H-1B CAP TO BE REACHED IN DECEMBER

MU VISA ADVISOR: H-1B CAP TO BE REACHED IN DECEMBER

MU clients are urged to initiate and file any regular cap-subject H-1B cases as soon as possible. MU predicts that the H-1B cap will be reached in December 2011.

The latest USCIS update is that 49,200 of the 65,000 regular H-1B numbers have been used as of October 28, 2011, leaving 15,800 H-1B visas. Based on prior year’s usage, MU expects that the demand will rise again in November. The demand for H-1B numbers historically has spiked as the H-1B number grows closer to 65,000.

Employees that may need an H-1B visa include:

• International students working on an EAD card under an OPT or CPT program after having attended a U.S. school
• International employees working on a TN may need an H-1B filed for them in order for them to pursue a permanent residency (green card) case
• Prospective international employees in another visa status e.g. H-4, L-2, J-1, F-1;- H-1B workers with a cap exempt organization
• Prospective international employees currently living abroad

International workers who are working in the U.S. on an H-1B visa with another cap-subject employer are not subject to H-1B cap. These cases are commonly referred to as “H-1B transfer” cases and may be filed at any time throughout the year.

The USCIS sets aside an additional 20,000 H-1B numbers for graduates of US Masters degree (or higher) programs through a program referred to as the “H-1B Masters Cap”. The H-1B Masters Cap has been reached. H-1B Masters Cap petitions are now also counted against the regular H-1B cap.