H-1B visas are subject to a yearly quota system. Every year, there are 65,000 regular spots (commonly known as “cap petitions”) and an additional 20,000 spots for advanced degree holders. Often times, these spots fill up rapidly. But this year, due to the economic downturn, there are still thousands of visas left. Periodically, USCIS releases updates on H-1B availability.
USCIS released the latest H-1B visa information on Nov. 18, 2009. As of November 13, 2009, USCIS reported that 55,600 cap petitions had been filled.
One week ago, on November 6, 2009, USCIS reported that 54,700 cap petitions had been filled. In addition to that, all 20,000 spots for advanced degree holders had also been satisfactorily met. As such, all other advanced degree holders approved under an H-1B will be counted in the regular pool of cap petitions.
In other words, from the update USCIS posted a week ago, 900 more spots were met. Because 6,800 out of the 65,000 regular spots are kept for citizens of Singapore and Chile, only 2,600 spots remain for foreign nationals of other countries. At the current pace, availability may cease within two or three weeks.
As there are not many available spots left for FY 2010, be sure to submit your H-1B application accordingly. Bear in mind, if you receive a job offer from a higher educational institute such as a university or from a non-profit organization, your petition will not be subject to the yearly quota.
We at Zhang & Associates have helped hundreds of H-1B petitioners submit successful applications this year. If you receive a job offer and are interested in filing an H-1B, please contact us at info@hooyou.com. We will provide you with a free evaluation and will file your petition quickly. If you are interested in following H1B quota status, please click on the following link.
AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 09042065 (posted Nov. 18, 2009)
Founded in 1996, Zhang & Associates, P.C. offers legal services to clients nationwide in all aspects of U.S immigration law. We have successfully handled thousands of immigration cases.
At Zhang & Associates, P.C., our attorneys and supporting professionals are committed to providing high-quality immigration and non-immigration visa services. We specialize in NIW, EB-1, PERM, and I-485 cases. In the past thirteen years, we have successfully helped thousands of clients get green cards. If you plan to apply for a green card, please send your CV to Attorney Jerry Zhang (info@hooyou.com) for a free evaluation.
Zhang & Associates, PC.
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| Tel： | 1-800-230-7040, 713-771-8433 |
| Email： | info@hooyou.com |
| website： | http://www.hooyou.com |
(11/20/2009)
