H1B Cap reached for FY 2015 - random selection completed

As predicted, the H-1B cap was reached within the first five days of April.  According to USCIS, the random selection process has been completed.  The total number of applications received was 172,500 -- nearly triple the allotted amount.  Read about it here.  The increased demand by US companies for qualified, talented workers in specialty occupations is strongest argument for Congress to restore the cap numbers to something reasonable.

H-1B Season for FY-2015 is Approaching

It is mid-January and it is not too early for employers to begin thinking about the preliminary preparation for new H-1Bs for next year.  Applications should be ready to be filed so that they arrive at the Vermont Service Center on April 1, 2014 for employment to begin on October 1, 2014.  As the date approaches, USCIS will likely provide guidance on filing and whether there will be a range of dates like last year.  It appears likely, based on the economy and visa availability during the last two years, that the visa cap will be reached during the initial filing period.  More news to come.

Immigration Reform - Not Dead Yet?

As we enter 2014, there is still a slight glimmer of hope that the 113th Congress may yet address immigration reform.  The Senate passed a comprehensive bill last year, but the House has declined to take up the issue.  Speaker Boehner has recently sent signals that at least certain pieces may be addressed this year.  The New York Times published an interesting article yesterday: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/02/us/politics/boehner-is-said-to-back-change-on-immigration.html?_r=0 

I had written off the chances for reform several months ago, but as we approach the 2014 elections, there is apparently renewed interest.  And if there is reform, let's hope that Congress addresses:  family unity, backlogs in processing, H-1B visas and DREAMers.

H-1B cap reached for FY 2014 -- That was fast

USCIS announced that it is no longer accepting H-1B applications for fiscal year 2014 which begins on October 1, 2013.  This is a sure sign that we are in economic recovery and that  comprehensive immigration reform is necessary.   Link to USCIS press release