Each year, the U.S. government allows an annual cap of 65,000 new H-1B visas with an additional 20,000 allotted to U.S. masters degree professionals. The petitions can be filed six months in advance of the fiscal year and start of authorized work date of October 1, 2012. Monday, April 2, 2012 USCIS will begin accepting FY2013 H-1B cap-subject visas. Because there is a cap planning for new H-1B visa filings should start early. Certain employers are exempt from this cap. For more information, click here.