USCIS To Accept FY2011 H-1B Visa Applications Starting April 1, 2010
March 8, 2010 - The USCIS announces that H-1B visa petitions may be filed starting April 1, 2010. The fiscal year cap (numerical limitations on H-1B petitions) for FY2011 is 65,000. An additional 20,000 is allocated for petitions filed on behalf of aliens who have earned a U.S. masters degree or higher. H-1B visa petitions for FY2011 may be filed for employment starting October 1, 2010.
Certain petitions are exempt from the H-1B visa Caps. Exempt from the cap are H-1B petitions filed on behalf of aliens who will work at institutions of higher education or related or affiliated non-profit entities, non-profit research organizations or governmental research organizations. Also exempt are petitions to extend or amend an existing H-1B visa status; change employers, accept concurrent employment or change the terms of existing employment.
[Read The USCIS Memo on the FY 2011 H-1B Visa Cap]