NOTICE TO EMPLOYERS – USCIS Continues to Accept FY 2011 H-1B Petitions

USCIS Continues to Accept FY 2011 H-1B Petitions. As of November 19, 2010, approximately 48,977 H-1B cap-subject petitions were receipted. Additionally, USCIS has receipted 17,836 H-1B petitions for aliens with advanced degrees.

H-1B petitions are generally (exceptions apply to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations) subject to the 65,000 H-1B numerical limitation (the “cap”). Some petitions are exempt from the cap under the advanced degree exemption provided to the first 20,000 petitions filed for a beneficiary who has obtained a U.S. master’s degree or higher. Please note that up to 6,800 visas may be set aside from the cap of 65,000 during each fiscal year for the H-1B1 program under the terms of the legislation implementing the U.S.-Chile and U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreements.