On April 9, 2009, USCIS announced it has received approximately 42,000 H-1B petitions counting against the 65,000 cap for fiscal year 2010, for employment to start October 1, 2009. They have received approximately 20,000 petitions for aliens with advanced U.S. degrees; however they are continuing to accept advanced degree petitions since not all petitions received are approvable. The first 20,000 H-1B petitions received for advanced U.S. degrees are exempt from the cap.

For cases filed premium processing during the initial five-day filing window, the 15 day premium processing period began April 7. For premium processing cases filed after the filing window the premium processing period begins the date USCIS takes physical possession of the petition.

Stay tuned for updates.