by TheVisaExpert » Fri Sep 22, 2006 8:54 pm
The word “Cap” refers to annual numerical limitations set by Congress on the numbers of workers authorized to be admitted on different types of visas or authorized to change status if already in the United States. Basically, the H-1B cap means that the 65,000 slot available for the next fiscal year (October 1, 2006 - October 1, 2007) have all been filled.
The H-1B visa program is utilized by some U.S. employers to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in a specialized field. Typical H-1B occupations include architects, engineers, computer programmers, accountants, doctors and college professors. The cap actually reached this year on May 26th, which is record-breaking time! Now foreign nationals that were not able to obtain an H-1B are desperately seeking alternatives. The USCIS will begin receiving applications again for fiscal year 2007 next April.
On May 25, 2006, the U.S. Senate passed its comprehensive immigration reform bill. In addition to the highly publicized guest worker and legalization provisions, the bill would increase the H-1B cap to 115,000. Since the House of Representatives is backing immigration bills that are dissimilar, Congress members of each house must meet and agree on a single, compromise bill. If a compromise is reached, the conference bill must then be passed by both the Senate and the House. This process may take a number of months. Let's all keep our fingers crossed that the law passes!