Immigration Alert: H-1B Visa Cap Update

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services updated its count of FY2013 cap-subject H-1B petitions and advanced degree cap-exempt petitions receipted. As of April 9, 2012, nearly 17,400 H-1B cap-subject petitions were receipted. Additionally, USCIS has receipted 8,200 H-1B petitions for foreign nationals with advanced degrees. 

The FY 2012 cap was reached in late November 2011.  Based on the initial rate of filing it appears the visas may run out faster this year.  Accordingly, we recommend that clients contact us as soon as possible to commence preparation of any necessary petitions and continue to file early for visas subject to the FY 2013 cap, bearing in mind the time that is necessary to prepare the applications for filing.  Please contact us if there is anything else we can do to assist or help you plan for your immigration needs.