H1B NUMBERS ALMOST GONE FOR FY 2011

As of January 14, 2011, a total of 80,700 H1B applications have been filed leaving only 3,850 H1B visa numbers available for fiscal year 2011 (10/1/10-9/30/11). The H1B visa category is for skilled and specialty occupation workers who have earned the equivalent of a U.S. Bachelor’s degree or higher. These visas are utilized by a wide range of professionals including teachers, computer scientists, accountants, lawyers, engineers, and research analysts. USCIS’s latest count shows 2000 numbers were used in the one week period from 1/7/11-1/14/11.

Those wishing to file an application for an H1B Petition should do so immediately to avoid having to file under the FY 2012 cap and having to wait until October 1, 2011 to begin working for their employers.