USCIS has just released the latest H-1B visa information on December 15, 2009. As of December 11, 2009, USCIS reported that 62,900 cap-subject petitions had been filed.
From December 10 to December 11, 400 more applications were filed. As mentioned in all other previous H-1B updates, spots for advanced degree holders have been satisfactorily met; all other advanced degree holders approved will be counted towards the general cap. Remember, those who receive a job offer from a governmental or non-profit organization will not count towards the general H-1B cap.
Because 6,800 out of the 65,000 regular spots are kept for citizens of Singapore and Chile, this only leaves 58,200 spots for other nationals. Bear in mind that USCIS takes into account the fact that some of these applications may be revoked, withdrawn by applicants, or denied. As such, USCIS will continue to accept both cap-subject petitions and advanced degree petitions until they specify otherwise.
We assume that the rate at which H-1B applications are being filed may result in non-availability of H-1B cap very soon. Hence, it is suggested to expedite the H-1B filing process quickly.