USCIS has just published another update of the number of H-1B cap-subject petitions they have received for Fiscal Year 2010. As of November 13, 2009, the federal agency has received approximately 55,600 H-1B cap-subject petitions. USCIS has, as of this date, approved enough H-1B petitions for foreign nationals with advanced degrees to meet the target total of 20,000 visas allotted for petitioners that meet the advanced degree cap exemption. All H-1B petitions filed on behalf of foreign nationals, regardless of whether the nationals meet the requirements of the advanced degree cap exemption, will count toward the general cap of 65,000.

USCIS comments that it will continue to accept H-1B petitions until it has received a “sufficient” number of these petitions to reach the mandate-defined limits of the visa program, with the understanding that a certain percentage of petitions received will be denied, revoked or withdrawn from consideration.