On May 18, 2009 USCIS updated the count of H-1B petitions received and counted towards the H-1B cap on the USCIS website. As of May 18, 2009, approximately 45,500 H-1B cap-subject petitions had been received. The agency continues to accept petitions subject to the general cap. Also, it has received approximately 20,000 petitions qualifying for the advanced degree cap exemption. USCIS will continue to accept advanced degree petitions, stating that experience has shown that not all petitions received are approvable.
