USCIS Provides Usage Update on FY2007 H1B Numbers
Posted May 12, 2006
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Standard Quota H1B Cap Usage
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The USCIS reports that, as of April 28, 2006, there were 16,737 cases filed against the Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 standard H1B cap. This translates to 4024 standard cap cases filed between April 24, 2006 and April 28, 2006. This is nearly double the previous rate of 529 cases per day, based on the last report. The standard cap is 58,200 for FY2007, which represents the regular cap of 65,000, less the 6,800 numbers set aside under the US-Chile and US-Singapore Free Trade Agreements.
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H1B Advanced Degree Cap Usage
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The advanced degree cases increased in the same period by 526 to a total of 2,884 advanced degree cases filed. As MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers have been advised previously, there are 20,000 advanced degree exemptions in FY2007.
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Future Predictions
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If this pace continues, the standard H1B cap could be met in July 2006, and the advanced degree cap could be met in September 2006. As can be seen from the difference between the last report and this one, however, there is no set stability in the number of H1B cases submitted at any given time. Further, we still expect that there will be a surge in filings in May 2006, as more foreign nationals graduate and become eligible for H1B filings under the advanced degree and regular quotas. Therefore, anyone who can file an H1B petition now, should do so at the earliest. We will continue to watch this matter closely and update MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers as soon as new information becomes available.