Business

H-1B Visa Applications Slow

The number of H-1B visa applications - nonimmigrant speciality work permits - has dropped significantly this year. Whereas in past years, the applications exceeded the allowed quota, this recessionary years has 20,000 remaining applications (out of a total quota of the 65,000 subject category) as of mid-April. In 2007 and 2008, more than 150,000 and nearly 200,000 H-IB applications were filed, respectively.