VisaPro.com - USCIS

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the 2nd half of fiscal year 2012 employment. As of May 11, 2012, USCIS has approved filings on behalf of approximately 23,024 H2B beneficiaries for the 2nd half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	36,609	0	45,000	36,609	03/31/2012
H2B Second half	33,000	23,024	2,468	---	25,492	05/11/2012

Note: Target Beneficiaries refers to the estimated number of beneficiaries needed to be included on petitions filed with USCIS to reach the H-2B cap, with an allowance for withdrawals, denials and revocations. This number will always be higher than the actual cap.

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H1B Cap Count Reaches to 36,700

USCIS has updated the count of H1B visa petitions received and counted towards the H1B cap for the fiscal year 2013 employment. As of May 11, 2012, USCIS has received approximately 36,700 H1B cap-subject petitions and 14,800 petitions for foreign nationals with advanced degrees.

FY 2013 H1B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Cap Eligible Petitions	Date of Last Count
H1B Regular Cap	65,000	36,700	05/11/2012
H1B Master's Exemption	20,000	14,800	05/11/2012

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H1B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the 2nd half of fiscal year 2012 employment. As of May 4, 2012, USCIS has approved filings on behalf of approximately 22,139 H2B beneficiaries for the 2nd half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	36,609	0	45,000	36,609	03/31/2012
H2B Second half	33,000	22,139	2,896	---	25,035	05/04/2012

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H1B Cap Count Reaches to 32,500

USCIS has updated the count of H1B visa petitions received and counted towards the H1B cap for the fiscal year 2013 employment. As of May 04, 2012, USCIS has received approximately 32,500 H1B cap-subject petitions and 13,700 petitions for foreign nationals with advanced degrees.

FY 2013 H1B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Cap Eligible Petitions	Date of Last Count
H1B Regular Cap	65,000	32,500	05/04/2012
H1B Master's Exemption	20,000	13,700	05/04/2012

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H1B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H1B Cap Count Reaches to 29,200

USCIS has updated the count of H1B visa petitions received and counted towards the H1B cap for the fiscal year 2013 employment. As of April 27, 2012, USCIS has received approximately 29,200 H1B cap-subject petitions and 12,300 petitions for foreign nationals with advanced degrees.

FY 2013 H1B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Cap Eligible Petitions	Date of Last Count
H1B Regular Cap	65,000	29,200	04/27/2012
H1B Master's Exemption	20,000	12,300	04/27/2012

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H1B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the 2nd half of fiscal year 2012 employment. As of April 27, 2012, USCIS has approved filings on behalf of approximately 21,578 H2B beneficiaries for the 2nd half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	36,609	0	45,000	36,609	03/31/2012
H2B Second half	33,000	21,578	2,800	---	24,378	04/27/2012

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the 2nd half of fiscal year 2012 employment. As of April 20, 2012, USCIS has approved filings on behalf of approximately 20,915 H2B beneficiaries for the 2nd half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	36,609	0	45,000	36,609	03/31/2012
H2B Second half	33,000	20,915	2,516	---	23,431	04/20/2012

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H1B Cap Count Reaches to 25,000

USCIS has updated the count of H1B visa petitions received and counted towards the H1B cap for the fiscal year 2013 employment. As of April 20, 2012, USCIS has received approximately 25,000 H1B cap-subject petitions and 10,900 petitions for foreign nationals with advanced degrees.

FY 2013 H1B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Cap Eligible Petitions	Date of Last Count
H1B Regular Cap	65,000	25,000	04/13/2012
H1B Master's Exemption	20,000	10,900	04/13/2012

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H1B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

USCIS Releases Information on Automatic Extension of F-1 Student Status for Those with Pending H-1Bs

USCIS has issued the following Questions & Answers that address the automatic extension of F-1 student status in the United States for certain students with pending or approved H-1B petitions (indicating a request for change of status from F-1 to H-1B) for an employment start date of October 1, 2012 under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 H-1B cap.

Questions & Answers

Q1. What is “Cap-Gap”?

A1. Current regulations allow certain students with pending or approved H-1B petitions to remain in F-1 status during the period of time when an F-1 student’s status and work authorization would otherwise expire through the start date of their approved H-1B employment period. This is referred to as filling the “cap-gap,” meaning the regulations provide a way of filling the “gap” between the end of F-1 status and the beginning of H-1B status that might otherwise occur if F-1 status is not extended for qualifying students.

Q2. How does “Cap-Gap” Occur?

A2. An employer may not file, and USCIS may not accept, an H-1B petition submitted more than six months in advance of the date of actual need for the beneficiary’s services or training. As a result, the earliest date that an employer can file an FY 2013 H-1B cap-subject petition is April 2, 2012 for employment starting not before October 1, 2012. If USCIS approves the H-1B petition and the accompanying change of status request, the earliest date that the student may start the approved H-1B employment is October 1, 2012. Consequently, F-1 students whose periods of authorized stay expire before October 1, 2012, and who do not qualify for a cap-gap extension, are required to leave the United States, apply for an H-1B visa at a consular post abroad, and then seek readmission to the United States in H-1B status, for the dates reflected on the approved H-1B petition.

Q3. Which petitions and beneficiaries qualify for a cap-gap extension?

A3. H-1B petitions that are timely filed on behalf of an eligible F-1 student and request a change of status to H-1B on October 1, 2012 qualify for a cap-gap extension.

Timely filed means that the H-1B petition (indicating change of status rather than consular processing) was filed during the H-1B acceptance period, which begins Monday April 2, 2012, while the student's authorized F-1 duration of status (D/S) admission was still in effect (including any period of time during the academic course of study, any authorized periods of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), and the 60-day departure preparation period, commonly known as the “grace period”).

Once a timely filed request to change status to H-1B on October 1, 2012 has been made, the automatic cap-gap extension will begin and will continue until the H-1B petition adjudication process has been completed. If the student’s H-1B petition is selected and approved, the student’s extension will continue through September 30, 2012 unless the petition is denied, withdrawn, or revoked. If the student’s H-1B petition is not selected, the student will have the standard 60-day grace period from the date of the rejection notice or their program end date, whichever is later, to prepare for and depart the United States.

Students are strongly encouraged to stay in close communication with their petitioning employer during the cap-gap extension period for status updates on the H-1B petition processing.

Q4. How does a student covered under the cap-gap extension obtain proof of continuing status?

A4. The student should go to their Designated School Official (DSO) with evidence of a timely filed H-1B petition (indicating a request for change of status rather than for consular processing), such as a copy of the petition and a FedEx, UPS, or USPS Express/certified mail receipt. The student’s DSO will issue a preliminary cap-gap I-20 showing an extension until June 1, 2012.

If the H-1B petition is selected for adjudication, the student should return to his or her DSO with a copy of the petitioning employer’s Form I-797, Notice of Action, with a valid receipt number, indicating that the petition was filed and accepted. The student’s DSO will issue a new cap-gap I-20 indicating the continued extension of F-1 status.

Q5. Is a student who becomes eligible for an automatic cap-gap extension of status and employment authorization, but whose H-1B petition is subsequently rejected, denied or revoked, still allowed the 60-day grace period?

A5. If USCIS denies, rejects, or revokes an H-1B petition filed on behalf of an F-1 student covered by the automatic cap-gap extension of status, the student will have the standard 60-day grace period (from the date of the notification of the denial, rejection, or revocation of the petition) before he or she is required to depart the United States.

For denied cases, it should be noted that the 60-day grace period does not apply to an F-1 student whose accompanying change of status request is denied due to the discovery of a status violation. The student in this situation is not eligible for the automatic cap-gap extension of status or the 60-day grace period. Similarly, the 60-day grace period and automatic cap-gap extension of status would not apply to the case of a student whose petition was revoked based on a finding of fraud or misrepresentation discovered following approval. In both of these instances, the student would be required to leave the United States immediately.

Q6. May students travel outside the United States during a cap-gap extension period and return in F-1 status?

A6. No. A student granted a cap-gap extension who elects to travel outside the United States during the cap-gap extension period will not be able to return in F-1 status. The student will need to apply for an H-1B visa at a consular post abroad prior to returning. As the H-1B petition is for an October 1, 2012 start date, the student should be prepared to adjust his or her travel plans, accordingly.

Q7. What if a student’s post-completion OPT has expired and the student is in a valid grace period when an H-1B cap-subject petition is filed on their behalf? It appears that F-1 status would be extended, but would OPT also be extended?

A7. F-1 students who have entered the 60-day grace period are not employment-authorized. Consequently, if an H-1B cap-subject petition is filed on the behalf of a student who has entered the 60-day grace period, the student will receive the automatic cap-gap extension of his or her F-1 status, but will not become employment-authorized (since the student was not employment-authorized at the time H-1B petition was filed, there is no employment authorization to be extended).

Q8. Do the limits on unemployment time apply to students with a cap-gap extension?

A8: Yes. The 90-day limitation on unemployment during the initial post-completion OPT authorization continues during the cap-gap extension.

Q9. What is a STEM OPT extension?

A9. F-1 students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees included on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, are employed by employers enrolled in E-Verify, and who have received an initial grant of post-completion OPT employment authorization related to such a degree, may apply for a 17-month extension of this authorization. F-1 students may obtain additional information about STEM OPT extensions on the Student and Exchange Visitor Program website at www.ice.gov/sevis.

Q10. May a student eligible for a cap-gap extension of post-completion OPT employment authorization and F-1 status apply for a STEM OPT extension while he or she is in the cap-gap extension period?

A10. Yes. However, such application may not be made once the cap-gap extension period is terminated (e.g., if the H-1B petition is rejected, denied, or revoked), and the student has entered the 60-day departure preparation period.

Q11. In recent years, employers have been able to file H-1B cap-subject petitions after April 1, and have not always requested an October 1 start date. However, some students’ OPT end dates were nevertheless shortened to September 30, even though their H-1B employment would not begin until a later date. What should the student do to correct this?

A11. The student should contact their DSO. The DSO may request a data fix in SEVIS by contacting the SEVIS helpdesk.

Q12. If the student finds a new H-1B job, can he or she continue working with his/her approved EAD while the data fix in SEVIS is pending?

A12. Yes, if the (former) H-1B employer timely withdrew the H-1B petition and the following conditions are true:

the student finds employment appropriate to his or her OPT;
the period of OPT is unexpired; and
the DSO has requested a data fix in SEVIS.

Note: If the student had to file Form I-539 to request reinstatement to F-1 student status, the student may not work or attend classes until the reinstatement is approved.

Q13. If the student has an approved H-1B petition and change of status, but is laid off/terminated by the H-1B employer before the effective date, and the student has an unexpired EAD issued for post-completion OPT, can the student retrieve any unused OPT?

A13. Yes. The student will remain in student status and can continue working OPT using the unexpired EAD until the H-1B change of status goes into effect. The student also needs to make sure that USCIS receives a withdrawal request from the petitioner before the H-1B change of status effective date. This will prevent the student from changing to H-1B status. Once the petition has been revoked, the student must provide their DSO with a copy of the USCIS acknowledgement of withdrawal (i.e., the notice of revocation). The DSO may then request a data fix in SEVIS, to prevent the student from being terminated in SEVIS on the H-1B effective date, by contacting the SEVIS helpdesk.

If USCIS does not receive the withdrawal request prior to the H-1B petition change of status effective date, then the student will need to stop working, file a Form I-539 to request reinstatement, and wait until the reinstatement request is approved before resuming employment.

Q14. In cases where a student is authorized to work OPT past the H-1B change of status effective date, can the student continue working on OPT if a request to revoke/withdraw the H-1B change of status is submitted to USCIS?

A14. If the H-1B revocation occurs before the H-1B change of status effective date, the student may continue working while the data fix remains pending, because the student will still be in valid F-1 status.

If the H-1B revocation occurs on or after the H-1B change of status effective date, the student will need to stop working before the H-1B change of status effective date, apply for reinstatement, and wait until the reinstatement request is approved before resuming employment.

NOTE: This is NOT a cap-gap situation since the student has an EAD authorizing OPT beyond the H-1B change of status effective date.

Q15. Do students remain in valid F-1 status while the request to change the OPT end date is pending?

A15. If the H-1B revocation occurs before the H-1B change of status effective date, the student is still deemed to be in F-1 status while the data fix is pending.

If the H-1B revocation occurs after the H-1B change of status effective date, the student will not be in valid F-1 status and will therefore either need to apply for reinstatement or depart the United States.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the 2nd half of fiscal year 2012 employment. As of April 13, 2012, USCIS has approved filings on behalf of approximately 20,385 H2B beneficiaries for the 2nd half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	36,609	0	45,000	36,609	03/31/2012
H2B Second half	33,000	20,385	2,415	---	22,800	04/13/2012

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H1B Cap Count Reaches to 20,600

USCIS has updated the count of H1B visa petitions received and counted towards the H1B cap for the fiscal year 2013 employment. As of April 13, 2012, USCIS has received approximately 20,600 H1B cap-subject petitions and 9,700 petitions for foreign nationals with advanced degrees.

FY 2013 H1B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Cap Eligible Petitions	Date of Last Count
H1B Regular Cap	65,000	20,600	04/13/2012
H1B Master's Exemption	20,000	9,700	04/13/2012

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H1B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of March 31, 2012, USCIS has approved filings on behalf of approximately 36,609 H2B beneficiaries for the 1st half of FY 2012, and 18,736 H2B beneficiaries for the 2nd half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	36,609	0	45,000	36,609	03/31/2012
H2B Second half	33,000	18,736	3,203	---	21,939	03/31/2012

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

USCIS announces FY 2013 H1B Cap Count Details

USCIS has announced that as on 9th April 2012, it has received approximately 17,400 H-1B petitions counting toward the 65,000 cap, and approximately 8,200 petitions toward the 20,000 cap exemption for individuals with advanced degrees.

FY 2013 H1B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Cap Eligible Petitions	Date of Last Count
H1B Regular Cap	65,000	17,400	04/09/2012
H1B Master's Degree Exemption	20,000	8,200	04/09/2012

USCIS continues to accept H-1B nonimmigrant petitions that are subject to the FY 2013 cap. Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H1B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

USCIS Received 22,323 H-1B Cap filings for Employment in FY 2013

USCIS informed that it has received 22,323 cap-subject H-1B petitions as of April 4, 2012. Approximately 25% of these cases are for U.S. advanced degrees. According to USCIS, the number of filings received in the first few days of the H-1B season (April 1-April 4) is almost double the number of filings received by USCIS during the same time last year.

The cap (the numerical limit on H-1B petitions) for FY 2013 is 65,000. The first 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of individuals with U.S. master’s degrees or higher are exempt.

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H1B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of March 30, 2012, USCIS has approved filings on behalf of approximately 36,609 H2B beneficiaries for the 1st half of FY 2012, and 17,072 H2B beneficiaries for the 2nd half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	36,609	2,496	45,000	39,105	003/30/2012
H2B Second half	33,000	17,072	1,329	---	18,401	03/30/2012

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

TPS Designated for Syria

USCIS has announced that eligible Syrian nationals (and persons without nationality who last habitually resided in Syria) in the U.S. may apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Syria joins El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan as countries currently designated for TPS. The TPS designation for Syria is effective March 29, 2012, and will remain in effect through September 30, 2013. The 180-day TPS registration period begins March 29, 2012 and ends on September 25, 2012.

This designation means that eligible Syrian nationals will not be removed from the United States, and may request employment authorization. To be eligible for TPS, Syrians must meet all individual requirements for TPS, including demonstrating that they have continually resided and been continually physically present in the United States since March 29, 2012. USCIS has also announced that all individuals who apply for TPS will undergo a thorough security check, and individuals with criminal records or who pose a threat to national security are not eligible for TPS and their applications will be denied.

USCIS to accept H-1B Petitions for FY 2013 beginning April 2, 2012

USCIS has announced that it will begin accepting H-1B petitions subject to the FY 2013 cap on Monday April 2, 2012. The statutory numerical limitation on H-1B petitions for FY 2013 is 65,000. Additionally, the first 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of individuals who have earned a U.S. master’s degree or higher are exempt from the fiscal year cap.

USCIS has announced that it will monitor the number of petitions received and will notify the public of the date on which USCIS received the necessary number of petitions to meet the H-1B cap. If the number of applications received exceeds the numerical cap, USCIS will randomly select the number of petitions required to reach the numerical limit from the pool of petitions received on the final receipt date, and will reject cap-subject petitions that are not selected, as well as those received after the final receipt date.

Employers also need to bear in mind that cases will be considered accepted on the date that USCIS takes possession of a properly filed petition with the correct fee, and USCIS will not rely upon the date that the petition is postmarked. Employers considering petitioning for an H-1B employee in April 2012 may Contact VisaPro immediately to begin early and ensure that their petitions have the greatest chance to be included in the quota.

H-1B FY 2012 Filings

Meanwhile, employers may continue to file petitions for certain cap-exempt H-1B categories seeking work dates starting in FY 2012, including:

Petitions for new H-1B employment if the beneficiaries will work at institutions of higher education or related or affiliated nonprofit entities, nonprofit research organizations or governmental research organizations.
Petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries who will work only in Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Petitions filed on behalf of current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap to:
- extend the stay on H-1B;
- change the terms of employment for current H-1B workers;
- allow current H-1B workers to change employers; or
- allow current H-1B workers to work concurrently in a second H-1B position.

Contact VisaPro if you have any queries about the H1B visa or to receive assistance with your H1B filing.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of March 23, 2012, USCIS has approved filings on behalf of approximately 35,679 H2B beneficiaries for the 1st half of FY 2012, and 14,709 H2B beneficiaries for the 2nd half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	35,679	3,660	45,000	39,339	03/23/2012
H2B Second half	33,000	14,709	1,792	---	16,501	03/23/2012

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of March 16, 2012, USCIS has approved filings on behalf of approximately 34,858 H2B beneficiaries for the 1st half of FY 2012, and 13,742 H2B beneficiaries for the 2nd half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	34,858	4,109	45,000	38,967	03/16/2012
H2B Second half	33,000	13,742	1,946	---	15,688	03/16/2012

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of March 2, 2012, USCIS has approved filings on behalf of approximately 33,584 H2B beneficiaries for the 1st half of FY 2012, and 11,083 H2B beneficiaries for the 2nd half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	33,584	4,046	45,000	37,630	03/02/2012
H2B Second half	33,000	11,083	1,630	---	12,173	03/02/2012

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of February 24, 2012, USCIS has approved filings on behalf of approximately 32,232 H2B beneficiaries for the 1st half of FY 2012, and 9,244 H2B beneficiaries for the 2nd half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	32,232	4,469	45,000	36,701	02/24/2012
H2B Second half	33,000	9,244	1,589	---	10,833	02/24/2012

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of February 17, 2012, USCIS has approved filings on behalf of approximately 29,779 H2B beneficiaries for the 1st half of FY 2012, and 7,030 H2B beneficiaries for the 2nd half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	29,779	6,416	45,000	36,195	02/17/2012
H2B Second half	33,000	7,030	2,007	---	9,037	02/17/2012

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of February 10, 2012, USCIS has approved filings on behalf of approximately 26,257 H2B beneficiaries for the 1st half of FY 2012, and 4,730 H2B beneficiaries for the 2nd half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	26,257	8,224	45,000	34,481	02/10/2012
H2B Second half	33,000	4,730	2,103	---	6,833	02/10/2012

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of February 3, 2012, USCIS has approved filings on behalf of approximately 24,015 H2B beneficiaries for the 1st half of FY 2012, and 3,191 H2B beneficiaries for the 2nd half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	24,015	7,611	---	31,626	02/03/2012
H2B Second half	33,000	3,191	1,684	---	4,875	02/03/2012

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

USCIS Announces Inability to Approve Form I-800 for Adoptions from Vietnam

Untitled Document

USCIS has announced that until further notice, it will not be able to approve any Form I-800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative, that is filed on behalf of a child to be adopted from Vietnam.

USCIS has informed that it can only approve a Form I-800 in a Hague Convention adoptee case after the Department of State (DOS) has issued a Certification of Compliance under the Hague Adoption Convention and the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000. However, DOS has determined that Vietnam has not proven capable of meeting its obligations under “The Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention)”, and asa result, DOS consular officers cannot issue the required Hague Adoption Certificate or Hague Custody Declaration, and at this time, DOS cannot issue certificates in Vietnamese adoption cases.

Because U.S. prospective adoptive parents cannot complete the immigration process for an adopted child from Vietnam, USCIS has urged parents to not file any Form I-800 on behalf of a child to be adopted from Vietnam, and not to file Form I-800A, Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country, identifying Vietnam as the country from which they seek to adopt.

USCIS has also announced that it will advise the public when DOS determines Vietnam can meet its obligations to the Hague Adoption Convention, which will allow USCIS to process Forms I-800 for adoptions from Vietnam.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of January 27, 2012, USCIS has approved filings on behalf of approximately 21,689 H2B beneficiaries for the 1st half of FY 2012, and 1,705 H2B beneficiaries for the 2nd half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	21,689	7,612	---	29,301	01/27/2012
H2B Second half	33,000	1,705	931	---	2,636	01/27/2012

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of January 20, 2012, USCIS has approved filings on behalf of approximately 18,220 H2B beneficiaries for the 1st half of FY 2012, and 619 H2B beneficiaries for the 2nd half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	18,220	7,773	---	25,993	01/20/2012
H2B Second half	33,000	619	459	---	1,078	01/20/2012

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

USCIS Announces 58 Countries Whose Nationals are Eligible for H-2A and H-2B Participation

USCIS has announced that the DHS has identified 58 countries whose nationals are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B programs for the coming year. In addition to the 53 countries currently on the list, five countries, namely, Haiti, Iceland, Montenegro, Spain, and Switzerland, have been designated for the first time this year. Each country’s designation is valid for one year from the date of publication.

Effective January 18, 2012, nationals of the following 58 countries are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B programs:

Argentina	Australia	Barbados	Belize	Brazil
Bulgaria	Canada	Chile	Costa Rica	Croatia
Dominican Republic	Ecuador	El Salvador	Estonia	Ethiopia
Fiji	Guatemala	Haiti	Honduras	Hungary
Iceland	Ireland	Israel	Jamaica	Japan
Kiribati	Latvia	Lithuania	Macedonia	Mexico
Moldova	Montenegro	Nauru	The Netherlands	Nicaragua
New Zealand	Norway	Papua New Guinea	Peru	Philippines
Poland	Romania	Samoa	Serbia	Slovakia
Slovenia	Solomon Islands	South Africa	South Korea	Spain
Switzerland	Tonga	Turkey	Tuvalu	Ukraine
United Kingdom	Uruguay	Vanuatu

This new list does not immediately affect the status of beneficiaries who are currently in the United States in H-2A or H-2B status, unless they apply to change or extend their status. USCIS may approve H-2A and H-2B petitions for nationals of countries not on the list if it is determined to be in the interest of the United States.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of January 13, 2012, USCIS has approved filings on behalf of approximately 16,571 H2B beneficiaries for the 1st half of FY 2012, and 328 H2B beneficiaries for the 2nd half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	16,571	6,246	---	22,817	01/13/2012
H2B Second half	33,000	328	115	---	443	01/13/2012

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of January 7, 2012, USCIS has approved filings on behalf of approximately 14,287 H2B beneficiaries for the 1st half of FY 2012, and 45 H2B beneficiaries for the 2nd half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	14,287	5,920	---	20,207	01/07/2012
H2B Second half	33,000	45	20	---	65	01/07/2012

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of December 30, 2011, USCIS has approved filings on behalf of approximately 11,414 H2B beneficiaries for the 1st half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	11,414	5,762	---	17,176	12/30/2011
H2B Second half	33,000	---	---	---	---	---

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of December 23, 2011, USCIS has approved filings on behalf of approximately 11,078 H2B beneficiaries for the 1st half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	11,078	3,825	---	14,903	12/23/2011
H2B Second half	33,000	---	---	---	---	---

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

TPS Re-registration Period for Honduran and Nicaraguan Nationals Ends 01/05/2012

USCIS has reminded that the open re-registration period for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Honduras and Nicaragua ends on 01/05/2012. It may be recalled that TPS was extended for eligible nationals of Honduras and Nicaragua for an additional 18 months beginning 01/06/2012 and ending 07/05/2013. USCIS has informed that to re-register, current TPS beneficiaries must submit an Application for Temporary Protected Status, Form I-821. TPS re-registrants must also submit an Application for Employment Authorization, Form I-765, regardless of whether they are applying for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

USCIS has also informed that re-registrants do not need to pay the Form I-821 application fee, but they must submit the biometric services fee, or a fee waiver request, if they are age 14 or older. TPS re-registrants applying for an EAD must submit the Form I-765 application fee, or a fee waiver request. Additional information on TPS for Honduras and Nicaragua, including guidance on the application process and eligibility, is available at the USCIS website.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of December 16, 2011, USCIS has approved filings on behalf of approximately 9,467 H2B beneficiaries for the 1st half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	9,467	3,333	---	12,800	12/16/2011
H2B Second half	33,000	---	---	---	---	---

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of December 9, 2011, USCIS has approved filings on behalf of approximately 8,513 H2B beneficiaries for the 1st half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	8,513	1,829	---	10,342	12/09/2011
H2B Second half	33,000	---	---	---	---	---

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of December 2, 2011, USCIS has approved filings on behalf of approximately 8,240 H2B beneficiaries for the 1st half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	8,240	1,257	---	9,497	12/02/2011
H2B Second half	33,000	---	---	---	---	---

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of November 25, 2011, USCIS has approved approximately 7,885 H2B cap-subject petitions for the 1st half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	7,885	621	---	8,506	11/25/2011
H2B Second half	33,000	---	---	---	---	---

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

FY 2012 H-1B Cap Reached!

USCIS announced that it has received a sufficient number of H-1B petitions to reach the statutory cap of 65,000 for fiscal year (FY) 2012. Already, as of October 19, 2011, USCIS had received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the ‘advanced degree’ exemption.

USCIS has also notified that November 22, 2011, was the final receipt date for new H-1B specialty occupation petitions requesting an employment start date in FY 2012. The final receipt date is the date on which USCIS determines that it has received enough cap-subject petitions to reach the limit of 65,000. Properly filed cases will be considered received on the date that USCIS physically receives the petition; not the date that the petition was postmarked. USCIS will reject cap-subject petitions for new H-1B specialty occupation workers seeking an employment start date in FY 2012 that arrive after November 22, 2011.

USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap; DOD petitions; and Chile/Singapore H-1B1 petitions requesting an employment start date in FY 2012. In addition, petitions filed on behalf of current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap will not be counted toward the FY 2012 H-1B cap. Accordingly, USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions filed to:

extend the amount of time a current H-1B worker may remain in the U.S.;
change the terms of employment for current H-1B workers;
allow current H-1B workers to change employers; and
allow current H-1B workers to work concurrently in a second H-1B position.

Employers (except cap-exempt organizations) desirous of filing new H-1B petitions will now have to wait until April 1, 2012 to be able to file again for a start date no sooner than October 1, 2012.

The H-1B cap numbers for FY 2012 saw a sudden acceleration during the last 3 to 4 weeks. Just about a month ago, as of October 21, 2011, USCIS had reported receiving only about 46,200 cap-subject petitions. In just over a month, USCIS has received approximately 20,000 cap-subject petitions. Also, when compared to last fiscal year, the H-1B cap has reached nearly 2 months sooner in FY 2012. In the last fiscal year, USCIS announced that the H-1B cap had reached on January 27, 2011, and the 20,000 under the ‘advanced degree’ cap reached on December 22, 2010 against November 23, 2011 and October 19, 2011, respectively this fiscal year. Is the sudden increase in H-1B filings a sign that the US economy is on its way to revival?

To learn more on how you must evaluate and utilize alternatives to the H-1B category visit What Would You Do If the H-1B Cap is Reached?

H1B Cap Count Reaches 61,800 – Only around 3,000 Now Left for FY 2012

USCIS has updated the count of H1B visa petitions received and counted towards the H1B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of November 18, 2011, USCIS has received approximately 61,800 H1B cap-subject petitions. The cap of 20,000 for petitions for foreign nationals with advanced degrees has already been reached.

FY 2012 H1B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Cap Eligible Petitions	Date of Last Count
H1B Regular Cap	65,000	61,800	11/18/2011
H1B Master's Exemption	20,000	20,000	11/18/2011

Considering the sudden increase in filings over the past few weeks, it is anticipated that the cap will most likely be filled up very soon. Once the H-1B cap for FY 2012 is met, employers will have to wait until April 1, 2012 to be able to file again for a start date no earlier than October 1, 2012!

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H1B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing, and make sure that you don’t miss your filing before the cap is exhausted.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of November 18, 2011, USCIS has approved approximately 7,751 H2B beneficiaries for the 1st half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	7,751	785	---	8,536	11/18/2011
H2B Second half	33,000	---	---	---	---	---

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H1B Cap Count Reaches to 56,300

USCIS has updated the count of H1B visa petitions received and counted towards the H1B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of November 14, 2011, USCIS has received approximately 56,300 H1B cap-subject petitions. The cap of 20,000 for petitions for foreign nationals with advanced degrees has already been reached.

FY 2012 H1B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Cap Eligible Petitions	Date of Last Count
H1B Regular Cap	65,000	56,300	11/14/2011
H1B Master's Exemption	20,000	20,000	11/14/2011

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H1B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of November 14, 2011, USCIS has approved approximately 7,641 H2B cap-subject petitions for the 1st half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	7,641	879	---	8,520	11/14/2011
H2B Second half	33,000	---	---	---	---	---

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of November 2, 2011, USCIS has approved approximately 7,280 H2B cap-subject petitions for the 1st half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	7,280	908	---	8,188	11/2/2011
H2B Second half	33,000	---	---	---	---	---

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H1B Cap Count Reaches to 50,800

USCIS has updated the count of H1B visa petitions received and counted towards the H1B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of November 2, 2011, USCIS has received approximately 50,800 H1B cap-subject petitions and 20,000 petitions for foreign nationals with advanced degrees.

FY 2012 H1B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Cap Eligible Petitions	Date of Last Count
H1B Regular Cap	65,000	50,800	11/2/2011
H1B Master's Exemption	20,000	20,000	11/2/2011

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H1B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H2B Cap Count Update

USCIS has updated the count of H2B visa petitions received and counted towards the H2B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of October 21, 2011, USCIS has approved approximately 6,878 H2B cap-subject petitions for the 1st half of FY 2012.

FY 2012 H2B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Benefi- ciaries Approved	Benefi- ciaries Pending	Target Benefi- ciaries	Total	Date of Last Count
H2B First Half	33,000	6,878	1,076	---	7,954	10/21/0211
H2B Second half	33,000	---	---	---	---	---

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H2B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H1B Cap Count Reaches to 49,200

USCIS has updated the count of H1B visa petitions received and counted towards the H1B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of October 28, 2011, USCIS has received approximately 49,200 H1B cap-subject petitions and 20,000 petitions for foreign nationals with advanced degrees.

FY 2012 H1B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Cap Eligible Petitions	Date of Last Count
H1B Regular Cap	65,000	49,200	10/28/2011
H1B Master's Exemption	20,000	20,000	10/28/2011

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H1B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

USCIS to issue Revised Form I-693 on November 1

USCIS has announced that on November 1, 2011, it will introduce a new, more user-friendly version of Form I- 693 [Report of a Medical Examination and Vaccination Record], the form used to report results of medical examinations for those seeking certain immigration benefits.

USCIS has informed that civil surgeons completing medical examinations between November 1 and December 31, 2011, should use the new form dated 10/11/11. However, it will continue to accept the previous version dated 7/20/10, for examinations completed between November 1 and December 31, 2011. Beginning January 1, 2012, civil surgeons must use the new version of the form. If a medical examination completed on or after January 1, 2012, is reported using an outdated form, USCIS will reject the form, requiring the applicant to return to the civil surgeon and resubmit the new form.

Medical Examination	Form to use
Completed before November 1,2011	Form I-693 dated 7/20/10
Completed between November 1 and December 31, 2011	Form I-693 dated 10/11/11. USCIS will however, continue to accept the 7/20/10 version.
Completed on or after January 1, 2012	Form I-693 dated 10/11/11

USCIS announces launch of Enhanced EAD and Redesigned Certificate of Citizenship

USCIS has announced the launch of an enhanced Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and a redesigned Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560) with new features to strengthen security and deter fraud. USCIS began issuing the new EADs on October 25, 2011, and will begin using the redesigned certificates on October 30, 2011. It has also clarified that while the look and feel of the documents is new, the manner in which an applicant applies for and receives them will not change. USCIS will replace EADs already in circulation as individuals apply for their renewal or replacement. All previously issued EADs will remain valid until the expiration date printed on the card, and the previously issued Certificates of Citizenship remain valid indefinitely.

USCIS claims that the state-of-the-art technology incorporated into the new documents will deter counterfeiting, obstruct tampering, and facilitate quick and accurate authentication, and the new features of the EAD will better equip workers, employers and law enforcement officials to recognize the card as definitive proof of authorization to work in the United States.

H1B Cap Count Reaches to 46,200

USCIS has updated the count of H1B visa petitions received and counted towards the H1B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of October 21, 2011, USCIS has received approximately 46,200 H1B cap-subject petitions and 20,000 petitions for foreign nationals with advanced degrees.

FY 2012 H1B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Cap Eligible Petitions	Date of Last Count
H1B Regular Cap	65,000	46,200	10/21/2011
H1B Master's Exemption	20,000	20,000	10/21/2011

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H1B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

I-797 Mailing: USCIS to restore prior procedures

In a letter addressed to stakeholders dated October 20, 2011, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, Director, USCIS, has informed that USCIS has decided to return to the previous practice of sending the original I-797 notices to the attorney or accredited representative’s address listed on the Form G-28. A copy of the notice will be sent to the address provided by the applicant or the petitioner in the form. USCIS has also informed that this change will take effect in approximately six weeks.

It may be noted that in September 2001, USCIS begun sending original I-797 receipt and approval notices directly to applicants and petitioners, and copies of the notices to attorneys or accredited representatives. It was informed then that this change in procedure was aimed to make sure that original receipts, decisions, and documents produced as a result of approved applications or petitions are sent to the address specified by the party making the request.

H1B Cap Count Reaches to 43,300

USCIS has updated the count of H1B visa petitions received and counted towards the H1B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of October 14, 2011, USCIS has received approximately 43,300 H1B cap-subject petitions and 19,600 petitions for foreign nationals with advanced degrees.

FY 2012 H1B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Cap Eligible Petitions	Date of Last Count
H1B Regular Cap	65,000	43,300	10/14/2011
H1B Master's Exemption	20,000	19,600	10/14/2011

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H1B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H1B Cap Count Reaches to 41,000

USCIS has updated the count of H1B visa petitions received and counted towards the H1B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of October 7, 2011, USCIS has received approximately 41,000 H1B cap-subject petitions and 19,100 petitions for foreign nationals with advanced degrees.

FY 2012 H1B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Cap Eligible Petitions	Date of Last Count
H1B Regular Cap	65,000	41,000	10/07/2011
H1B Master's Exemption	20,000	19,100	10/07/2011

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H1B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H1B Cap Count Reaches to 36,300

USCIS has updated the count of H1B visa petitions received and counted towards the H1B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of September 23, 2011, USCIS has received approximately 36,300 H1B cap-subject petitions and 17,700 petitions for foreign nationals with advanced degrees.

FY 2012 H1B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Cap Eligible Petitions	Date of Last Count
H1B Regular Cap	65,000	36,300	09/23/2011
H1B Master's Exemption	20,000	17,700	09/23/2011

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H1B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

USCIS Begins Sending Original I-797 Notices Directly To Applicants And Petitioners

USCIS has informed that it has begun sending original I-797 receipt and approval notices directly to applicants and petitioners, and copies of the notices are being sent to attorneys or accredited representatives, if a Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, has been filed. Previously, the original notice was being sent to the attorney or accredited representative, and a copy was sent to the address the applicant or petitioner.

USCIS has informed that its objective is to make sure that original receipts, decisions, and documents produced as a result of approved applications or petitions are sent to the address specified by the party making the request, and that it has implemented this change to ensure that documents, such as I-94s, are mailed directly to the address specified by the applicant or petitioner. Further, under the final rule for Immigration Benefits Business Transformation, Increment I, which will go into effect on November 28, 2011, documents produced as the result of an approved application or petition will be mailed directly to the address provided by the party seeking the benefit, and not that specified by the attorney or accredited representative on a Form G-28.

USCIS Seeks Public Comments on Proposed Rule Impacting Certain Pending EB-5 Immigrant Investor Applications

USCIS has sought public comments on a proposed rule that would enable USCIS to process certain applications approved between 1995 and 1998 by immigrant investors under the EB-5 program. The provisions of the proposed rule would apply to a group of immigrant investors who had a Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur, approved between January 1, 1995, and August 31, 1998. The rule would enable USCIS to process cases for approximately 580 principal immigrant investors and their dependents whose Forms I-526 were approved during the above mentioned period and who, prior to November 2, 2002, had sought to, either, register for permanent residence or adjust their status using Form I-485, or, remove the conditions on permanent residence obtained as an alien entrepreneur using Form I-829. USCIS has also informed that the processes outlined in the proposed rule would provide an additional two-year period for most of these immigrant investors to meet the EB-5 investment and job-creation requirements and that this rule would not impact any other applications or petitions filed under the EB-5 program. Comments on the proposed rule could be submitted until November 28, 2011.

H1B Cap Count Reaches to 32,200

USCIS has updated the count of H1B visa petitions received and counted towards the H1B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of September 9, 2011, USCIS has received approximately 32,200 H1B cap-subject petitions and 16,700 petitions for foreign nationals with advanced degrees.

FY 2012 H1B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Cap Eligible Petitions	Date of Last Count
H1B Regular Cap	65,000	32,200	09/09/2011
H1B Master's Exemption	20,000	16,700	09/09/2011

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H1B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

H1B Cap Count Reaches to 29,000

USCIS has updated the count of H1B visa petitions received and counted towards the H1B cap for the fiscal year 2012 employment. As of August 26, 2011, USCIS has received approximately 29,000 H1B cap-subject petitions and 15,800 petitions for foreign nationals with advanced degrees

FY 2012 H1B Cap Count

Cap Type	Cap Amount	Cap Eligible Petitions	Date of Last Count
H1B Regular Cap	65,000	29,000	08/26/2011
H1B Master's Exemption	20,000	15,800	08/26/2011

Contact VisaPro immediately to assist you with the H1B visa filing using the fast, easy and economical online visa processing.

‘E Verify Self Check’ now available in Spanish

USCIS has announced that Self Check, a free online service that allows individuals in the U.S. to check their own employment eligibility status before formally seeking employment, is now available in Spanish. The online service has also been expanded and made available to residents in 16 additional states.

E-Verify Self Check is the first online E-Verify program offered directly to workers and job seekers. To use Self Check, workers over the age of 16 enter the same information that employers would enter into E-Verify.

Self Check is now available to individuals who maintain addresses in: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia.