Start Applying for H-1B Visas April 1st: They Will Go Quickly

April 1, 2006 is the first day for filing new H-1B petitions – a nonimmigrant classification used by aliens who will be employed temporarily in a specialty (professional) occupation - for fiscal year 2007, which runs from October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007. Last year’s cap on H-1B visas was filled in only four months. Now is the time to act if any of your employees or prospective employees will require H-1B visas any time during the next 18 months.

Absent Congressional action to increase the number of H-1B visas, employers that delay may not be able to ensure continued employment for those individuals with limited work authorizations. Please review your current needs and do not hesitate to contact our immigration specialist, Sanford Posner, or the Elarbee Thompson attorney with whom you normally work if your specific situation requires immigration expertise.