Reminder: USCIS Will Accept H-1B Petitions for FY 2017 Beginning April 1, 2016

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On April 1, 2016, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin accepting H-1B petitions subject to the fiscal year (FY) 2017 cap. U.S. businesses use the H-1B program to employ foreign workers in occupations that require highly specialized knowledge in fields such as science, engineering, and computer programming. 

The congressionally mandated cap on H-1B visas for FY 2017 is 65,000. The first 20,000 H-1B petitions filed for individuals with a U.S. master’s degree or higher are exempt from the 65,000 cap. 

The Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers (ABIL) recommends filing during the first five business days in April. Contact Mark Ivener for help with H-1B applications.