USCISannouncedon April 7, 2016, that it has received 236,000 H-1B cap-subject petitions,which is slightly more than the 233,000 H-1B cap-subject petitions that were receivedin 2015.  USCIS is in the process ofrunning the H-1B lottery.  USCIS willbegin premium processing for H-1B cap cases no later than May 16, 2016.

USCISwill continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt fromthe cap. Petitions filed on behalf of current H-1B workers who have beencounted previously against the cap. USCIS will continue to accept and processpetitions filed to:

  • Extend the amount of time a current H-1B worker may remain in the United States;
  • 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. U.S. businesses use the H-1B program to employ foreign workers in occupations that require highly specialized knowledge in fields such as science, engineering, and computer programming.