As expected, the sluggish economy has substantially dampened demand for H-1B visa numbers.

During the first week or so of April, only about 5,000+ petitions were filed seeking an October 1, 2011 start date for new H-1B jobs in the private sector.

Since there are about 65,000 numbers available for private sector H-1B employers, plus 20,000 for applicants possessing a Masters Degree from the U.S., we expect numbers to remain available for the foreseeable future.

After the supply of numbers is exhausted, the Immigration Service will continue to process the following types of H-1B Petitions for immediate employment in the private sector:

• Extensions of stay for current H-1B workers.
   

• Changes in the terms or conditions of employment for current H-1B workers.
   

• Transfers of current “private” H-1B workers to new employers.
   

• New petitions for workers who previously held “private” H-1B status during the past six years who have not been absent from the U.S. for more than one year.
   

• Petitions for concurrent employment of H-1B workers.

Cap-exempt employers are still free to seek H-1B status at any time, without regard to the quota limitation on the private sector.

Please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions.