed early in the H-1B season.   Based on this information, and assuming there is no significant  increase in the rate of filings, we anticipate that this year’s H-1B season would extend for between 3-4 months.

H-1B Quota Trends and Predictions

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.  A month or so into this year’s H-1B cap season, we can draw some predictions on when the cap is expected to be reached.   If the current rate of filings remains steady, we expect that the U.S. master’s cap be reached in 3-4 weeks.   The regular cap is likely to remain open for another 6-8 weeks.

We invite our clients and readers 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 FY2013 quota, please contact us as soon as possible — it is never too early to file a cap-subject H-1B petition.