On November 23, 2011, USCIS announced that it had reached the 65,000 statutory H-1B cap for fiscal year 2014 (FY-2012) on November 22, 2011. USCIS will reject cap-subject petitions for FY-2012 that are received after November 22, 2011. USCIS reached the 20,000 additional cap for advanced degree H-1B petitions on October 19, 2011. The H-1B program allows U.S. companies to employ foreign nationals in specialty occupations — those requiring specialized knowledge and a bachelors degree. Cap subject H-1B visas are subject to an annual statutory cap of 65,000. An additional cap of 20,000 is set aside for H-1B petitions requiring masters degrees or higher. Certain employment offers, like those at institutions of higher education or related or affiliated nonprofit entities, or non-profit research organizations, or governmental research organizations, are not subject to H-1B numerical cap limitations. Related Links USCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2012 H-1B Cap
