Following are updates of the H1B Cap for FY2010 as the USCIS has released information. These are posted in reverse chronological order when new data is made available.

Remaining Cap Numbers : 3500 as of November 6, 2009
Updated Nov 17, 2009; 4pm (ET)

Cap Count Climbs as of October 30, 2009
Updated Nov 04, 2009; 7:45pm (ET)

Advanced-Degree Cap Met : Regular Cap Much Higher Oct 25, 2009  Updated Nov 03, 2009; 9:30pm (ET)

H1B Cap : September 25, 2009
Updated Oct 02, 2009; 11:15am (ET)

H1B Cap : August 28, 2009
Updated Sep 08, 2009; 12:15pm (ET)

H1B Cap : August 14, 2009 Update
Updated Aug 19, 2009; 12:15pm (ET)

H1B Cap : August 07, 2009 Update
Updated Aug 12, 2009; 8:00am (ET)

H1B Cap : July 24, 2009 Update
Updated Aug 02, 2009; 8:00am (ET)

H1B Cap : July 10, 2009 Update
Updated Jul 13, 2009; 6:00pm (ET)

H1B Cap : July 03, 2009 Update
Updated Jul 08, 2009; 5:15pm (ET)

H1B Cap : June 26, 2009 Update
Updated Jun 30, 2009; 5:00pm (ET)

H1B Cap : June 19, 2009 Update
Updated Jun 24, 2009; 2:30pm (ET)

H1B Cap : Count Decreases, June 12, 2009
Updated Jun 15, 2009; 6:00pm (ET)

H1B Cap : Slight Change in Count, May 22, 2009
Updated May 27, 2009; 8:45am (ET)

H1B Cap : Slight Change in Count, May 18, 2009
Updated May 19, 2009; 11:15am (ET)

H1B Cap : Count Again Unchanged, May 11, 2009
Updated May 13, 2009; 6:00pm (ET)

H1B Cap Count Remains Unchanged : USCIS May 1, 2009
Updated May 05, 2009 (6:45pm ET)

Advanced Degree & Regular Caps Still Open : USCIS April 27, 2009
Updated Apr 29, 2009 (1:30pm ET)

USCIS Updates Count of FY2010 H1B Filings
Updated Apr 20, 2009 (1:30pm ET)

H1B Cap Numbers Remaining : April 13, 2009 Count
Updated Apr 20, 2009 (1:30pm ET)

H1B Masters Cap Almost Reached : April 9, 2009
Updated Apr 09, 2009 (2:45pm ET)

H1B Cap Numbers Still Available : April 9, 2009
Updated Apr 09, 2009 (11:30am ET)

H1B Cap Not Reached : April 8, 2009
Posted Apr 08, 2009




NewsFlash! Remaining Cap Numbers : 3500 as of November 6, 2009
Updated Nov 17, 2009; 4pm (ET)
©MurthyDotCom
The cap count continues to rise. The USCIS update reflects that approximately 54,700 cases had been filed against the regular cap, as of November 6, 2009. The advanced degree cap was reached previously. Cases filed for individuals with advanced degrees are now being counted against the regular cap. As of the November 6th count, there are only 3,500 cap numbers remaining for FY10. This is based on the cap of 65,000, reduced by the 6,800 numbers set aside under certain free trade agreements. We will continue to provide updates on the H1B cap until it is reached.



NewsFlash! Cap Count Climbs as of October 30, 2009
Updated Nov 04, 2009; 7:45pm (ET)
©MurthyDotCom
The USCIS has provided another H1B cap count update, as of October 30, 2009. This new count follows an update for October 25th that reflected a significant upswing in filings. As the cap count approaches the limit, frequent updates become the norm. As of October 30th, the H1B cap count rose to 53,800. This is an increase of 1,000 filings in a few days. With this count, there are only 4400 regular H1B cap numbers remaining for FY2010. The advanced degree cap limit of 20,000 has been reached. Cases requesting the advanced degree cap numbers are now being counted against the regular cap.



NewsFlash! Advanced-Degree Cap Met : Regular Cap Much Higher Oct 25, 2009  Updated Nov 03, 2009; 9:30pm (ET)
©MurthyDotCom
The number of H1B cap filings increased significantly in October 2009. The advanced-degree cap of 20,000 has been met. Any additional cases requesting advanced-degree cap numbers will be counted against the regular cap. The USCIS cap count, as of October 25, 2009, is 52,800 for the regular cap. This current count reflects an increase of 6,100 filings in one month. This is a much higher rate of filings than has been seen since the cap count started in April 2009. With the exception of the initial filings in April, H1B filings have been extremely light. Updates have been provided on MurthyDotCom throughout the cap season. The USCIS will continue to accept FY2010 H1B cases under the regular cap until the limit is reached. However, the increase in filings means that there is, once again, a danger that the cap could be reached in the near future.



NewsFlash! H1B Cap : September 25, 2009
Updated Oct 02, 2009; 11:15am (ET)
©MurthyDotCom
The USCIS has once again updated the H1B cap count. As of September 25, 2009, the regular cap count is 46,700. The advanced-degree cap remains at 20,000. Since neither cap has been reached at the time of this writing, the USCIS will continue to accept FY2010 H1B cases under the advanced-degree and regular caps. We will continue to provide updates on the H1B cap.



NewsFlash! H1B Cap : August 28, 2009
Updated Sep 08, 2009; 12:15pm (ET)
©MurthyDotCom
The USCIS released an updated H1B cap count of 45,100 as of August 28, 2009. This reflects an increase of 100 cases from the prior count, provided two weeks earlier. The advanced-degree cap remains at 20,000. The USCIS continues to accept FY2010 H1B cases under the advanced-degree and regular caps. The Murthy Law Firm will continue to provide updates on the H1B cap.



NewsFlash! H1B Cap : August 14, 2009 Update
Updated Aug 19, 2009; 12:15pm (ET)
©MurthyDotCom
The USCIS H1B cap count, as of August 14, 2009, is 45,000. This is a slight increase over the past several counts. The advanced degree cap remains at 20,000. The USCIS continues to accept FY2010 H1B cases under the advanced degree and regular caps. We will continue to provide updates as they are released.



NewsFlash! H1B Cap : August 7, 2009 Update
Updated Aug 12, 2009; 12:30am (ET)
©MurthyDotCom
The H1B cap count again shows no change, remaining at 44,900 as of August 7, 2009. The USCIS is continuing to accept H1B cap cases under both the advanced-degree and regular caps for FY2010. We will continue to provide cap count updates.



NewsFlash! H1B Cap : July 24, 2009 Update
Updated Aug 02, 2009; 8:00am (ET)
©MurthyDotCom
The H1B cap count remains unchanged. The USCIS issued a count of the cases received as of July 24, 2009, which was identical to the previous one. There have been 44,900 regular cap cases and 20,000 advanced-degree cap cases filed for the fiscal year 2010 limits. As of this writing, the USCIS continues to accept cases under both the regular and advanced-degree caps. MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers will continue to be updated on the latest cap count.



NewsFlash! H1B Cap : July 10, 2009 Update
Updated Jul 13, 2009; 6:00pm (ET)
©MurthyDotCom
The H1B cap count moved backward slightly, with a count of 44,900 as of July 10, 2009. No explanation was provided for the decrease. Both the advanced-degree and regular caps remain open for FY2010. MurthyDotCom readers should continue to look for updated information on this page.



NewsFlash! H1B Cap : July 3, 2009 Update
Updated Jul 08, 2009; 5:15pm (ET)
©MurthyDotCom
The H1B cap count continues to inch forward, with an approximate count of 45,000 as of July 3, 2009. This is a slight increase over the last count. As of this writing, both the advanced-degree and regular caps remain open for FY2010. We will continue to provide updated cap count information, as it is made available.



NewsFlash! H1B Cap : June 26, 2009 Update
Updated Jun 30, 2009; 5:00pm (ET)
©MurthyDotCom
The USCIS has announced that the H1B cap count increased slightly, as of June 26, 2009, to 44,800 regular cap cases. The advanced-degree cap remains at 20,000. As of this writing, both the advanced-degree and regular caps remain open. We will continue to update our readers with the latest information available.



NewsFlash! H1B Cap : June 19, 2009 Update
Updated Jun 24, 2009; 2:30pm (ET)
©MurthyDotCom
The USCIS cap count as of June 19, 2009 reports 44,500 regular cap cases. This is slightly higher than the cap count given on June 12, but is still lower than a count given for May 22, 2009.
©MurthyDotCom
As of this writing, both the Advanced Degree and Regular H1B Caps remain open. We will continue to provide updated cap count information as it is made available.



NewsFlash! H1B Cap : Count Decreases, June 12, 2009
Updated Jun 15, 2009; 6:00pm (ET)
©MurthyDotCom
The most recent USCIS H1B cap count indicates a lower number of cases than had been previously reported. The updated count reports the receipt of 44,400 “regular” cap cases, through June 12, 2009. This is lower than the previous count of 47,700, given as of May 22, 2009. No explanation was provided. Thus, this reduced number may reflect either withdrawals by employers, denials by the USCIS, duplicate filings, or an error in the prior cap counts.
©MurthyDotCom
As of this writing, both the Advanced Degree and Regular caps remain open. We will continue to provide updated cap count information.



NewsFlash! H1B Cap : Slight Change in Count, May 22, 2009
Updated May 27, 2009; 8:45am (ET)
©MurthyDotCom
The USCIS updated the H1B cap count on May 26, 2009. The new count is slightly higher than that of the past six counts. The USCIS reports that both the regular and advanced degree caps remain open. The most recent count includes all cases received through May 22, 2009. As of that date, the USCIS had received approximately 45,700 regular cap cases. They had received at least 20,000 advanced degree cap case, but continue to accept filings in this category, as the USCIS does not approve all cases that are received.
©MurthyDotCom
We will continue to update MurthyDotCom as the cap count continues.



NewsFlash! H1B Cap : Slight Change in Count, May 18, 2009
Updated May 19, 2009; 11:15am (ET)
©MurthyDotCom
The USCIS updated the H1B cap count on May 19, 2009. The new one is slightly higher than the past three counts. The USCIS reports that both the regular and advanced-degree caps remain open. The most recent count includes all cases received through May 18, 2009. As of this count, the USCIS has received approximately 45,500 regular cap cases. At least 20,000 advanced-degree cap cases have been received, but continue to accept filings in this category, as the USCIS does not approve all cases that are received.
©MurthyDotCom
We will continue to update MurthyDotCom as the cap count continues.



NewsFlash! H1B Cap : Count Again Unchanged, May 11, 2009
Updated May 13, 2009; 6:00pm (ET)
©MurthyDotCom
The USCIS issued another cap count on May 13, 2009. This count includes all cases received through May 11, 2009. This count is the same as the past two counts. This reflects minimal cap-subject case filings following the initial rush at the beginning of April 2009.
©MurthyDotCom
As before, the USCIS reports receipt of approximately 45,000 regular cap cases. The USCIS is continuing to accept both regular and advanced-degree cap cases. While they have received somewhat above 20,000 advanced-degree cap case, they do not close the cap at exactly 20,000, because there is an expectation that not all cases will ultimately be approved.
©MurthyDotCom
We will continue to update MurthyDotCom as the cap count continues.



NewsFlash! H1B Cap Count Remains Unchanged : USCIS May 1, 2009  Updated May 05, 2009 (6:45pm ET)
©MurthyDotCom
The USCIS issued updated cap count information on May 5, 2009. This count includes cases received through May 1st. The figures indicate that very few cap cases are still being filed. The count through May 1st remains unchanged from the previous count, which included cases filed through April 27th.
©MurthyDotCom
The USCIS reports a count of approximately 45,000 regular cap cases received as of May 1, 2009. As before, both regular and advanced-degree cap cases continue to be accepted. The advanced-degree count remains somewhere above 20,000, but an allowance is made for accepting additional cases, as ultimately not every case is approved.
©MurthyDotCom
We will continue to update MurthyDotCom as the cap count continues.



NewsFlash! Advanced Degree & Regular Caps Still Open : USCIS April 27, 2009  Updated Apr 29, 2009 (1:30pm ET)
©MurthyDotCom
The USCIS cap update continues to show that both the advanced-degree and regular H1B caps remain open at last count. As of April 27, 2009, the USCIS had received approximately 45,000 regular cap cases. They are continuing to accept advanced-degree cases above the 20,000 that have already been received. As explained previously, this is due to an expectation that some cases will not be approved.
©MurthyDotCom
We at the Murthy Law Firm will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.



NewsFlash! USCIS Updates Count of FY2010 H1B Filings
Updated Apr 20, 2009 (1:30pm ET)
©MurthyDotCom
Read this latest update online.



NewsFlash! H1B Cap Numbers Remaining : April 13, 2009 Count
Updated Apr 20, 2009 (1:30pm ET)
©MurthyDotCom
The USCIS provided an updated H1B cap count for Fiscal Year 2010 (FY2010) on April 20, 2009. The count includes cases received as of April 13, 2009. As of that date, the USCIS places the regular cap count at 43,000. They report receipt of 20,000 petitions under the advanced-degree cap. They are continuing to accept cases under both caps.
©MurthyDotCom
The advanced-degree cap is limited to 20,000 cases. However, the USCIS is still accepting some additional petitions under that category, in anticipation of typical rates of denials or withdrawals. Thus, it is still possible for employers who may need H1B workers during FY2010 to file cases for those workers. The Murthy Law Firm is continuing to accept cap-subject H1B cases for filing.
©MurthyDotCom
We are watching this important issue very closely, and will continue to provide cap count information.



NewsFlash! H1B Masters Cap Almost Reached : April 9, 2009
Updated Apr 09, 2009 (2:45pm ET)
©MurthyDotCom
The USCIS announced on April 9, 2009 that it has received approximately 42,000 petitions toward the H1B cap for fiscal year (FY) 2010. The USCIS also stated that it had received approximately 20,000 petitions for foreign nationals holding advanced degrees. Due to the fact that some H1B petitions for advanced degree holders are rejected each year, USCIS is continuing to accept petitions for the advanced-degree cap.
©MurthyDotCom
We at the Murthy Law Firm will continue to closely monitor the status of H1B cap for FY2010, and will update readers as information becomes available.



NewsFlash! H1B Cap Numbers Still Available : April 9, 2009
Updated Apr 09, 2009 (11:30am ET)
©MurthyDotCom
The USCIS announced on April 8, 2009 that the H1B cap for fiscal year (FY) 2010 has not been reached.
©MurthyDotCom
Later that same day, USCIS answered a series of questions during an American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Liaison call. It estimates that, by April 8, 2009, approximately half of the petitions needed to exhaust the general H1B Cap of 58,500 petitions were received. USCIS also stated that almost all of the 20,000 H1B petitions necessary to exhaust the annual advanced-degree cap (or "Masters cap") were received. When asked about the start of the 15-day time period for premium processing, USCIS stated that April 7, 2009 will be the beginning date for such petitions. The issuance of receipts for cap-subject H1B petitions that are accepted for processing began on April 8, 2009.
©MurthyDotCom
Thus, as of this writing the USCIS is still accepting H1B cap-subject cases. We at the Murthy Law Firm will continue to closely monitor the status of H1B cap for FY2010, and will update readers as information becomes available.



NewsFlash! H1B Cap Not Reached : April 8, 2009
Posted Apr 08, 2009
©MurthyDotCom
The USCIS announced on April 8, 2009 that the H1B cap for fiscal year (FY) 2010 has not been reached. Thus, as of this writing the USCIS is still accepting H1B cap subject cases. This is very good news for everyone with H1B cases filed during the five business day period between April 1 and April 7, 2009. This announcement applies to both the advanced-degree cap for those with U.S. master’s degrees or higher, as well as the regular cap for all other H1B cases.
©MurthyDotCom
The USCIS only indicated that they are still accepting cases as of April 8, 2009. They did not provide any indication as to the number of cases that were filed in the first five business days, or how many cap numbers remain. Thus, there is no way to know when either cap will be reached. We at the Murthy Law Firm will continue to closely monitor the status of H1B cap for FY2010, and will update readers as information becomes available.