Update on H-1B Cap for FY2011

Jennifer L. Manning, May 7, 2010

As of April 15, 2010, there have only been 13,600 cap eligible petitions filed with USCIS under
the regular annual cap and 5,800 under the master's exemption.

The H-1B Program allows U.S. businesses to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations
that require expertise in specialized fields, such as scientists, engineers, or computer
programmers.

There is a limitation on the number of H-1B visas issued per year, called the "cap." However, not all H-1B nonimmigrants are subject to this cap. The current annual cap on the H-1B visa category is 65,000 visas per fiscal year, less the Free Trade Visas for Chile and Singapore. There is also an additional 20,000 visas per year (not included in the annual cap) for individuals who have earned a U.S. mater's or higher degree.

USCIS began accepting H-1B petitions on April 1, 2010 for the FY 2011 annual cap, with start
dates beginning on or after October 1, 2010.

For more information on H-1B petitions, please see: USCIS

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