Alerts
H-1B Lottery Completed 2019
12. Apr. 2019
On April 10, USCIS used a random selection process to select enough H-1B petitions to meet the congressionally-mandated regular cap of 65,000 as well as the U.S. advanced degree exemption of 20,000.
During this year’s filing period (April 1st through April 5th), USCIS received 201,011 H-1B petitions, which represents the first increase since 2016. The number of cap cases received in the past 10 years:
- April 2018: 190,098
- April 2017: 199,000
- April 2016: 236,000
- April 2015: 233,000
- April 2014: 172.500
- April 2013: 124,000
- 2009 to 2012: cap was not reached
USCIS will continue to accept and process H-1Bs that are exempt from the cap such as petitions 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