Summary of Annual USCIS Report on H1-B for fiscal year 2009

The American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act mandates that the USCIS file yearly reports regarding the H-1B program. The mandated disclosures include the origin, occupations, educational levels, and compensation of aliens who were granted visas or provided nonimmigrant status through the H-1B program.

Below is a summary of the USCIS 2009 fiscal year report to Congress:

Ø  There was a 15% decrease in H-1B petitions filed from FY 2008 to FY 2009;

Ø  There was a 22% decrease in H-1B petitions approved from FY 2008 to FY 2009;

Ø  Around 48% of all approved H-1B beneficiaries in FY 2009 were workers born in India;

Ø  Approved H-1B beneficiaries saw a median salary increase of $4,000, from $60,000 to $64,000 between FY 2008 and FY 2009;

Ø  For 41% of approved H-1B beneficiaries the highest degree was a bachelor’s degree, for 40% the highest degree was a master’s degree, for 13% the highest degree was a doctorate, and for 6% the highest degree was a professional degree.

To see the annual report please visit:

http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/Resources/Reports and Studies/H-1B/h1b-fy-09-characteristics.pdf