On April 1, 2014, USCIS will begin accepting new cap-subject H-1B petitions, which provide for an employment start date of October 1, 2014, or later.
Each year, H-1B visas are subject to an annual numeric limitation of 65,000 visas, which are issued on a first come, first served basis. Aside from the base number of 65,000 visas available, 20,000 additional H-1B visas are available for individuals that have an advanced degree – the U.S. equivalent of a master’s degree or higher.
Last year, USCIS reached the cap of available H-1B visas on April 5, 2013. By that date, USCIS had received approximately 124,000 H-1B Petitions (including advanced-degree submissions), which resulted in a lottery system to determine which petitions were accepted for further processing. It is expected that we will reach the cap at an early stage this year as well.
If your hiring needs include H-1B skilled applicants, careful planning is essential to make certain that you maximize your chance of securing an H-1B visa(s). Employers are encouraged to contact our firm to discuss your needs.
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