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The filing period for cap-subject H-1B petitions opened Monday, and the number of petitions is expected to exceed the number of H-1B visas available within five business days.
Congress set the annual cap on H-1B visas at 65,000, plus an additional 20,000 visas for people with a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. university. For those filing for the first time or in need of a refresher, here is how the process is likely to unfold over the next few weeks:
In years past, petitions filed with a request for premium processing have been eligible for expedited 15-day processing. However, USCIS announced earlier this month that it will suspend premium processing of all H-1B petitions filed on and after the first day of the H-1B cap filing season.
Employers filing H-1B petitions may be eligible for expedited processing, but they must meet one of the criteria, such as severe financial loss to the company or individual, emergency situations, a compelling interest to USCIS, national interest, humanitarian reasons or USCIS error. Expedited requests are decided on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of USCIS. Historically, very few expedited requests are granted, particularly when the request is driven by business considerations. BAL Analysis: The H-1B cap has been reached in the first week of filing in each of the past four years, and there is every indication that the same will happen this year. USCIS received more than 236,000 H-1B cap-subject petitions during last year’s filing period, up from about 233,000 in 2015 and 172,500 in 2014. Because of the suspension of premium processing, employers should expect delays in H-1B cap receipt notices this year. BAL will continue to report on the status of the cap and the lottery next week and throughout the spring.
This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact BerryApplemanLeiden@bal.com. Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
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