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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