Executive Summary: We are releasing
this Alert to remind employers of the fast-approaching April
1, 2017, opening date for filing H-1B work visa petitions on behalf
of foreign employees who need sponsorship for work authorization in
the U.S. Since April 1, 2017, falls on a Saturday this year, the
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will start
accepting H-1B petitions on Monday, April 3, 2017.
Background
Although USCIS normally accepts applications on April 1, 2017,
since that date falls on a Saturday this year, it is our best
estimate that USCIS will begin accepting H-1B work visa petitions
on Monday, April 3, 2017. The H-1B visa classification is designed
for foreign workers who will fill professional occupations that
require at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent. There is an
annual limit of 65,000 H-1B petitions available each year, with an
additional 20,000 reserved only for those holding U.S. master's
degrees. In light of recent trends, we
