U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) yesterday announced information on the number of filings for H-1B petitions for the fiscal year 2010 program.

USCIS has received approximately 45,500 H-1B petitions counting toward the Congressionally-mandated 65,000 cap. The agency continues to accept petitions subject to the general cap.

Additionally, USCIS has received approximately 20,000 petitions for aliens with advanced degrees; however, we continue to accept advanced degree petitions since experience has shown that not all petitions received are approvable. Congress mandated that the first 20,000 of these types of petitions are exempt from any fiscal year cap on available H-1B visas.

For cases filed for premium processing during the initial five-day filing window, the 15-day premium processing period began April 7. For cases filed for premium processing after the filing window, the premium processing period begins on the date USCIS takes physical possession of the petition.

USCIS will provide regular updates on the processing of FY2010 H-1B petitions.

If you or a loved one require assistance in applying for an H-1B visa or other nonimmigrant (temporary) visa, please contact us to schedule your initial consultation with an experienced Virginia immigration lawyer today. Our immigration attorneys represent clients in Manassas, Woodbridge, Stafford, Alexandria, Arlington, Fredericksburg, Falls Church, Fairfax and all of Northern Virginia, as well as throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia.