H-1B USAGE OFF TO SLOW START

The storyline continues. Last year, 13,500 regular H-1B applications were counted in the first week and 5,600 advanced degree applications. This year 5,900 regular applications were received in the first week and 4,500 advanced degree petitions. USCIS just reported that in the second week of counting, 7,100 regular cases were receipted and 5,100 advanced degree applications. That's roughly the typical weekly usage we saw last year and if the pace doesn't change much, the cap will potentially be hit one to two months later than for FY2011. Later this summer as the cap starts to get a little closer to being reached, we'll start issuing projections of the dates each quota is likely to be filled.