H1B Advanced Degree Cap : Numbers Still Available
Posted Jun 09, 2006
 ©MurthyDotCom
The USCIS has issued updated numbers on advanced degree H1B filings. As MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers already know, the regular H1B cap for Fiscal Year 2007 (FY2007) was reached on Friday, May 26, 2006, as reported in our June 1, 2006 article, NewsFlash! H-1 Cap Reached on May 26, 2006, available on MurthyDotCom. There still are cap numbers available for persons with U.S. masters' degrees or higher levels of education, however. The latest advanced degree count was issued on June 6, 2006 and reflects a total of 6,599 filings, against the 20,000 cap exemption H1Bs allowed for this fiscal year. This count includes cases filed through June 2, 2006.
 ©MurthyDotCom
We note that, based upon inaccuracies in the regular H1B cap count, the USCIS information should be used as a guideline only. It should not be presumed to be 100% accurate or up to date. It is possible that more cases have actually been filed, but not yet counted. A fuller explanation is provided in our June 9, 2006 MurthyBulletin article, USCIS Explanation of H1B Cap Being Met on May 26, 2006. We also know that many people graduate in late May and early June of each year, thus increasing the eligible pool of advanced degree H1B candidates who may rush to file under this 20,000 quota. Therefore, while it is good news that well under half of the H1B numbers had been used as of June 2^nd, it is still important to act quickly to get eligible cases filed.