[authors: Geetha Adinata, Charles Roach]

Executive Summary:  There is an annual limit of 65,000 H-1B numbers available to foreign nationals with Bachelor's Degrees and an additional 20,000 for those holding U.S. Master's Degrees.  With what appears to be a rebounding economy and a surge in employers hiring foreign workers again, the H1-B numbers have gone more quickly this year than they have over the last three years. 

As of May 18, 2012, only 23,000 H-1B visa numbers remain for 2012 for the Bachelor Degree category.  Only 4,000 H-1B visa numbers remain for the U.S. Master's Degree category.

Employers' Bottom Line:

Employers who would like to file an H-1B petition for a new foreign worker must act quickly.  If you need assistance in filing an H1-B case or have other business immigration questions, please contact Geetha Adinata, gadinata@fordharrison.com, or Charles Roach, croach@fordharrison.com, both of whom are members of our Business Immigration practice group, or the Ford & Harrison attorney with whom you usually work.