USCIS has announced that, during the initial five-day filing period, it received approximately 17,400 H-1B petitions counting toward the 65,000 “regular” cap, and approximately 8,200 petitions toward the 20,000 cap exemption for individuals with advanced degrees.
These numbers are almost triple last year’s number of regular H-1B petitions (5,900) and almost double last year’s number of advanced degree H-1B petitions (4,500) received during the initial five-day filing period.
Last year’s cap was reached in November. If this increased pace continues, it is likely that the cap will be reached much earlier this year, so DO NOT DELAY in identifying and filing your H-1s!
If you have questions, please contact Managing Partner Michael Wildes at michael@wildeslaw.com.
