On June 12, 2012, USCIS announced that it has reached the H-1B statutory cap of 65,000 for fiscal year 2013 (FY-2013). USCIS will reject cap subject petitions for new H-1B petitions received after June 11, 2012. The additional 20,000 cap for advanced degree H-1B petitions was reached on June 7, 2012. USCIS will continue to accept H-1B petitions to extend status, change the terms of employment, allow change of employers, or allow concurrent employment. 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 2013 H-1B Cap
