USCIS Releases Data on FY2022 H-1B Cap Registration Process
USCIS has released data from the FY2022 H-1B cap registration process, stating that it received 308,613 H-1B registrations during the initial registration period and selected 87,500 registrations. USCIS also provided data from FY2021 for comparison.
The data reflects a record number of H-1B registrations in any fiscal year. USCIS will continue to monitor the usage of selected registrations. USCIS will determine whether a second lottery will be held after the period for filing petitions selected in the initial lottery ends (that is, after June 30, 2021). LAC will alert clients should a second selection take place.
FY 2022 H-1B Cap Registration Process Update from USCIS
The H-1B cap electronic registration process was again well-received by users, who provided a high satisfaction score with the system for FY 2022 (4.87 out of 5). We received 308,613 H-1B registrations during the initial registration period and selected 87,500 registrations projected as needed to reach the FY 2022 numerical allocations. The registrations were submitted by more than 37,000 prospective petitioners and roughly 48% of all registrations requested consideration under the advanced degree exemption.
Per regulation, USCIS utilizes historical data related to approvals, denials, revocations, and other relevant factors to calculate the number of registrations needed to meet the H-1B cap for a given fiscal year. Based on historical data, the initial projected number of registrations required to meet the numerical limitations for FY 2022 was less than the initial projected number of registrations required for FY 2021.
For FY 2021, we received 274,237 H-1B registrations and initially selected 106,100 registrations projected as needed to reach the FY 2021 numerical allocations. We conducted a second selection in August 2020 of an additional 18,315 registrations due to low filing volume from the initial selection. This resulted in a total of 124,415 selected registrations.
We continue to monitor petition filing rates and will determine, after the filing period closes, whether we will need to select additional registrations to reach the FY 2022 H-1B numerical allocations.
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HISTORIC H-1B DEMAND
FY2022 308,613
FY2021 274,237
FY2020 201,011
FY2019 190,098
FY2018 199,000
FY2017 236,000
FY2016 233,000
FY2015 172,500
FY2014 124,000
This update was prepared by Fausta M. Albi, Partner, Larrabee Albi Coker LLP.
Legal Disclaimer: This e-blast is provided for informational purposes only and does not substitute for legal advice based on the circumstances of a specific matter. Immigration laws and policies change frequently, often without notice. It is therefore important to seek direct legal counsel based upon individual circumstances.