NewsFlash! April Fools' Joke Regarding H1B Cap - April 3, 2006
Posted Apr 03, 2006
©MurthyDotCom
In order to ward off any potential rumors to the contrary, the Fiscal Year 2007 (FY2007) H1B cap was NOT reached on the first day to start filing new H1Bs, for those subject to the H1B cap. A panic was created among immigration attorneys on April 3, 2006, when a reputable publisher issued via eMail what appeared to be a USCIS announcement. That announcement stated that the H1B cap had been reached entirely as of April 3, 2006. We had an idea that it might be an April Fools' joke, since it would be virtually impossible, logistically speaking, to hit the cap on April 3, when the USCIS was not open on Saturday, April 1 to accept any H1B petitions. However, since it appeared in an official publication that is normally reliable, and, in the world of immigration, the unbelievable sometimes becomes a reality, it generated concern and speculation.
©MurthyDotCom
In the event that the announcement is forwarded further, or that it generates rumors, we at the Murthy Law Firm want to be clear that it was simply a rumor that began as an April Fools' joke. For the time being, the H1B cap is open for FY2007, for both the regular 65,000 quota and under the 20,000 quota that applies to those who qualify under the U.S. master's degree or higher education quota. We will update MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers regarding any official announcements regarding the H1B cap with correct information or to ward off rumors, as we have done in this case.