Last year, the USCIS conducted a computer-generated lottery to select     FY2015 H-1B petitions for processing. The USCIS received approximately 172,500 H-1B petitions for the allotted 85,000 cap-subject H-1B spots.   After the 20,000 U.S. advanced-degree cases were selected, approximately 152,500 cases were left in a general lottery for 65,000 spots.  In order to improve the chances of selection, planning and preparation should begin now.   If you or anyone you know are considering filing a new H-1B visa April 1, 2015 please contact us as soon as possible.

On a positive note, in January, a bipartisan team of Senators have re-introduced the “I-squared” legislation bill. This bill proposes to raise the H-1B cap to 115,000 and allow a flexible cap of up to 195,000 H-1B visas depending on the demand. We are following this development and will keep you informed as it progresses.