H1B Visa 2011 - Quota and Cap Count - Latest Update January 12, 2011
The current number of H1B visas that can be filed immediately with employment authorization start dates is 6,300
These H1B visas are still available for last years
2010 H1B visa quota
This is great news for anyone that wants or needs an H1B visa quickly, because these unused visas from last years quota have already passed the H1B programs regulatory filing and employment periods - which means they can now be filed immediately with employment start dates
H1B employers are still hiring and sponsoring for the available H1B visas, and the USCIS welcomes and continues to accept new H1B applications until all the remaining visas have been issued
Each year there is a quota allocation (limitation) for the number of H1B visas that can issued for that Fiscal year.
The H1B quota allocation is only for 'new' or 'first time' visas applications.
H1B cap-exempt and visa transfers are NOT included or counted towards the quota allocation. Cap-exempt and transfers have no quota limitations, and no set time date or period for filing (there is an unlimited number that can be filed anytime of year)
For
2011, the H1B quota allocation remains the same at a total 85,000 visas available
Each year US companies can start filing H1B visas from April 1st onwards for International professionals and students that they recruit and hire in January, February and March. Any H1B visas that remain can continue to be filed for until the annual quota allocation has been filled.
Because there is a quota system (limited availability) , many of the regular and largest H1B employers always start recruiting and selecting in January which eliminates traditional sponsorship risks, allows sufficient time to find and sponsor the best candidates, and be prepared and ready to file early which always helps to ensure they get issued visas.