H-1B Visas Continue to be Available
The U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) reported recently that H-1B visas for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 continue to be available.
As of August 28, 2009, about 45,100 H-1B applications subject to this fiscal year’s annual numerical cap and about 20,000 applications subject to the advanced degree cap have been received. The USCIS will continue to accept both types of applications until they determine that enough H-1B applications have been received to reach the Congressionally mandated limit of 65,000 for the regular H-1B numerical cap and 20,000 for the advanced degree cap.
On April 1, 2009, the H-1B visa application period for FY 2010 began. We have kept track of the number of applications the USCIS has received and have reported the numbers on our website.
The fact that there are still H-1B visa numbers available this late in the fiscal year, leads us to conclude that because of current downturn in the U.S. economy, employers have been hesitant to petition prospective employees for these visas. This is the first time in a long time that H-1B visas continue to be available.
Related posts:
Update on Fiscal Year 2010 H-1B Petition Filings
H-1B Visa Cap Still Not Reached: 20,000 Visas Available
USCIS Continues to Accept H-1B Visa Petitions
Sharp Drop in H-1B visa Applications This Year Due to Current Economic Conditions
USCIS Continues to Accept FY 2010 H-1B Visa Petitions
USCIS to Accept H-1B Petitions for FY 2010 starting on April 1, 2009
Microsoft and other High Tech Companies Apply for Fewer H-1B visas
