Latest H1B Cap Update
Posted May 25, 2006
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The USCIS continues to provide frequent updates on H1B cap usage. On May 24, 2006, the USCIS reported that 8,068 standard H1B cap cases were filed between May 12 and May 19, 2006. This raises the filing total to 42,876 standard H1B cap-subject cases filed; an average of approximately 1152 filings per day for the latest reporting period. Also during that period, there was an increase of 720 advanced degree cases filed, increasing that category to a total of 5,358 cases filed; an average of approximately 102 cases per day. These figures reflect a slightly lower rate of usage than the previous reporting period, but still indicate that the regular cap is likely to be met very shortly.
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Regular readers of MurthyDotCom and the MurthyBulletin readers know that the standard H1B annual fiscal cap quota has 58,200 H1B numbers available, with 6,800 additional H1B numbers set aside under trade agreements with Chile and Singapore. There are 20,000 cap exemptions allowed under the advanced degree cap for persons with U.S. masters' degrees or higher levels of U.S. education.
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The standard H1B cap is still on track to be met in early June 2006. The advanced degree cap will likely be met in September or October 2006, if the current pace continues. Of course, if there is a rush in filings, then any projections will no longer hold.
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We will continue to monitor this information to share it with our readers. Watch MurthyDotCom and the MurthyBulletin for future updates on this matter.