On April 14, 2008, USCIS conducted two computer-generated random selection processes for the H-1B bachelor’s and master’s caps. USCIS received approximately 163,000 petitions between April 1st and April 7th, the period of eligibility for the fiscal year 2009 cap. It will return those petitions that do not receive a number and generate a receipt for those that do by June 2, 2008. It expects to adjudicate the petitions within eight to ten weeks. It will conduct premium processing for those cases that filed under such processing. Also, it will retain “wait-listed petitions”, to replace petitions that are denied, withdrawn or found ineligible under the cap. USCIS will notify petitioners if their petitions are wait listed.
