Changes

This page provides a timeline covers the history of key events related to immigrant processing and visa policy of the {{w|H-1B visa}} United States. It focuses on laws, policies, and associated work status. The timeline incorporates some content from {{w|H-1B visa#Changes programs affecting pathways for authorized entry to legal the United States and administrative rules}} long-term immigrant and {{w|Premium Processing Service#Prenon-announced delays for processing cap-subject petitions}}immigrant statuses. Although much of It is complementary to the copied content was added by the author [[timeline of immigration enforcement in the current Timelines wiki page, it also incorporates edits from others. The original content was released under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License (CC-BY-SA), so this page inherits this licenseUnited States]].

=== Google Trends =Full timeline ==

! Year !! Month and date (if available) !! Event type !! Event name Affected agencies (past, and present equivalents) !! Actors Visa letter for nonimmigrant visa !! Effect Details|-| 1790 || || Legislation || Executive branch || || The {{w|Naturalization Act of 1790}} is passed, specifying the rules for granting citizenship in the United States. Citizenship is limited to free white persons of good character.|-| 1798 || || Legislation || Executive branch || || The {{w|Alien and Sedition Acts}} (a total of four bills) are passed by the {{w|5th United States Congress}} (that is Federalist-dominated) and signed into law by President {{w|John Adams}}.|-| 1819 || || Legislation || Executive branch || || The {{w|Steerage Act of 1819}}, also known as the Manifest of Immigrants Act, is passed. The Act regulates the conditions of travel on fees !! Effect on cap !! Effect on LCA attestations ships landing in the United States, and imposes a requirement that ships submit a manifest of all immigrants aboard.|-| 1855 || || Legislation || Executive branch || || The {{w|Carriage of Passengers Act of 1855}} is passed, replacing the Steerage Act of 1819.|-| 1868 || July 28 || Treaty or trade agreement || || || Terms for what would later be known as the [[wikipedia:Burlingame Treaty|Burlingame Treaty]] between the United States and China are finalized. The treaty would be ratified by China in 1869. The Treaty grants most-favored-nation status to China, and DOL investigative authority !! Effect on adjudication process !! Details allows free movement of people between the countries, but withholding the privilege of naturalization.

| 1952 1870 || June 27 July 14 || Legislation || {{wExecutive branch ||Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952}} || The {{w|82nd United States CongressNaturalization Act of 1870}}, is signed into law by President {{w|Harry Ulysses S. TrumanGrant}} (vetoed but overridden) after passing both chambers of the [[wikipedia:41st United States Congress|| || || || || Creates 41st United States Congress]]. The Act extends the H-1 naturalization process to ''persons of African nativity and H-2 visa categories for skilled and unskilled workers; to persons of African descent'' (going beyond the H-1 would give rise Naturalization Act of 1790 that was limited to free white persons) while still excluding the modern H-1B visaChinese and others.

| 1970 1875 || April 7 || Legislation || Public Law 91-225 Executive branch ||| {{w|91st United States Congress}}, President The {{w|Richard NixonPage Act of 1875}} || || || || || A new H-4 category is introduced for the spouses and minor children of H-1 workers, recognizing the use of the H-1 visa for more long-term employment.<ref name=cato-h-4>{{cite web|url = https://www.cato.org/blog/facts-about-h-4-visas-spouses-h-1b-workers|title = https://www.cato.org/blog/facts-about-h-4-visas-spouses-h-1b-workers|title = The Facts About H-4 Visas for Spouses of H-1B Workers|last = Bier|first = David|date = June 16, 2020|accessdate = June 26United States federal restriction on immigration, 2020|publisher = Cato Institute}}</ref><ref name=pl-91-225>{{cite web|url = https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-84/pdf/STATUTE-84-Pg116passes.pdf|title = Public Law 91-225|accessdate = June 26, 2020}}</ref>

| 1982 1881 || October 5 || INS/USCIS guidance || In response to ''Matter of Srinivasan'' || USCIS || N/A || N/A Treaty or trade agreement || N/A Executive branch || N/A || An internal memo of the The {{w|Immigration and Naturalization ServicesAngell Treaty of 1880}} (INS, is ratified. This modifies the precursor to {{w|United States Citizenship and Immigration Services}}) provides guidance regarding issuance of previous [[wwikipedia:B visa in lieu of other visasBurlingame Treaty|B-1 in lieu of H-1Burlingame Treaty]].<ref name=globalworkers>{{cite web|url = http://globalworkers.org/digging-deeper-history-b-1-lieu-h-1|title = Digging Deeper: History of B-1 in lieu 1868 between the United States and China, by temporarily suspending the migration of H-1|publisher = globalworkers.org|accessdate = April 28, 2016}}</ref><ref name=ilw-wehrer>{{cite web|url = http://wwwlaborers (skilled and unskilled) from China.ilw.com/articles/2000,1018_Wehrer.shtm|title = Business Visitors from Abroad - Tips and Traps for the HR Department|date = October 18, 2000|last = Paparelli|first = Angelo|last2 = Wehrer|first2 = Susan|accessdate = April 28, 2016|publisher = Immigration Daily}}</ref>

| 1990 1882 || November 29 May 6 || Legislation (landmark) || {{wExecutive branch |Immigration Act of 1990}} || {{w|101st United States Congress}}, President The {{w|George H. W. Bush}} || Only a base filing fee || Annual cap of 65,000 on new 3-year H-1Bs, including transfer applications and extensions of stay || Set up the basic rules for the {{w|Labor Condition ApplicationChinese Exclusion Act}} || Defines adjudication process || The old H-1 visa is split signed into the {{w|H-1A visa}} for nurses (which would be discontinued and replaced law by the {{wPresident [[wikipedia:Chester A. Arthur|H-1C visa}}, which would also be discontinued) and the H-1B visaChester A. Additionally, the Immigration Act Arthur]] after passing both chambers of 1990 also creates the employment-based (EB) immigration category for permanent immigration[[wikipedia:47th United States Congress|47th United States Congress]]. The H-1B and EB would play an important symbiotic role, in particular because unlike This extends the previous H-1 visa, it allows for a dual immigrant intent, i.e., it allows people with pending green card applications to use suspension of Chinese migration started by the H-1BAngell treaty.<ref name=cato-h-4/><ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/8/1184#b|title = 1184|publisher = Legal Information Institute}}</ref>

| 1998 1882 || October 21 August 3 || Legislation || {{w|American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act}} (ACWIAlandmark) || {{w|105th United States Congress}}, President {{w|Bill Clinton}} |Executive branch | Additional $500 fee to train U.S. workers to reduce the shortage of skilled workers, and therefore reduce the need for H-1B || Temporary increase in caps to 115,000 for 1999 and 2000 || Introduces the concept of The {{w|H-1B-dependent employerImmigration Act of 1882}} and required additional attestations about non-displacement of Uis signed into law by President [[wikipedia:Chester A.SArthur|Chester A. workers from employers who were H-1B-dependent or had committed a willful misrepresentation in an application in Arthur]] after passing both chambers of the recent past. Also gives investigative authority to the {{w[[wikipedia:47th United States Congress|47th United States Department of Labor}} || No change || Congress]]. The legislation is Act mostly a victory for restrictionists and labor advocates, with the main concession to expansionists being the temporary quota increasefocuses on immigration enforcement but also creates new policies around excludable classes of immigrants.

| 2000 1888 || October 17 || Legislation || {{wExecutive branch |American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act}} (AC21) || {{w|106th United States Congress}}, President {{The [[w:Scott Act (1888)|Bill Clinton}} || Increase of fee for training U.S. workers from $500 to $1000 || Increase in caps to 195Scott Act]] is passed,000 for Fiscal Years 2001, 2002, and 2003.<br/>Creation after the failure of an uncapped category negotiations for non-profit research institutions.<br/>Exemption from the cap for people who had already been cap-subject. This includes people on cap-subject HBayard-1Bs who are switching jobs, as well as people applying for a 3-year extension of their current 3-year H-1BZhang Treaty. Also, people with pending green card applications on EB-1,2,3 statuses can keep extending their H-1B (without being cap-subject) while waiting || No change || No change || The legislation paves Act applies the way for a significant ''de facto'' expansion same criteria to re-entry of Chinese into the H-1B program, despite no permanent increase in United States as were applied to initial entry by the annual capChinese Exclusion Act.

| 2001 1889 || July 30 || INS/USCIS guidance Court case || || || ''{{w|Premium Processing ServiceChae Chan Ping v. United States}} launch || || Additional fee of $1000 for using '' is decided by the Premium Processing Service; those not using it see no fee change || No change || No change || Those who pay for United States Supreme Court against the Premium Processing Service should receive an initial adjudication in 15 calendar days from petitioner. The case upholds the later Scott Act and is one of the time first of petition receipt or time numerous court cases related to immigration policy and enforcement where the court rules in favor of Premium Processing Service filing and fee receipt.<ref name=uscis-premium-processing>{{cite web|url=http://www.uscisthe government.gov/forms/how-do-i-use-premium-processing-service|title = How Do I Use the Premium Processing Service?|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration Services|accessdate = April 4, 2015}}</ref> ||

| 2004 1891 || January 1 March 3 || Legislation || Executive branch || Treaty or trade agreement || The {{w|Singapore–United States Free Trade AgreementImmigration Act of 1891}} is signed into law by President {{w|Benjamin Harrison}}, after being passed by the [[wikipedia:51st United States Congress| 51st United States Congress]]. The Act expands the categories of excludable migrants, provides for more enforcement at land and sea borders, and adds authority to deport and penalties for people aiding and Singapore governments; President abetting migration.<ref name=uwb-fulltext-1891>{{wcite web|url = http://library.uwb.edu/static/USimmigration/26%20stat%201084.pdf|George Wtitle = An act in amendment to the various acts relative to immigration and the imortation of aliens under contract or agreement to perform labor. Bush|date = March 3, 1891|accessdate = March 9, 2016}} and </ref><ref name=suny-summary>{{wcite web|url = http://people.sunyulster.edu/voughth/immlaws1875_1918.htm|title = Summary of Immigration Laws, 1875-1918|108th United States Congressaccessdate = March 9, 2016}} on </ref><ref name=i2us>{{cite web|url = http://immigrationtounitedstates.org/585-immigration-act-of-1891.html|title = Immigration Act of 1891|accessdate = March 9, 2016|publisher = Immigration to the United States side |last = Hester| No change || Hfirst = Torrie}}</ref><ref name=immigration-1B cap reduced by the number of Hlegal-1B1 visas issued history>{{cite web|url = https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Legal_History_of_Immigration| No change || No change title = Legal History of Immigration|publisher = FamilySearch| The Singapore–United States Free Trade Agreement (signed May 6accessdate = March 11, 20032016}}</ref> It also creates an Office of Superintendent of Immigration, ratified July 24, 2003) includes provisions for and places it under the Department of the Treasury.<ref name=uscis-organizational-timeline>{{wcite web|Hurl = https://www.uscis.gov/history-and-genealogy/our-history/organizational-1B1 visatimeline|title = Organizational Timeline|publisher = [[wikipedia:United States Citizenship and Immigration Services|United States Citizenship and Immigration Services]]|accessdate = March 31, 2017}} category for Singapore</ref>

| 2004 1895 || January 1 || Treaty or trade agreement Organizational restructuring || {{w|Chile–United States Free Trade Agreement}} || United States Bureau of Immigration; modern equivalents are USCIS and Chile governments; President {{wCBP |George W. Bush}} on the United States side || No change || H-1B cap reduced by The Office of Superintendent of Immigration is upgraded to the number Bureau of HImmigration.<ref name=uscis-1B1 visas issued || No change || No change || The Chile–United States Free Trade Agreement (signed June 6, 2003, active starting January 1, 2004) includes provisions for the {{w|Horganizational-1B1 visa}} category for Chile.timeline/>

| 2004 1903 || December 6 March 3 || Legislation || Executive branch || || The {{w|H-1B Visa Reform Immigration Act of 20041903}}, part of also known as the {{w|Consolidated Appropriations '''Anarchist Exclusion Act''', 2005}} is signed into law by President [[wikipedia:Theodore Roosevelt|Theodore Roosevelt]], after passing the [[wikipedia:57th United States Congress| {{w|108th 57th United States Congress}}, President {{w|George W]]. Bush}} || Increase of fee for retraining US workers to $1500 for companies with 26 or more employees, reduction to $750 for small companies. Addition of anti-fraud fee of $500 || Bachelor's degree cap returns to 65,000 with added 20,000 visas for applicants with U.S. postgraduate degrees. Additional exemptions for non-profit research The Act codifies existing immigration law and governmental entities. || Expands the Department of Labor's investigative authority, but also provides two standard lines of defense to employers (the Good Faith Compliance Defense and the Recognized Industry Standards Defense)more grounds for excluding suspected anarchists. || No change || The first affected cap season is Fiscal Year 2006 (starting October 1, 2005; petitions in April 2005)It has little practical effect.

| 2005 1903 || May 5 || INS/USCIS regulation Organizational restructuring || 70 FR 23775 - ALLOCATION OF ADDITIONAL H-1B VISAS CREATED BY THE H-1B VISA REFORM ACT OF 2004 || USCISBureau of Immigration; contact point Kevin J. Cummings, Adjudications Officer, Business and Trade Services Branch/Program and Regulation Development || No change || According to the regulation, petitions received ''before'' the date it hits the cap modern equivalents are always adjudicated. Petitions received on the day it hits the cap are subjected to a lottery that selects enough petitions to just hit the cap. These processes apply to both the regular 65,000 USCIS and the Masters degree 20,000 caps; however, after the Masters degree 20,000 cap is attained, additional petitions in the Masters degree category are simply treated as ordinary petitions CBP || No change || No change || USCIS issues an updated regulation clarifying what petitions it will adjudicate if it hits the cap for a given fiscal year. The new regulation Bureau of Immigration is necessary transferred to clarify the implementation newly created Department of the new setup where ther are ''two'' caps: 65,000 for regular H-1Bs Commerce and 20,000 for people with U.S. masters degrees.<ref name=uscis-lottery-regulation>{{cite web|url = https://www.federalregisterLabor.gov/documents/2005/05/05/05-8992/allocation-of-additional-h-1b-visas-created-by-the-h-1b-visa-reform-act-of-2004|title = 70 FR 23775 - ALLOCATION OF ADDITIONAL H-1B VISAS CREATED BY THE H-1B VISA REFORM ACT OF 2004|date = May 5, 2005|accessdate = August 13, 2017|publisher = ''Federal Register''}}</ref><ref name=uscis-lottery-regulation-gpo>{{cite web|url = https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/granule/FR-2005-05-05/05-8992/contentorganizational-detail.html|title = 70 FR 23775 - ALLOCATION OF ADDITIONAL H-1B VISAS CREATED BY THE H-1B VISA REFORM ACT OF 2004|date = May 5, 2005|accessdate = August 13, 2017|publisher = U.S. Government Programming Office}}<timeline/ref>

| 2007 1906 || April 18 || Proposed legislation Organizational restructuring || {{w|SKIL Bill}} (christened "SKIL Act Bureaur of 2007") Immigration and Naturalization; modern equivalents are USCIS and CBP || {{w|John Shadegg}} (in the {{w|110th United States Congress}}) || No change || Proposed:<br/> Immediate cap increase from 65The Federal Naturalization Service is created,000 to 115,000, and provision as the setting of policies for 20% increase next year if naturalization as well as the cap act of naturalization is met in now a given yearfederal responsibility.<br/> Expands The Bureau of Immigration becomes the master's exemption (to include not just people with U.S. Masters degrees but people with foreign STEM masters degree and three years Bureau of related U.S. work experience) and some other cases.<br/> Removes the limit on the master's exemption, from 20,000 to unlimited || No change || No change || After being introduced on April 18, 2007, the bill is referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law on June 4, 2007Naturalization.<ref>{{cite web|url name= https://www.congress.gov/bill/110thuscis-congress/houseorganizational-billtimeline/1930|title = H.R.1930 - SKIL Act of 2007|date = April 18, 2007|accessdate = August 12, 2017|publisher = Congress.gov}}</ref> There is no further progress.

| 2008 1907 || April 8 February 20 || INS/USCIS guidance Legislation || Extending Period of Optional Practical Training by 17 Months for F-1 Nonimmigrant Students With STEM Degrees and Expanding Cap-Gap Relief for All F-1 Students With Pending H-1B Petitions Federal Register Volume 73, Number 68 (Tuesday, April 8, 2008) Executive branch || {{w|Michael Chertoff}} ({{w|Department of Homeland Security}} (DHS) Secretary); USCIS and The {{w|U.S. Immigration and Customs EnforcementAct of 1907}} (ICE) are under DHS || No change |is signed into law by President [[wikipedia:Theodore Roosevelt| No change || No change || No change || Two new ways of extending {{w|Optional Practical Training}} (OPT) are introduced, both of which make it easier for people to transition from OPT to H-1B status. The firstTheodore Roosevelt]], after passing the STEM extension, allows students in STEM fields an extra 17 months of OPT under some additional conditions[[wikipedia:59th United States Congress|59th United States Congress]]. The second, the cap-gap, allows Act provides more grounds for OPT to be extended if there is a corresponding pending cap-subject petitionexcluding immigrants.<ref name=chertoff-memo>{{cite web|url=http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2008-04-08/html/E8-7427.htm|accessdate = January 19, 2015|date = April 2, 2008|title = Federal Register, Volume 73, Number 68 (April 8, 2008)}}</ref>

| 2009 1907 || February 17 || Legislation Commission || {{wUnited States Congress |Employ American Workers Act}}, part of the {{w|American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009}} || The {{w|111th United States CongressJoint Immigration Commission}}is formed by the United States Congress, President {{wto study the origin and consequences of recent immigration to the United States. It is known as the '''Dillingham Commission''' after its chairman, Republican Senator [[wikipedia:William P. Dillingham|Barack Obama}} William P. Dillingham]]. The Commission completes its work in 1911, producing a 41-volume report. It would be influential in shaping the [[wikipedia:Emergency Quota Act|| No change || No change || All recipients Emergency Quota Act]] and the [[wikipedia:Immigration Act of {{w1924|Troubled Asset Relief Program}} (TARP) or Federal Reserve Immigration Act Section 13 are required to file the additional attestations required of H-1B-dependent employers1924]], and in particular, for any employee who had not yet started on a H-1B visathe [[wikipedia:National Origins Formula|National Origins Formula]]. <ref>{{cite web|url = http://ocp.hul.harvard.edu/immigration/dillingham.html| No change title = Dillingham Commission (1907–1910)|publisher = Harvard University Library Open Collections Program| Sunset after two yearsaccessdate = April 7, on February 17, 2011.2017}}</ref>

| 2010 1913 || January 8 || INS/USCIS guidance Organizational restructuring || Determining Employer-Employee Relationships for Adjudication Bureau of H-1B PetitionsImmigration, Including Third-Party Site Placements Bureau of Naturalization; modern equivalents USCIS and CBP || Donald Neufeld (Associate Director, Service Center Operations) || No change || No change || No change || Memo updates Adjudication Field Manual (AFM) Chapter 31.3(g)(15) (AFM Update 10-24) with clearer guidance on determining if petitioner The Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization is split into the Bureau of Immigration and beneficiary have an employer/employee relationship || The memo uses the employer's "right to control" as a key criterion for an employer/employee relationship. USCIS also publishes a FAQ on Bureau of Naturalization, and both are placed under the memo.<ref>{{cite web|url = https[[wikipedia://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Laws/Memoranda/2010/H1B%20Employer-Employee%20Memo010810.pdf|title = Determining Employer-Employee Relationships for Adjudication United States Department of H-1B Petitions, Including Third-Party Site PlacementsLabor|last = Neufeld|first = Donald|date = January 8, 2010|accessdate = August 12, 2017|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration Services}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = https://wwwDepartment of Labor]].nafsa.org/Resource_Library_Assets/Regulatory_Information/USCIS_Guidance_On_Establishing_Employer-Employee_Relationship_In_H-1B_Petitions/|title = USCIS Guidance On Establishing Employer-Employee Relationship In H-1B Petitions|date = January 8, 2010|accessdate = August 12, 2017|publisher = NAFSA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url name= https://www.uscis.gov/news/questions-answers-uscis-issuesorganizational-guidance-memorandum-establishing-employee-employer-relationship-h-1b-petitions|title = Questions & Answers: USCIS Issues Guidance Memorandum on Establishing the "Employee-Employer Relationship" in H-1B Petitions|date = January 13, 2010|accessdate = August 12, 2017|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration Services}}<timeline/ref>

| 2010 1918 || August 13 || Legislation || Public Law 111-230 (Section 402) Executive branch || {{w|111th A wartime requirement that visas are required for foreigners to enter the United States Congress}}, President {{w|Barack Obama}} || Additional fee of $2,000 for employers with more than 50 employees and more than 50% of their workforce either H-1B or L-1 || No change || No change || No change || The fee would apply only to petitions on postmarked on or after August 14, 2010, and until September 30, 2014is made permanent.<ref name=pl-111-230-teleconferenceamericanbar>{{cite web|url = httpshttp://www.uscisamericanbar.govorg/content/outreachdam/notes-previous-engagementsaba/notes-previous-engagements-topicpublications/policy-and-guidancesupreme_court_preview/teleconference-implementing-public-law-111-230|title = Teleconference: Implementing Public Law 111-230|accessdate = March 28, 2016|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration Services}}<BriefsV4/ref><ref name=uscis-pl-11113-230>{{cite web|url = https://www1402_amicus_resp_lawprofs.uscisauthcheckdam.gov/archive/archive-news/uscis-implements-h-1b-and-l-1-fee-increase-according-pl-111-230pdf|title = USCIS Implements H-1B and L-1 Fee Increase According to PBrief of ''Amicus Curiae'' Law Professors in Support of Respondent (Kerry v.L. 111-230|accessdate = March 28, 2016Din)|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration Services[[American Bar Association]]}}</ref> See {{w|H-1B-dependent employer#Additional fees}} for more.(not clear which legislation made this permanent?)

| 2010 1918 || November October 16 || Fee increase Legislation || Executive branch || || Fee increases across the board as part of a regular fee increase.<ref>The {{cite webw|url=http://www.h1base.com/visa/work/H1BFeesIncreaseForH1BVisa2011filingApplications%20/ref/1533/|title = H1B Fee Increase|publisher = H1Base|accessdate = April 5, 2015Immigration Act of 1918}}</ref> || No change || No change || No change , also known as the '''Alien Anarchists Exclusion Act of 1918''', is signed into law by President [[wikipedia:Woodrow Wilson|Woodrow Wilson]] after passing the [[wikipedia:65th United States Congress|65th United States Congress]].

| 2011 1921 || January 2 May 19 || Legislation (landmark) || Executive branch || Public Law 111-347 F (Section 302students) || The {{w|111th United States CongressEmergency Quota Act}}, also known as the '''Emergency Immigration Act of 1921''', the '''Immigration Restriction Act of 1921''', the '''Per Centum Law''', and the '''Johnson Quota Act''', is signed into law by President {{w|Barack ObamaWarren G. Harding}} || No change || No change || No change || No change || The end date for after passing both chambers of the increased fees imposed by P.L. 111-230 is extended from September 30, 2014 to September 30, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.uscis.gov/news/public-law-111-230-h-1b-l-1-additional-fees-expire|title = Public Law 111-230 H-1B, L-1 Additional Fees Expire|date = October 5, 2015|accessdate = March 28, 2016w|publisher = 67th United States Citizenship and Immigration ServicesCongress}}</ref><ref>. It significantly reduces immigration quotas from countries around the world to 3% of the population of the country already present in the United States (this formula would later be called the {{cite web|url = https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/ilink/docView/PUBLAW/DATAOBJECTS/PL111-347.pdf|title = Public Law 111-347|date = January 2, 2011|accessdate = August 12, 2017w|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration ServicesNational Origins Formula}}</ref>).

| 2011 1924 || January May 24 || Proposed legislation Legislation (landmark) ||Executive branch | STAPLE Act (full name: {{w|Stopping Trained in America PhDs From Leaving the Economy Act}}) || The {{w|Jeff FlakeImmigration Act of 1924}} (in , also called the '''National Origins Act''' and the '''Asian Exclusion Act''', is signed into law by President [[wikipedia:Calvin Coolidge|Calvin Coolidge]] after passing both chambers of the {{w|112th 68th United States Congress}}) || No change || Proposed: People with United States STEM Ph.D. degrees are exempt from This updates the numerical H-1B caps || No change || No change || The bill is referred on February 7, 2011 National Origins Formula to reduce the Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement. There is no further progress.<ref name=staple-2011>{{cite web|url = https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/house-bill/399|title = H.R.399 - STAPLE Act|date = January 24, 2011|accessdate = August 13, 2017|publisher = Congress.gov}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/hr399|title = H.R. 399 (112th): STAPLE Act|date = January 24, 2011|accessdate = August 13, 2017|publisher = Govtrack.us}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/05/16/care-immigration-care-staple-act.html|title = If You Care About Immigration, You Should Care About the STAPLE Act|last = Nowrasteh|first = Alex|authorlink = w:Alex Nowrasteh|date = May 16, 2011|accessdate = August 13, 2017}}</ref> Similar bills would be introduced in subsequent Congressespercentage to 2%.<ref name=staple-2013/>

| 2011 1924 || February 23 || Lawsuit Organizational restructuring || ''Palmer v. Infosys Technologies Limited'' (Alabama) || Jack Palmer (represented by Kenneth J. Mendelsohn), lawsuit against {{wUnited States Border Patrol |Infosys}} || N/A || N/A || N/A || N/A || In the lawsuit, Infosys employee Jack Palmer accuses the company of misusing the [[w:B visa in lieu of other visas|B-1 in lieu of H-1B]], including misleading immigration authorities, underpaying taxes, and overbilling clients.<ref name=itbusinessedge>{{cite webw|url = http://www.itbusinessedge.com/cm/blogs/tennant/h-1b-visa-fraud-case-against-infosys-may-be-a-game-changer/?cs=45953|title = H-1B Visa Fraud Case Against Infosys May Be a Game Changer|last = Tennant|first = Don|date = March 15, 2011|accessdate = August 12, 2017|publisher = IT Business EdgeUnited States Border Patrol}}</ref> He is represented by Greg Mendelsohn and created within the suit is filed in the Circuit Court Bureau of Lowndes County, AlabamaImmigration.<ref name=itbusinessedge/> This happens two months after Palmer tried to raise the same issues internally within the company and was not heeded.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/336004uscis-jackorganizational-palmer-lawsuit-against-infosys-technologies.html|title = Jack Palmer Lawsuit Against Infosys Technologies|date = February 23, 2011|accessdate = August 13, 2017}}<timeline/ref><ref name=nyt-palmer-lawsuit>{{cite web|url = http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/22/us/22infosys.html|title = Indian Company Under Scrutiny Over U.S. Visas|last = Preston|first = Julia|last2 = Bajaj|first2 = Vikas|date = June 21, 2011|accessdate = August 13, 2017}}</ref><ref name=nyt-palmer-lawsuit-2>{{cite web|url = http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/13/us/whistle-blower-claiming-visa-fraud-keeps-his-job-but-not-his-work.html|title = Whistle-Blower Claiming Visa Fraud Keeps His Job, but Not His Work|last = Preston|first = Julia|publisher = ''New York Times''|date = April 13, 2012|accessdate = August 13, 2017}}</ref> On August 20, 2012, a federal judge in Alabama dismisses the lawsuit.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/21/us/alabama-judge-dismisses-infosys-whistle-blower-suit.html|title = Judge Dismisses Whistle-Blower Suit Against Infosys|last = Preston|first = Julia|date = August 20, 2012|accessdate = August 13, 2017|publisher = ''New York Times''}}</ref> However, federal prosecutors later pursue Infosys based on Palmer's alllegations, resulting in a $34 million settlement in October 2013 with the government, with Palmer getting part of the settlement per a federal false claims law.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/30/us/indian-tech-giant-infosys-said-to-reach-settlement-on-us-visa-fraud-claims.html|title = Deal Reached in Inquiry Into Visa Fraud at Tech Giant|last = Preston|first = Julia|date = October 30, 2013|accessdate = August 13, 2017|publisher = ''New York Times''}}</ref>

| 2011 1933 || March 3 || Proposed regulation || Registration Requirement for Petitioners Seeking to File H-1B Petitions on Behalf of Aliens Subject to the Numerical Limitations Organizational restructuring || Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS); modern equivalents are USCIS || No change || Proposed: No numerical effectand CBP (and also ICE, but lottery would now be run ''before'' submission of full petition though most ICE functions do not exist at the time) || No change || No change || USCIS proposes that petitioners complete an online registration describing petitions they want to file ''prior'' to the start The Bureau of the filing season. If the number of such petitions exceeds the cap, USCIS runs its lottery ''before'' petitions are actually submitted, Immigration and informs employers whose petitions have passed the lottery, so they can then submit the full petition. The 60-day comment period for this Notice Bureau of Proposed Regulation published in Naturalization merge into the ''Federal Register'' ends on May 2.<ref>{{cite web|url = https[[wikipedia://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2011/03/03/2011-4731/registration-requirement-for-petitioners-seeking-to-file-h-1b-petitions-on-behalf-of-aliens-subject|title = Registration Requirement for Petitioners Seeking to File H-1B Petitions on Behalf of Aliens Subject to the Numerical Limitations|date = March 3, 2011|accessdate = August 13, 2017|publisher = ''Federal Register''}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.uscis.gov/archive/archive-news/uscis-announces-proposed-h-1b-electronic-registration-system-reduce-costs-us-businesses|title = USCIS Announces Proposed H-1B Electronic Registration System to Reduce Costs for U.S. Businesses|date = March 2, 2011|accessdate = August 13, 2017|publisher = United States Citizenship Immigration and Immigration Services}}</ref> The {{wNaturalization Service|American Immigration Lawyers Association}} responds with critical comments, suggesting that the proposed regulation be put on indefinite hold until the USCIS Transformation to a paperless system is complete, and that the USCIS carefully beta test the new approach and collect stakeholder feedback before launching it widelyNaturalization Service]] (INS).<ref>{{cite web|url name= http://www.aila.org/infonet/aila-comments-on-proposeduscis-horganizational-1b-registration-system|title = AILA Comments on Proposed H-1B Registration System|date = May 2, 2011|accessdate = August 13, 2017|publisher = American Immigration Lawyers Association}}<timeline/ref> There appears to be no further action on this proposal after May 2.

| 2013 1940 || March 15 || Proposed legislation Organizational restructuring || STAPLE Act Immigration and Naturalization Service (full name: {{w|Stopping Trained in America PhDs From Leaving the Economy Act}}INS) || {{w|Erik Paulsen}} ; modern equivalents are USCIS and CBP (in and also ICE, though most ICE functions do not exist at the {{w|113th United States Congress}}time) || No change || Proposed: People with United States STEM Ph.D. degrees are exempt The Immigration and Naturalization Service is transferred from the numerical H-1B caps || No change || No change || The bill is referred Department of Labor to the Subcommittee on Immigration And Border Security on April 15, 2013. There is no further progress.<ref name=staple-2013>{{cite webw|url = https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/1227|title = H.R.1227 - STAPLE Act|date = March 15, 2013|accessdate = August 13, 2017United States Department of Justice}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr1227|title = H.R. 1227 (113thDOJ): STAPLE Act|date = March 15, 2013|accessdate = August 13, 2017|publisher = Govtrackwhere it would stay for the rest of its life (till early 2003).us}}</ref> A similar bill had been introduced in the 112th United States Congress,<ref name=stapleuscis-organizational-2011timeline/> and similar bills would continue to be introduced in subsequent Congresses.

| 2013 1943 || March 18 || Proposed legislation Legislation || H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act (Bill) of 2013 Executive branch || {{w|Chuck Grassley}}, {{w|Sherrod Brown}} (in the The {{w|113th United States CongressMagnuson Act}} || No change || No change || Proposed:<br/> Annual Department of Labor audits of companies with large number of H-1B employees<br/>200 additional employees to administer, oversee, investigate, and enforce programs<br/>Revised wage determination requirements<br/>Internet posting required<br/>Longer U.Sbecomes law. worker displacement protection<br/>Prohibition on employer advertising that makes a position available only to, or gives priority to, H-1B nonimmigrants<br/>Limit on number of H-1B and L-1 employees that an employer with 50 or more workers may hire || No direct change, but more information-sharing with Department of Labor on fraud || The Bill is referred to the Committee on Act repeals the Judiciary but does not proceed further.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/senate-bill/600|title = S.600 - H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Chinese Exclusion Act of 2013|date = March 18, 2013|accessdate = August 13but in practice immigration from China is still significantly restricted, 2017|publisher = Congress.gov}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/s600|title = S. 600 as a quota of 105 annual Chinese immigrants is calculated through (113thflawed): H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform use of the National Origins Formula of the Immigration Act of 2013|date = March 18, 2013|accessdate = August 13, 2017|publisher = Govtrack1924.us}}</ref>

| 2015 1952 || April 30 June 27 || Legislation (landmark) || Proposed legislation Executive branch || STAPLE Act H (full name: {{w|Stopping Trained in America PhDs From Leaving the Economy Act}}temporary workers) || The {{w|Erik PaulsenImmigration and Nationality Act of 1952}} (in becomes law after both chambers of the {{w|114th 82nd United States Congress}} || No change || Proposed: People with United States STEM Ph.D. degrees are exempt from the numerical H-1B caps || No change || No change || The bill is referred vote to override the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security on June 1, 2015. There is no further progress.<ref name=staple-2015>veto of President {{cite web|url = https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/2181W|title = HHarry S.R.2181 - STAPLE Act|date = April 30, 2015|accessdate = August 13, 2017|publisher = congress.govTruman}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/114/hr2181|title = H.R. 2181 This is the first of two big overhauls of the immigration system (114ththe second being in 1965): STAPLE Act|date = April 30, 2015|accessdate = August 13, 2017|publisher = Govtrack.us}}</ref> Similar bills had been introduced Subsequent legislations would often be framed in terms of modifications to this legislation. Among other things, the 112th and 113th CongressH visa category is created by this Act.<ref name=staple-2011/><ref name=staple-2013/>

| 2015 1952 || December 18 || Legislation Organizational restructuring || Public Law 114-113, part U.S. Department of the {{w|Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016}} || {{w|114th United States Congress}} || Additional fee State's Bureau of $4,000 for employers with more than 50 employees Security and more than 50% Consular Affairs; current equivalent: Bureau of their workforce either H-1B or L-1 || No change Consular Affairs || No change || No change || This applies also leads to all petitions postmarked on or after December 18the creation of the Bureau of Inspection, 2015 Security and until September 30Consular Affairs, 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/new-law-increases-h-1b-and-l-1-petition-fees|title = New Law Increases H-1B and L-1 Petition Fees|publisher = which is responsible for issuing visas at foreign consulates to people who want to enter the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services|accessdate = March 29, 2016}}</ref><ref name=tribuneindia>{{cite web|url = http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/indian-it-companies-to-pay-over-8-000-per-h1b-visa/172810.html|title = Indian IT Companies to pay over $8In 1954,000 per visa|accessdate = March 29, 2016}}</ref> It replaces a similar $2,000 fee that applied till September 30, 2015. See {{w|H-1B-dependent employer#Additional fees}} for morethe Bureau is renamed the Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs.

| 2016 1961 || January 25 September 21 || Lawsuit Legislation || ''Perrero vU.S. Disney and HCL'' Department of State || Leo Perrero (plaintiff), Disney and HCL J (defendantsexchange visitors) || N/A The {{w|| N/A || N/A || N/A || Leo PerreroFulbright–Hays Act of 1961}}, a former Disney World employee, files a lawsuit in Florida against Walt Disney World also known as the Mutual Exchange and HCL for Disney firing him and other workers and using HCL to replace themCultural Exchange Act of 1961 (MECEA), with HCL filling its labor needs using H-1B visas.<ref name=soundcloud-perrero>is signed into law by President {{cite webw|url = https://wwwJohn F.documentcloud.org/documents/2837158-Perrero.html|title = Verified Class Action Complaint Against HCL Inc. and Walt Disney World|last = Perrero|first = Leo|date = January 25, 2016|accessdate = August 13, 2017Kennedy}}</ref> On May 13, Disney and HCL file motions for dismissal.<ref>after passing both chambers of the {{cite webw|url = https://www87th United States Congress}}.documentcloud.org/documents/2837159-Disney-Visa.html|title = Defendant Walt Disney Parks The Act encourages mutual education and Resorts U.S. Inc's Dispositive Motion to Dismiss cultural exchange between the United States and Memorandum of Law|date = May 13other countries, 2016|accessdate = August 13and in particular, 2017}}</ref><ref>leads to the creation of the {{cite webw|url = https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/2837157J-HCL.html|title = HCL America, Inc.'s Dispositive Motion to Dismiss Complaint|date = May 13, 2016|accessdate = August 13, 20171 visa}}</ref> On October 13, 2016, Judge Gregory A. Presnell of the United States District Court in Orlando dismisses the lawsuit, as well as a similar lawsuit by Dena Moore filed against Disney and Cognizant Technology Solutionscategory.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://wwwwww2.nytimesed.comgov/about/2016offices/10list/14ope/usiegps/judge-says-disney-didnt-violate-visa-laws-in-layoffsfulbrighthaysact.htmlpdf|title = Judge Says Disney Didn’t Violate Visa Laws in Layoffs|last = Preston|first = Julia|date = October 13, 2016Mutual Education and Cultural Exchange Program|accessdate = August 13April 7, 2017|publisher = ''New York Times''|last = Preston|first = Julia}}</ref>

| 2016 1965 || May 20 October 3 || Lawsuit || ''AILA v. USCIS'', also known as the FOIA lawsuit || {{w|American Immigration Lawyers Association}} (AILA) and American Immigration Council (AIC) (plaintiffs), USCIS Legislation (defendantlandmark) || N/A Executive branch || N/A || N/A || N/A || The American Immigration Lawyers Association files a {{w|Freedom Immigration and Nationality Act of Information Act1965}} (FOIA), also known as the Hart–Celler Act for its co-based lawsuit against USCIS seeking more transparency sponsors, is signed into the H-1B lottery process.<ref>law by President {{cite webw|url = https://wwwLyndon B.law360.com/articles/799213/foia-suit-seeks-to-peek-into-black-box-of-h-1b-lottery|title = FOIA Suit Seeks To Peek Into 'Black Box' Of H-1B Lottery|last = Olivo|first = Natalie|date = May 23, 2016|accessdate = August 13, 2017|publisher = Law360Johnson}}</ref><ref name=aic-foia-lawsuit>after passing both chambers of the {{cite webw|url = https://www89th United States Congress}}.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/litigation/foia-lawsuit-h-1b-lottery-policies-and-procedures|title = FOIA Lawsuit The Act would go into effect on H-1B Lottery Policies and Procedures. AILA v. USCISJune 30, et al1968.As of 2017, No. 1:16-cv-00956 (D.D.C. filed May 20, 2016)|accessdate = August 13, 2017|publisher = American Immigration Council}}</ref><ref name=aila-foia-lawsuit>{{cite web|url = http://www.aila.org/advo-media/press-releases/2016/lawsuit-seeks-transparency-it is the most recent radical overhaul of the immigration system in-h-1b-lottery-process|title = Lawsuit Seeks Transparency in H-1B Lottery Process|date = May 23, 2016|accessdate = August 13, 2017|publisher = American Immigration Lawyers Association}}</ref> USCIS responds on August 1, 2016, with three affirmative defensesthe United States.<ref name=aic-foia-lawsuit/><ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/sites/default/files/litigation_documents/aila_vs_uscis_defendants_answer.pdf|title = Defendant's Answer to Plaintiff's Claim for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief|date = August 1, 2016|accessdate = August 13, 2017}}</ref>

| 2016 1970 ||| June 2 |Legislation | Lawsuit |Immigration and Naturalization Services, U.S. Department of State | ''{{w|Tenrec v. USCIS}}'', also known as the H-1B lottery lawsuit || Tenrec Inc. (employee Sergii Sinienok) and Walker Mary LLC (employee Xiaoyang Zhu) (plaintiffs)4, Brent Renison (plaintiff's attorney)K, USCIS and DHS (defendants) || N/A || N/A || N/A || N/A L || The lawsuit challenges the USCIS' use of a lottery to determine what filed H-1B petitions to adjudicate. Instead4, it says that K and L visas are created by a lawful interpretation of 1970 Amendment to the statute would require giving priority in the next year to people who applied in a given year but could not be selected due to a cap. It is filed as a class action lawsuit on behalf of anybody who has failed to be selected in at least one lottery since 2013Immigration and Nationality Act.<ref name=entrylawpl-case91-ends/><ref225>{{cite web|url = https://www.lexisnexisgovinfo.comgov/legalnewsroomcontent/immigrationpkg/bSTATUTE-84/newsheadlinespdf/archive/2016/06/03/hSTATUTE-1b84-lottery-lawsuit-filed-tenrec-v-uscisPg116.aspx?Redirected=truepdf|title = H-1B Lottery Lawsuit Filed Public Law 91- Tenrec v. USCIS225|last = Kowalski|first = Daniel|date accessdate = June 3, 2016|accessdate = August 1326, 2017|publisher = LexisNexis2020}}</ref><ref name=cw-lotterywork-lawsuit>{{cite web|url = http://www.computerworld.com/article/3123769/itvisa-careers/court-ruling-puts-future-of-h-1b-lottery-in-doubt.html|title = Court ruling puts future of H-1B lottery in doubt. Effort to end H-1B lottery wins key decision in a federal court on Thursday|date = September 23, 2016|accessdate = August 13, 2017|publisher = Computerworld|last = Thibodeau|first = Patrick}}<history/ref><ref name=nlroig-lotteryl-lawsuitvisa>{{cite web|url = https://www.natlawreviewoig.dhs.comgov/assets/articleMgmt/controversial2013/OIG_13-h-1b-lottery-upheld107_Aug13.pdf|title = Controversial HImplementation of L-1B Lottery Upheld1 Visa Regulations|last publisher = Koski|first = CeridwenDepartment of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General|date = March 28, 2017|accessdate = August 139, 2017|publisher = ''The National Law Review''}}</ref> In September 2016, U.S. District Court Judge Michael Simon in Oregon rejects the USCIS' motion to dismiss the lawsuit.<ref name=cw-lottery-lawsuit/> On March 17, 2017, the case is decided against the plaintiffs.<ref name=entrylaw-case-ends>{{cite web|url = http://www.entrylaw.com/h1b-lottery-lawsuit/|title = H-1B Lottery Lawsuit2013|accessdate = August 13April 7, 2017}}</ref><ref name=nlr-lottery-lawsuit/> Although the plaintiffs appeal the decision with the {{w|United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit}}, it turns out that both plaintiffs succeed in the H-1B lottery this time, and no other employer is willing to become the lead plaintiff. A stipulated motion for voluntary dismissal of appeal is filed by all parties on June 21, 2017, and the order of dismissal is issued on June 23, 2017.<ref name=entrylaw-case-ends/>

| 2017 1976 || January 24 October 20 || Proposed legislation Legislation || High-Skilled Integrity Immigration and Fairness Act of 2017 Naturalization Services || H (temporary workers) || The Eilberg Amendment, sponsored by {{w|Zoe LofgrenJoshua Eilberg}} (in after lobbying by the {{wW|115th United States CongressAssociation of American Universities}}) || No change || 20% of the cap reserved for employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees, including parent, subsidiary, and other affiliated entities. || Proposed:<br/>Wage tiers established (200% of prevailing wage, 150% of prevailing wage, 100% of prevailing wage).<br/>Changes to penalties for employers || Petitions considered based on wage tier (so all petitions where the wage is above 200% of prevailing wage get first preference, then petitions where it is above 150%, then petitions where it is above 100%) || Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security on February 8, 2017. Not yet passedsigned into law.<ref name=hsifa>{{cite web|url = https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th94th-congress/house-bill/67014535/all-actions?overview=closed#tabs|title = H.R.670 14535 - High-Skilled Integrity An Act to amend the Immigration and Fairness Nationality Act of 2017|date = January 24, 2017and for other purposes.|accessdate = August 13April 7, 2017|publisher = Congress.gov}}</ref>The legislation allows nonprofit research institutions to sponsor unlimited numbers of foreign nationals without having to meet previously required standards regarding wages and working conditions.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.ailathesocialcontract.orgcom/advo-mediaartman2/whats-happening-in-congresspublish/pending-legislationtsc1503/hr-670-high-skilled-integrity-fairness-act-2017article_1312.shtml|title = HCareer Destruction Sites Is What U.RS. 670: High-Skilled Integrity and Fairness Act of 2017Colleges Have Become|last = Nelson|first = Gene|publisher = American Immigration Lawyers Association[[wikipedia:The Social Contract Press|date = January 24, 2017The Social Contract Press]]|accessdate = August 13April 7, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url name= https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/115/hr670|title = H.R. 670: Highwork-visa-Skilled Integrity and Fairness Act of 2017|publisher = govtrack.us}}</ref><refhistory>{{cite web|url = http://wwwimmigration-weaver.indianeagleblogspot.com/travelbeatsp/high-skilled-integrity-anda-fairnesslegislative-acthistory-of-2017h-for1b-h1band-visa-reform/other.html|title = HighA Legislative History of H-Skilled Integrity 1B and Fairness Act of 2017: Highlights of New H1B Visa Reform Bill in USA|publisher = Indian EagleOther Immigrant Work Visas|accessdate = August 13April 7, 2017}}</ref>It would later be cited as a precedent for the [[wikipedia:Immigration Act of 1990|Immigration Act of 1990]].<ref>{{cite web|url = httpshttp://wwwcommdocs.law360house.comgov/committees/articlesjudiciary/889366hju63314.000/a-politically-feasible-approach-to-h-1b-reformhju63314_0f.htm|title = A Politically Feasible Approach To H-1B Reform|last = Meyer|first = BrandonTEMPORARY PROFESSIONAL WORKER VISA PROGRAM AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY WORKFORCE ISSUES|date = February 8August 5, 20171999|accessdate = August 13April 7, 2017}}</ref>

| 2017 1979 || March 3 || INS/USCIS guidance Organizational restructuring || Temporary Suspension of H-1B Premium Processing || USCIS || Premium Processing Service no longer available, so that fee component does not applyU. || No change || No change || Premium Processing Service no longer applies, so all petitions are processed in the order they are received (see {{w|USCIS processing times}} for more)S.<ref name=uscis-h-1b-pps-suspension>{{cite web|url = https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-will-temporarily-suspend-premium-processing-all-h-1b-petitions|title = USCIS Will Temporarily Suspend Premium Processing for All H-1B Petitions|date = March 3, 2017|accessdate = March 4, 2017|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration Services}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://indianexpress.com/article/world/uscis-to-suspend-premium-processing-service-for-h-1b-visas-from-april-3-as-h-1b-reform-bill-introduced-in-congress-4553812/Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs |title = USCIS to suspend Premium Processing Service for H-1B visas from April 3|publisher = ''Indian Express''|date = March 3, 2017|accessdate = March 4, 2017}}</ref> Petitioners can still make discretionary expedite requests subject to the usual constraints on such requests.<ref name=uscis-h-1b-pps-suspension/><ref name=expedite-criteria>{{cite web|url = https://www.uscis.gov/forms/expedite-criteria|title = Expedite Criteria|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration Services|accessdate = March 4, 2017}}</ref> || The suspension Bureau of Premium Processing Security and Consular Affairs is believed to be related to work under President Donald Trump restructured: its security functions are moved to change the regulations and procedures surrounding immigration, as well as legislation under discussion that would alter the working of the H-1B program.<ref>{{cite web|url = http[[wikipedia://www.theverge.com/2017/3/3/14810830/us-immigration-trump-h-1b-visa-processing-wait-times|title = US to suspend fast processing Bureau of H-1B visas for high-skilled workers|last = Statt|first = Nick|date = March 3, 2017|accessdate = March 4, 2017|publisher = ''The Verge''}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/04/us/h1b-visa-premium-processing-suspended/Diplomatic Security|title = US suspends expedited processing Bureau of H-1B visas |last = Karimi|first = Faith|date = March 4, 2017|accessdate = March 4, 2017|publisher = ''[[CNNDiplomatic Security]]''}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.engadget.com/2017/03/03/us-suspends-premium-processing-for-h-1b-visas/|title = US suspends 'premium processing' for H-1B visas. Heavily used by tech companies like Microsoft , and Facebook, it let applicants receive an answer faster for a feethe organization is renamed te Bureau of Consular Affairs.|last = Lawler|first = Richard|date = March 3, 2017|accessdate = March 4, 2017|publisher = ''Engadget''}}</ref>

| 2019 1980 || || INS/USCIS guidance Legislation || Reinstatement of Premium Processing for H-1B Executive branch || USCIS || Premium Processing availability resumes, with no fee change. The {{w|| No change || No change || Premium Processing now available for cap-subject petitions96th United States Congress}} passes the Refugee Act of 1980, starting in late May or early June depending on standardizing the type process of petitionrefugee resettlement. || Start date for Premium Processing countdown is May 20, 2019 for cap-subject change This leads to the creation of status petitions,<ref>the {{cite webw|url = https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/premium-processing-begins-certain-cap-subject-h-1b-petitions-may-20|title = Premium Processing Begins for Certain Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions on May 20|publisher = [[United States Citizenship and Immigration Services]]|date = March 29, 2019|accessdate = January 25, 2020Refugee Admissions Program}}</ref> and June 10, 2019 for other cap-subject petitions (precise date announced June 7, 2019USRAP).<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/premium-processing-begins-remaining-h-1b-cap-subject-petitions-june-10|title = Premium Processing Begins for Remaining H-1B Cap-Subject Petitions on June 10|publisher = [[United States Citizenship and Immigration Services]]|date = June 7, 2019|accessdate = January 25, 2020}}</ref>

| 2020 1981 || January 20 || INS/USCIS guidance || H-1B Electronic Registration Process || USCIS || Additional $10 fee for registration for cap-subject petitions, including petitions that do not get selected in the lottery || No Leadership change || No change Executive branch || Change in lottery system to select petitioners, but not to adjustication process itself || Starting with Fiscal Year 2021, USCIS moves its lottery system to ''before'' the filing of petitions. Between March 1 and March 20, prospective petitioners (known as "registrants") must file an online application with USCIS, including basic information on the petition. All registrants who apply within this timeframe would then go through the lottery process, with registrants learning by March 31 whether they were selected. Selected registrants may file H-1B petitions by June 30.<ref>Republican politician {{Cite webw|url = https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations-and-fashion-models/h-1b-electronic-registration-process|title = H-1B Electronic Registration Process|accessdate = April 21, 2020|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration ServicesRonald Reagan}}</ref><ref name=shrm-h-1b-lottery-changes>is sworn in as {{cite webw|url = https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/talent-acquisition/pages/2020-h1b-visa-filing-process-has-changed.aspx|title = The H-1B Visa Filing Process Has Changed. Here’s What You Need to Know. Changes meant to ease President of the process may boost number of visa applicants, experts say|date = February 5, 2020|last = Maurer|first = Roy|accessdate = April 21, 2020United States}}</ref>.

| 2020 1982 || June February 22 || Executive Order || Proclamation Suspending Entry of Aliens Who Present a Risk to the U.S. Labor Market Following the Coronavirus Outbreak || President {{w|Donald Trummp}} || No Leadership change || No change |Immigration and Naturalization Services | No change || No change || In light of increased unemployment levels following the {{w|COVID-19 pandemic in the United StatesAlan C. Nelson}}, United States President Donald Trump issues a presidential proclamation suspending becomes the issuance Comissioner of new visas in many categories, including H-1B, by United States consulates, till the end of 2020. Existing visas would continue to be honoredINS, and H-1B adjudications by USCIS would continue. The effective immpact is that only people already in the United States would be able to transition to or extend H-1B status, and would not be able to travel outside the United States unless they already have a valid visa.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspending-entry-aliens-present-risk-u-s-labor-market-following-coronavirus-outbreak/|title = Proclamation Suspending Entry of Aliens Who Present a Risk to the U.S. Labor Market Following the Coronavirus Outbreak|date = June 22, 2020|accessdate = June 26, 2020|publisher = White House|last = Trump|first = Donald}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = httpsworking under President [[wikipedia://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2020/6/22/21299484/trump-executive-order-immigration-h1b-visa-covidRonald Reagan|title = A new Trump proclamation will block foreign workers. It could affect hundreds of thousands of foreigners stranded abroad.|date = June 22, 2020|accessdate = June 26, 2020|publisher = Vox|last = Narea|first = Nicola}}</ref>|} == H-1B annual cycle dates == === Data Fiscal Year 2021 onward === Fiscal Year 2021 was the first year that the USCIS moved its lottery selection to before the start date of filingRonald Reagan]].<ref name=shrm-h-1b-lottery-changes/> We'll make a table here once we have at least two years of data on the new lottery system, as we'll have a clearer idea then what dates can vary year-over-year. Due to the {{w|2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United States}}, the USCIS announced on March 20, 2020 that Premium Processing Service would be suspended for all petitions (for both Form Iuscis-129 and Inelson-140) effective immediately, and any requests not already accepted would be returned, along with the payment being returned. Already submitted requests for Premium Processing would be refunded if the USCIS failed to take action on the case within the promised 15-day period.<refbio>{{cite web|url = https://www.uscis.gov/workinghistory-unitedand-statesgenealogy/temporary-workers/uscis-announces-temporary-suspension-premium-processing-all-i-129-and-i-140-petitions-dueour-coronavirushistory-pandemic8|title = USCIS Announces Temporary Suspension Alan C. Nelson: Commissioner of Premium Processing for All I-129 Immigration and INaturalization Service, February 22, 1982 -140 Petitions Due to the Coronavirus PandemicJune 16, 1989|date = March 20February 4, 20202016|accessdate = March 28October 24, 20202016|publisher = [[wikipedia:United States Citizenship and Immigration Services}}</ref> This follows a previous announcement of temporary suspension of Premium Processing for cap-subject H-1B petitions for Fiscal Year 2021, with the earliest possible date of resumption of Premium Processing for that category being June 29, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-announces-temporary-suspension-premium-processing-fy2021-cap-subject-petitions|title = USCIS Announces Temporary Suspension of Premium Processing for FY2021 Cap-Subject Petitions|date = March 16, 2020|accessdate = March 28, 2020|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration Services]]}}</ref> === Data Fiscal Year 2006 to Fiscal Year 2020 (after the H-1B Visa Reform Act of 2004; no major legislative changes) === The annual caps for H-1B (65,000 regular cap-subject, 20,000 for people with U.S. Masters degrees) apply every Fiscal Year. A Fiscal Year begins on October 1 of the previous calendar year and ends on September 30 of the same calendar. For instance, Fiscal Year 2004 is from October 1, 2003 to September 30, 2004. The H-1B petition is filed using {{w|Form I-129}}, and any Form I-129 petition can be submitted at most six months in advance of the indicated start date. Therefore, cap-subject petitions in a given Fiscal Year start on the first weekday of April (usually April 1, sometimes April 2 or April 3) of the preceding calendar year. Early April is sometimes called "H-1B season", "H-1B cap season", "H-1B filing season", or "H-1B petition season", and is the subject of much informal discussion among petitioners, beneficiaries, and commentators. Starting with Fiscal Year 2006, USCIS has implemented a lottery to determine what petitions to adjudicate if it hits the cap. According to this regulation, all petitions received ''before'' the date the USCIS hits its cap are processed, but petitions received on the day it hits the cap are run through a lottery that selects the number necessary to just hit the cap.<ref name=uscis-lottery-regulation/> For Fiscal Year 2008, USCIS had to close petitions after just two days of receiving petitions.<ref name=fy-08-h-1b-lottery/> The heavy pressure on service centers and overnight courier services<ref name=nlr-lottery-lawsuit/> at the start of cap season led to USCIS changing its process somewhat starting Fiscal Year 2009. USCIS would now wait at least the first five working days of April to receive petitions, and, if enough petitions were received in the first five days, it would put ''all'' petitions received in the first five days (not just those on the last day) through its lottery to determine which petitions would be adjudicated.<ref name=nlr-lottery-lawsuit/><ref name=fy-09-h-1b-lottery/> USCIS has achieved its cap after five days in every fiscal year starting Fiscal Year 2014 onward (see table below). Due to the huge influx of petitions right around April 1, USCIS, for Fiscal Years 2014 through 2017, pre-announced delays in the beginning of countdown for Premium Processing Service; the 15-day countdown for petitions submitted between April 1 and this delayed start date would start on the delayed start date, rather than the date the petition was received. For Fiscal Years 2018 and 2019, Premium Processing Service was suspended entirely during the cap season. {| class="wikitable sortable"! Fiscal Year !! Date of announcement for delay in processing cap-subject petitions !! Date of delayed start for the 15-day countdown for Premium Processing Service !! Date that the USCIS opened applications !! Last date the USCIS accepted cap-subject petitions !! Last date the USCIS accepted petitions for the 20,000 masters degree positions !! Lottery used to select petitions for processing?

| Fiscal Year 2006 (begins October 1, 2005) 1983 || N/A January 9 || N/A Organizational restructuring || April 1Executive Office for Immigration Review, Board of Immigration Appeals, 2005 Immigration and Naturalization Services || || The {{w|Executive Office for Immigration Review}} (EOIR) is created as part of the U.S. Department of Justice. The EOIR combines two pre-existing functions: the [[wikipedia:Board of Immigration Appeals| August 10Board of Immigration Appeals]] (also originally under the DOJ) and the Immigration Judge function (carried out previously by the INS, 2005which was at the time under the DOJ).<refname=eoir-history>{{cite web|url = https://www.uscisjustice.gov/sites/default/files/files/pressreleaseeoir/Habout-1Bcap_12Aug05.pdfoffice|title = USCIS Reached H-1B CapAbout the Office|date publisher = August 12, 2005[[wikipedia:Executive Office for Immigration Review|Executive Office for Immigration Review]]|accessdate = August 13March 18, 2017|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration Services}}</ref> || January 17, 2006<ref name="Lottery Data"/> || No

| Fiscal Year 2007 (begins October 1, 2006) 1985 || February ||Leadership change | N/A |U.S. Department of Justice | N/A || April 3, 2006 |{{w| May 26, 2006Edwin Meese}} becomes {{w|United States Attorney General}}.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.uscisnytimes.govcom/sites1985/default02/files24/filesus/pressrelease/FY07H1Bcap_060106PRsenate-approves-meese-to-become-attorney-general.pdfhtml|title = USCIS Reaches H-1B CapSENATE APPROVES MEESE TO BECOME ATTORNEY GENERAL|author = Leslie Maitland Wiener|date = June 1February 24, 20061985|accessdate = August 13March 19, 2017|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration Services[[wikipedia:New York Times|New York Times]]}}</ref> <ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.latimes.com/1989-08-09/news/mn-107_1_wedtech-scandal | July 26title=Wallach Found Guilty of Racketeering, Fraud: Meese's Friend, 2006Two Others Convicted in Wedtech Scandal |date=1989-08-09 |first=Robert L. |last=Jackson |author2=John J. Goldman |publisher=Los Angeles Times}}</ref name="Lottery Data"/> || YesThe Attorney General heads the U.S. Department of Justice, and prior to the September 11 attacks, the INS was under the Department of Justice.

| Fiscal Year 2008 1986 || November 6 || Legislation (begins October 1, 2007landmark) || N/A Immigration and Naturalization Services; current equivalent: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services ||H-2 (H-2A, H-2B; temporary workers) | N/A |The {{w| April 2Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986}} (IRCA) is signed into law by President Ronald Reagan, 2007<ref name=fyafter passing both houses of the {{w|99th United States Congress}} after three years of legislative back-08and-h-1b-lottery/> forth. The key sponsors are {{w|Alan K. Simpson}} and {{w| April 3Romano L. Mazzoli}}, 2007<ref name=fyso the act is also known as the Simpson–Mazzoli Act. This combines an amnesty for people who have been present in the United States for a while, a restructuring of the H-082 program splitting it into the H-h2A (unlimited temporary agricultural workers) and H-1b-lottery2B (other temporary workers), and more resources into enforcement.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.uscisgpo.gov/sitesfdsys/defaultpkg/filesSTATUTE-100/filespdf/pressrelease/H1BFY08Cap040307STATUTE-100-Pg3445.pdf|title = USCIS Reached FY 2008 HPublic Law 99-1B Cap603|date = April 3November 6, 20071986|accessdate = August 12March 15, 2017|publisher = [[wikipedia:United States Citizenship and Immigration ServicesGovernment Publishing Office|United States Government Publishing Office]]}}</ref> The Act also includes a provision for what would later become the [[wikipedia:Visa Waiver Program|| April 30, 2007Visa Waiver Program]].<ref>{{cite webbook|url = https://wwwbooks.uscisgoogle.govcom/sites/default/files/files/pressrelease/H1Bfy08CapUpdate050407.pdf|title books?id=GjkHDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA173&lpg=PA173&dq=legislative+origins+of+visa+waiver+program+1986&source=bl&ots=hJ3ZWdFkez&sig= USCIS REACHES HYNfFh66pk3bYN0-1B EXEMPTION CAP FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008: 20,000 Slots Reserved for Aliens with Master’s Degrees or Higher ExhaustedUXiQUrFG5JAM&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiExcjQgPzSAhVI52MKHZ_GDoIQ6AEIJzAC#v=onepage&q=legislative%20origins%20of%20visa%20waiver%20program%201986&f=false|date title = may 4Foreigners, 2007Refugees Or Minorities?: Rethinking People in the Context of Border Controls and Visas|accessdate last = August 17, 2017Bigo|publisher first = United States Citizenship and Immigration ServicesDidier}}</ref> || Yes

| Fiscal Year 2009 (begins 1987 || October 1, 2008) 21 || Deferred action || N/A Immigration and Naturalization Services || N/A || April 1Alan C. Nelson, 2008<ref name=fy-09-h-1b-lottery/> INS Commissioner announces {{w|| April 7Family Fairness}}, a deferred action policy for children (and, in rare cases, spouses) of people eligible to legalie per the IRCA, 2008to solve the problem of split-eligibility families.<ref name=fy-09-h-1b-lotteryaic>{{cite web|url = https://www.uscisamericanimmigrationcouncil.gov/archiveorg/archive-newsresearch/uscis-runs-randomreagan-selectionbush-processfamily-hfairness-1bchronological-petitionshistory|title = USCIS Runs Random Selection Process For HReagan-1B PetitionsBush Family Fairness: A Chronological History|date = April 14December 9, 20082014|accessdate = August 13February 5, 2017|publisher = United States Citizenship and American Immigration ServicesCouncil}}</ref> || April 7, 2008<ref name=fy-09-h-1b-lottery/> || Yes

| Fiscal Year 2010 (begins October 1, 2009) 1988 || April 20, 2009<ref name=fy-2010-pps-update>{{cite web|url = https://www.uscis.gov/archive/archive-news/uscis-updates-count-fy2010-h-1b-petition-filings-0July |title = USCIS Updates Count of FY2010 H-1B Petition Filings|date = April 20, 2009Visas |accessdate = August 13, 2017|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration Services}}</ref> Kingdom || April 7, 2009<ref name=fy-2010-pps-update/> || April 1, 2009<ref>The {{cite webw|url = https://www.uscis.gov/news/public-releases-topic/visas-h-1b/2010-h-1b-petition-season|title = 2010 H-1B Petition Season|date = April 8, 2009|accessdate = August 13, 2017|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration ServicesKingdom}}</ref> || December 21, 2009<ref>becomes the first country to participate in the newly created {{cite webw|url = https://www.uscis.gov/archive/archive-news/uscis-reaches-fy-2010-h-1b-cap|title = USCIS Reaches FY 2010 H-1B Cap|date = December 22, 2009|accessdate = August 13, 2017Visa Waiver Program}}</ref> || July 9(VWP), 2009<ref name="Lottery Data"/> || Noa program for reciprocal visa-free travel between the United States and other countries.

| Fiscal Year 2011 (begins October 1, 2010) 1988 || April 8, 2010<ref name=fy-2011-pps-update>{{cite web|url = https://www.uscis.gov/archive/archive-news/uscis-continues-accept-fy-2011-h-1b-petitions|title = USCIS Continues to Accept FY 2011 H-1B Petitions|date = April 8, 2010October 15 |accessdate = August 12, 2017|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration Services}}</ref> Leadership change || April 7, 2010<ref name=fy-2011-pps-update/> || April 1, 2010<ref>{{cite web|url = http://wwwU.livesaymyersS.com/uscis-to-accept-h-1b-petitions-for-fiscal-year-2011-beginning-april-1-2010/Department of Justice |title = USCIS to Accept H-1B Petitions for Fiscal Year 2011 Beginning April 1, 2010|last = Lindsay|first = James|date = March 9, 2010|accessdate = August 12, 2017|publisher = Lindsay & Myers}}</ref> || January 26, 2011<ref>{{cite webw|url = https://www.uscis.gov/archive/archive-news/uscis-reaches-fy-2011-h-1b-cap|title = USCIS Reaches FY 2011 H-1B Cap|date = January 27, 2011|accessdate = August 12, 2017|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration ServicesDick Thornburgh}}</ref> || December 22becomes Attorney General, 2010<ref name="Lottery Data"/> || Nosucceeding scandal-engulfed Edwin Meese.

| Fiscal Year 2012 1988 || November 18 || Legislation (begins October 1, 2011adjacent) || April 8, 2011<ref name=fy-12-continued-acceptance>{{cite webExecutive branch |url = https://www.uscis.gov/archive/archive-news/uscis-continues-accept-fy-2012-h-1b-petitions|title = USCIS Continues to Accept FY 2012 H-1B Petitions|date = April 8, 2011|accessdate = August 12, 2017The {{w|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration ServicesAnti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988}}</ref> is signed into law by President {{w|Ronald Reagan}} after passing both chambers of the [[wikipedia:100th United States Congress| April 7100th United States Congress]]. The Act, though not focused on migration, 2011<ref name=fy-12-continued-acceptance/> introduces the concept of [[wikipedia:aggravated felony|| April 1aggravated felony]] to refer to murder, federal drug trafficking, 2011and illicit trafficking of certain firearms and destructive devices. Aggravated felonies are grounds for removal and exclusion of aliens.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.uscisamericanimmigrationcouncil.govorg/archivesites/archive-newsdefault/files/research/uscis-start-accepting-h-1b-petitions-fy-2012-april-1-2011aggravated_felonies.pdf|title = USCIS to Start Accepting H-1B Petitions for FY 2012 on April 1, 2011Aggravated Felonies: An Overview|date publisher = March 18, 2011American Immigration Council|accessdate = August 12April 7, 2017|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration Services}}</ref> || November 22, 2011<ref>{{cite web|url = httpshttp://wwwtrac.uscissyr.govedu/archiveimmigration/archive-newsreports/155/uscis-reaches-fiscal-year-2012-h-1b-cap|title = USCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2012 H-1B CapAggravated Felonies and Deportation|publisher = United States Citizenship and TRAC Immigration Services|accessdate = April 7, 2017}}</ref> || October 19, 2011<ref name="Lottery Data"/> || No

| Fiscal Year 2013 (begins October 1, 2012) 1989 || N/A January 20 || N/A Leadership change || April 2, 2012<ref name=fy-13-h-1b-announcement>{{cite webExecutive branch |url = https://www.uscis.gov/news/uscis-accept-h-1b-petitions-fiscal-year-2013-beginning-april-2-2012|title = USCIS to Accept H-1B Petitions for Fiscal Year 2013 Beginning April 2, 2012|date = March 27, 2012|accessdate = August 12, 2017|publisher = United States Citizenship Republican politician and Immigration Services}}</ref> || June 11, 2012<ref name=fy-13-capincumbent vice-reached>president {{cite webw|url = https://wwwGeorge H.uscisW.gov/news/uscis-reaches-fiscal-year-2013-h-1b-cap|title = USCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2013 H-1B Cap|date = June 12, 2012|accessdate = August 12, 2017|publisher = Bush}} becomes President of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services}}</ref> || June 7, 2012<ref name=fy-13-cap-reached/><ref name="Lottery Data"/> || Nosucceeding Ronald Reagan.

| Fiscal Year 2014 (begins October 1, 2013) 1989 || June 16 || Leadership change || Immigration and Naturalization Services || || March 15INS Commissioner Alan C. Nelson is fired, amidst clashes with Attorney General Dick Thornburgh who wants to bring the INS more firmly under his own control, 2013as well as accusations against Nelson of mismanagement.<ref name=fyuscis-14nelson-hbio/><ref name=nyt-1boblique-announcementattack>{{cite web|url=httphttps://www.uscisnytimes.govcom/news1989/03/14/us/usciswashington-accepttalk-himmigration-1bnaturalization-petitionsservice-fiscals-yearchief-2014tilts-aprilagainst-1-2013oblique.html|title = USCIS to Accept H-1B Petitions for Fiscal Year 2014 WASHINGTON TALK: IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION; Service's Chief Tilts Against an 'Oblique' Attack on April 1, 2013His Policies|last = Berke|first = Richard|date = March 1514, 20131989|accessdate = April 20October 24, 20152016|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration Services''[[New York Times]]''}}</ref><ref name=ailalat-h-1b-pps-delayfired>{{cite web|url=http://wwwarticles.ailalatimes.orgcom/infonet/uscis-delay-processing-h-1b1989-cap06-subject-petitions|title = USCIS to Delay Premium Processing for H-1B Cap-Subject Petitions Until April 15, 2013|publisher = American Immigration Lawyers Association|accessdate = April 5, 2015}}<26/ref> || April 15, 2013<ref name=fy-14-h-1b-announcementnews/><ref name=ailamn-h3253_1_justice-1bdepartment-ppsjustice-delay/> || April 1, 2013<ref name=fy-14dept-halan-1bc-announcement/> nelson|| April 5, 2013<ref name=fy-14-cap-reached>{{cite web|urltitle =http://wwwINS Chief Resigns; Under Fire in Justice Dept.uscis.gov/news/uscis-reaches-fy-2014-h-1b-capAudit|title publisher = USCIS Reaches FY 2014 H-1B Cap[[Associated Press]]|date = April 8June 26, 20131989|accessdate = April 20October 24, 20152016}}</ref> || April 5, 2013<ref name=fy-14-cap-reached/> || Yes

| Fiscal Year 2015 (begins October 1, 2014) 1990 || February 5 || Deferred action || Immigration and Naturalization Services || || March 25, 2014<ref name=fy-15-h-1b-pps-delay-announcement>The {{cite webw|url=http://wwwFamily Fairness}} policy is extended to spouses of IRCA-eligible people.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-begin-premium-processing-h-1b-cap-subject-petitions-april-28-2014|title = USCIS The extension serves as a bridge to Begin Premium Processing a legislation that is passed as part of H-1B Cap-Subject Petitions by April 28, 2014|date = March 25, 2014the {{w|accessdate = April 20, 2015|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration ServicesAct of 1990}}</ref> || April 28, 2014.<ref name=fy-15-h-1b-pps-delay-announcement/> || April 1, 2014<refprwatch>{{cite web|url=http://www.uscisprwatch.govorg/newsfiles/uscis-accept-h-1b-petitions-fiscal-year-2015-beginning-april-1-2014interpreter_releases_feb_5_1990.pdf|title = USCIS to Accept H-1B Petitions for Fiscal Year 2015 Beginning April 1, 2014Interpreter releases: report and analysis of immigration and nationality law|date = March 25February 5, 20141990|accessdate = April 20February 22, 2015|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration Services2017}}</ref> || April 7, 2014<ref name=fy-15nytimes-cap2-reached2>{{cite web|url=http://www.uscisnytimes.govcom/1990/news03/uscis05/nyregion/new-reachespolicy-fyaids-2015families-hof-1b-capaliens.html|title = USCIS Reaches FY 2015 H-1B CapNew Policy Aids Families of Aliens|date last = April 7, 2014Howe|accessdate first = April 20, 2015Marvine|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration Services''[[wikipedia:New York Times|New York Times]]''|date = }}</ref> || April 7, 2014<ref name=fy-15-cap-reached/> || Yes

| Fiscal Year 2016 1990 || November 29 || Legislation (begins October 1, 2015landmark) || March 12, 2015<ref name=fy-16-h-1b-announcement>{{cite webImmigration and Naturalization Services ||url=http://www.uscis.gov/news/uscis-will-accept-h-1b-petitions-fiscal-year-2016-beginning-aprilH-1(H-2015|title = USCIS Will Accept 1A, H-1B Petitions for Fiscal Year 2016 Beginning April 1, 2015) ||date = March 12, 2015The {{w|accessdate = April 20, 2015Immigration Act of 1990|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration ServicesAct of 1990]] is signed into law by President {{w|George H. W. Bush}}</ref> || May 11. While mostly focused on legal temporary and permanent immigration, some provisions of the Act are relevant to enforcement. In particular, 2015 (initially announced)the Family Unity Policy passed as part of the Act supersedes the Family Fairness executive action.<ref name=fy-16-h-1b-announcement/><br>Later revised to April 27, 2015<ref"Fordham Journal Highlights">{{cite web|last1=Leiden|first1=Warren|title=Highlights of the U.S. Immigration Act of 1990|url=http://wwwir.lawnet.uscisfordham.govedu/newscgi/alerts/h-1b-cap-premium-processing-begin-april-27|title viewcontent.cgi?article=1270&context= H-1B Cap Premium Processing to Begin April 27ilj|date publisher= April 14, 2015Fordham International Law Journal|accessdate = June 3September 30, 20152014}}</ref> || April 1, 2015<ref name=fy-16-h-1b-announcement/> || April 7, 2015<ref name=fy-16-cap-reached"US immigration legislation">{{cite web|last1=Stone|first1=Stephanie|title=1190 Immigration and Nationality Act|url=http://wwwlibrary.uscisuwb.govedu/newsguides/news-releasesusimmigration/uscis-reaches-fy-2016-h-1b-cap1990_immigration_and_nationality_act.html|title website= USCIS Reaches FY 2016 H-1B CapU.S. Immigration Legislation Online|publisher = United States Citizenship and U.S. Immigration Services|date = April 7, 2015Legislation Online|accessdate = April 20September 30, 20152014}}</ref> || April 7, 2015<ref name=fy-16-cap-reached/> || Yes

|Fiscal Year 2017 (begins October 1, 2016) 1993 ||January 20 | March 16, 2016<ref name=fy-17-h-1b-announcement>{{cite web|url = https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/uscis-will-accept-h-1b-petitions-fiscal-year-2017-beginning-april-1-2016Leadership change |title = USCIS Will Accept H-1B Petitions for Fiscal Year 2017 Beginning April 1, 2016|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration ServicesExecutive branch |date = March 16, 2016|accessdate = March 26, 2016}}</ref> || May 16, 2016 (initially announced)<ref name=fy-17-h-1b-announcement/><br>Later revised to May 12, 2016<ref>Democratic politician {{cite webw|url = https://www.uscis.gov/news/fiscal-year-2017-h-1b-cap-premium-processing-begin-may-12|title = Fiscal Year 2017 H-1B Cap Premium Processing to Begin May 12|date = April 25, 2016|accessdate = March 4, 2017|publisher = Bill Clinton}} becomes President of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services}}</ref> || April 1, 2016<ref name=fy-17-h-1b-announcement/> || April 7, 2016<ref name=fy-17-cap-reached>{{cite web|url = https://wwwafter defeating incumbent George H. W.uscisBush in elections.gov/news/news-releases/uscis-reaches-fy-2017-h-1b-cap|title = USCIS Reaches FY 2017 H-1B Cap|date = April 7, 2016|accessdate = March 4, 2017|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration Services}}</ref> || April 7, 2016<ref name=fy-17-cap-reached/> || Yes

|Fiscal Year 2018 (begins October 1, 2017) 1993 || N/A (Premium Processing suspended) March 11 || N/A (Premium Processing suspended) Leadership change || April 3, 2017<ref>{{cite web|url = https://wwwU.uscisS.gov/news/news-releases/uscis-will-accept-h-1b-petitions-fiscal-year-2018-beginning-april-3|title = USCIS Will Accept H-1B Petitions for Fiscal Year 2018 Beginning April 3Department of Justice |date = March 15, 2017|accessdate = August 13, 2017|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration Services}}</ref> || April 7, 2017<ref name=fy-18-cap-reached>{{cite web|url = https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/uscis-reaches-fy-2018-h-1b-cap|title = USCIS Reaches FY 2018 H-1B Cap|date = April 7, 2017|accessdate = August 13, 2017w|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration ServicesJanet Reno}}</ref> || April 7, 2017<ref name=fy-18-cap-reached/> || Yesbecomes Attorney General.

| Fiscal Year 2019 (begins 1993 || October 1, 2018) 18 || Leadership change ||Immigration and Naturalization Services | N/A (Premium Processing suspended) || N/A (Premium Processing suspended) |{{w| April 2, 2018Doris Meissner}} becomes INS Commissioner.<refname=ins>{{cite web|url = https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscishistory-willand-temporarilygenealogy/our-suspendhistory-premium-processing-fiscal-year-2019-h-1b-cap-petitions19|title = USCIS Will Temporarily Suspend Premium Processing for Fiscal Year 2019 HDoris Meissner. Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization Service, October 18, 1993 -1B Cap Petitions|date = March 20November 18, 20182000|accessdate = December 27July 5, 20182016|publisher = [[wikipedia:United States Citizenship and Immigration Services|United States Citizenship and Immigration Services]]}}</ref> || April 6, 2018<ref name=fy-19nyt-capins-reachedstart>{{cite web|url = httpshttp://www.uscisnytimes.govcom/1993/06/news19/alertsus/uscispresident-chooses-an-reachesexpert-fyto-2019halt-hsmuggling-1bof-capaliens.html|title = USCIS Reaches FY 2019 H-1B CapPresident Chooses an Expert To Halt Smuggling of Aliens|last = Ifill|first = Gwen|date = April 6June 19, 20181993|accessdate = December 27July 5, 20182016|publisher = United States Citizenship and Immigration Services''[[wikipedia:New York Times|New York Times]]''}}</ref> || April 6, 2018<ref name=fy-19-cap-reached/> || Yes<ref name=fy-18-cap-reached/>

|Fiscal Year 2020 (begins October 1994 || January 1, 2019) || March 19, 2019<ref name=fy-20-h-1b-announcement>{{cite webTreaty or trade agreement |url = https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/uscis-announces-fy-2020-h-1b-cap-season-start-updates-and-changes|titlee = USCIS Announces FY 2020 H-1B Cap Season Start, Updates, and Changes|publisher = [[United States Citizenship and Immigration Services]]Executive branch |date = March 19, 2019|accessdate = January 25, 2020}}<TN (free trade visa for Canada/ref> Mexico) || May 20, 2019 for cap-subject change of status petitions;<ref>The {{cite webw|url = https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/premium-processing-begins-certain-cap-subject-h-1b-petitions-may-20|title = Premium Processing Begins for Certain Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions on May 20|publisher = [[United States Citizenship and Immigration Services]]|date = March 29, 2019|accessdate = January 25, 2020North American Free Trade Agreement}}</ref> June 10, 2019 for other cap-subject petitions (precise date announced June 7, 2019NAFTA)<ref>comes into force. The agreement is between the {{cite web|url = https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/premium-processing-begins-remaining-h-1b-cap-subject-petitions-june-10w|title = Premium Processing Begins for Remaining H-1B Cap-Subject Petitions on June 10|publisher = [[United States Citizenship and Immigration Services]]|date = June 7, 2019|accessdate = January 25, 2020}}</ref> || April 1, 2019<ref name=fy-20-h-1b-announcement/> || April 5, 2019<ref name=fy-20-cap-reached>{{cite web|url = https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-reaches-fy-2020-h-1b-regular-cap|title = USCIS Reaches FY 2020 H-1B Regular Cap|date = April 5, 2019w|accessdate = January 25, 2020|publisher = [[United States Citizenship and Immigration Services]]Canada}}</ref> || April 5, 2019<ref name=fy-20-cap-reached/> || Yes|} There are also some other online sources tabulating H-1B cap season since the mid-2000s.<ref name=aic-h-1b-fact-sheet>and {{cite webw|url = https://wwwMexico}}.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/h1b-visa-program-fact-sheet|title = The H-1B Visa Program: A Primer on Though primarily pertaining to trade, the Program and Its Impact agreement also includes some provisions on Jobs, Wagesfacilitating easier movement across borders, and in particular leads to the Economy|date = April 1, 2016|accessdate = August 13, 2017|publisher = American Immigration Council}}</ref><ref name=redbus2us-cap-reach-dates>{{cite webw|url = https://redbus2us.com/h1b-TN visa-cap-reach-dates-history-graphs-uscis-data/|title = H1B Visa Cap Reach Dates History 2000 to 2018 – Graph – USCIS Data|author = Kumar|date = June 19, 2017|accessdate = August 13, 2017}}</ref><ref name="Lottery Data">{{cite web|title=H - 1B Petition Data FY1992 – Present|url=http://immigration.uschamber.com/uploads/sites/400/USCC-USCIS-H1B-petition-data-and-cap-dates-FY92-FY16_2.pdf|website=immigration.uschamber.com|accessdate=22 February 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222174414/http://immigration.uschamber.com/uploads/sites/400/USCC-USCIS-H1B-petition-data-and-cap-dates-FY92-FY16_2.pdf|archivedate=22 February 2016}}</ref> === Data before Fiscal Year 2006 === This period was characterized by significant flux in caps as well as the way petitions count toward the cap. Notes explaining the reason for changes in numbers are included. See the [[#Full timeline]] for more context on the specific changes. Data is from the United States Chamber of Commerce.<ref name="Lottery Data"/> {| class="wikitable sortable"! Fiscal Year !! Cap !! Number used !! Date cap reached !! Explanation of changes to cap !! Explanation of changes to number used or date cap reached

| Fiscal Year 1992 1996 || April 24 || Legislation (begins October 1, 1991adjacent) || 65,000 |Executive branch | 48,600 || N/A |The {{w| N/A Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996}} is signed into law by President [[wikipedia:Bill Clinton|Bill Clinton]] after passing both chambers of the {{w| N/A104th United States Congress}}. Though not focused on migration, the Act has provisions related to the removal and exclusion of alien terrorists and modification of asylum procedures.

| Fiscal Year 1993 (begins October 1, 1992) 1996 ||September 30 | 65,000 |Legislation (landmark) | 61,600 |Immigration and Naturalization Services | N/A || N/A |{{w| N/AIllegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996}} is signed into law by President Bill Clinton after passing both chambers of the 104th United States Congress. It includes a number of provisions facilitating various forms of immigration enforcement that would be rolled out over the next two decades.

| Fiscal Year 1994 (begins October 1, 1993) 1997 ||| 65,000 |Legislation | 60,300 || N/A || N/A |{{w| N/ANicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act}} (NACARA)

| Fiscal Year 1995 (begins 1998 || October 1, 1994) 21 || 65,000 Legislation || 54,200 || N/A H-1B || N/A {{w|| N/AAmerican Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act}} (ACWIA)

| Fiscal Year 1996 (begins 2000 || October 1, 1995) 17 || 65,000 Legislation || 55,100 || N/A H-1B || N/A {{w|| N/AAmerican Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act}} (AC21).

| Fiscal Year 1997 (begins 2000 || October 1, 1996) 28 || 65,000 Legislation || 65,000 || September 1T, 1997 U || N/A {{w|Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000}}. This would lead to the creation of the {{w|T visa}}, a temporary status for people who are the victims of trafficking and slave-like conditions. The status could lead to permanent residency after a few years. It would also create the {{w| N/AU visa}} that serves a siilar purpose.

| Fiscal Year 1998 2000 || December 21 || Legislation || Immigration and Naturalization Services; current equivalent United States Citizenship and Immigration Services || V, K-3, K-4 || The {{w|Legal Immigration Family Equity Act}} is passed. Among other things, the Act allows for the overlooking of unauthorized presence in the United States for people who have been in the queue for permanent residency for a long time. The Act primarily references immigrant processing functions now under USCIS rather than enforcement functions, but also contains some protection from removal proceedings. Specifically, protection from removal proceedings begins ''after'' the Form I-485 (begins October 1, 1997green card application) is filed; people who are eligible for legalization in the future through this Act but are still in the queue may be subject to removal proceedings.<ref name=uscis-green-card>{{cite web|url = https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/other-ways-get-green-card/green-card-through-legal-immigration-family-equity-life-act|title = Green Card Through the Legal Immigration Family Equity (LIFE) Act| 65accessdate = February 8,000 2016|publisher = [[United States Citizenship and Immigration Services]]}}</ref><ref name=procon>{{cite web|url = http://immigration.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=000793| 65,000 title = What Was the 2000 Legal Immigration Family Equity (LIFE) Act?|publisher = [[ProCon.org]]| May 1accessdate = February 8, 1998 2016}}</ref><ref name=uscis-press-release>{{cite web|url = https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/pressrelease/LegalImmigFamEquityAct_122100.pdf|title = Legal Immigration Family Equity Act| N/A date = December 21, 2000|accessdate = February 9, 2016| Npublisher = [[United States Citizenship and Immigration Services]]}}</Aref>

| Fiscal Year 1999 (begins October 1, 1998) 2004 || || 115,000 Treaty or trade agreement || 115USCIS,000 U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs || June 15, 1999 H-1B1 || The {{w|American Competitiveness Singapore–United States Free Trade Agreement}} and Workforce Improvement Act{{w|Chile–United States Free Trade Agreement}} (ACWIA) temporarily increases cap || Increased demand for programmers due becomes active. While mostly focused on trade, the agreement gives rise to the {{w|dotH-com bubble1B1 visa}}(available to people from Singapore and Chile), providing another option for people from the two countries who want to work in the United States.

| Fiscal Year 2000 (begins October 1, 1999) 2004 || || 115,000 Legislation || 115USCIS,000 U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs || July 21, 2000 H-1B || N/A {{w|H-1B Visa Reform Act of 2004}} and {{w| N/AL-1 Visa Reform Act of 2004}}

| Fiscal Year 2001 (begins October 1, 2000) 2005 || || 195,000 Treaty or trade agreement || 163USCIS,600 U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs || N/A E-3 || The {{w|American Competitiveness in Australia–United States Free Trade Agreement}} becomes active. While pertaining mostly to trade, the Agreement also leads to the 21st Century Actcreation of the {{w|E-3 visa}} (AC21) temporary increases cap || N/Acategory, making it easier for people from Australia to come to the United States temporarily for work.

| Fiscal Year 2002 (begins October 1, 2001) 2011 || January 10 || 195,000 Visas || 79,100 || N/A || N/A The {{w|Interview Waiver Program}}, where people applying for a visa renewal can skip the visa interview under some circumstances, is announced.<ref>{{cite web| Two effectsurl = https://photos. Firststate.gov/libraries/nogales/231771/PDFs/Beginning%20January%2010.pdf|title = Beginning January 10, the various provisions of AC21 that mean fewer petitions (including change of job2011, and petitions by nonprofit research institutions) count toward the capU.S. SecondEmbassy and Consulates will process visas differently|accessdate = January 29, 2017}}</ref> The program would roll out incrementally over the dot-com bubble gives way to the next several years until being suspended by President Donald Trump's {{w|early 2000s recessionExecutive Order 13769}}

| Fiscal Year 2003 (begins October 12013 || March 27 to May 21 || Port of entry processing || CBP Office of Field Operations || || {{w|Form I-94}} is made electronic at air and sea ports. The announcement in the ''[[wikipedia:Federal Register|Federal Register]]'' occurs on March 27, 2002) <ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2013/03/27/2013-06974/definition-of-form-i-94-to-include-electronic-format|title = Definition of Form I-94 To Include Electronic Format| 195date = March 27,000 2013|accessdate = December 29, 2016|publisher = ''[[Federal Register]]''}}</ref> and the rollout happens from April 30 to May 21.<ref name=nafsa-rollout>{{cite web|title = Updates On DHS Plans To Automate Form I-94 Process|url = https://www.nafsa.org/Resource_Library_Assets/Regulatory_Information/Updates_On_Electronic_Form_I-94_Process/#rollout| 78date = August 12,000 2013|accessdate = December 29, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| Nurl = https://internationalaffairs.uchicago.edu/news/A end-paper-i-94-new-i-94-automation-guidelines|title = End of Paper I-94 / New I-94 Automation Guidelines| N/A date = April 30, 2013|accessdate = December 29, 2016| Npublisher = [[University of Chicago]]}}</Aref>

| Fiscal Year 2004 2017 || January 27 || Executive order || U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, CBP Office of Field Operations || || Newly elected United States President {{w|Donald Trump}} issues {{w|Executive Order 13769}}. This immediately suspends issuance of visas to people from the 7 countries listed at the time by DHS as [[w:State Sponsors of Terrorism (begins October U.S. list)|State Sponsors of Terrorism]]. It also suspends the {{w|Interview Waiver Program}}<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.vox.com/2017/1/27/14370854/trump-refugee-ban-order-muslim|title = Trump's executive order on refugees closes America to those who need it most. It lays the groundwork for a fundamental shift in how the US allows people to enter the country.|last = Lind|first = Dara|date = January 27, 2017|accessdate = January 29, 20032017|publisher = ''[[Vox (website) |Vox]]''}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| 65url = https://qz.com/895149/trump-is-suspending-the-visa-interview-waiver-program/|title = Trump just made it harder for tourists to visit the US|last = Yanofsky|first = David|date = January 27,000 |2017| 65accessdate = January 29,000 2017|publisher = ''[[Quartz (publication)| February 17, 2004 Quartz]]''}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/27/politics/donald-trump-refugees-executive-order/index.html| Cap returns to normal after temporary increases due to ACWIA title = Trump's latest executive order: Banning people from 7 countries and AC21 expire more|last = Diamond|first = Jeremy|publisher = ''[[CNN]]''|date = January 29, 2017| Naccessdate = January 29, 2017}}</Aref>

| Fiscal Year 2005 (Begins October 1, 2004) 2017 || March 6 || 65,000 Executive order || 65U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs,000 CBP Office of Field Operations ||| October 10, 2004 |Newly elected United States President {{w| Note that although the Donald Trump}} issues {{w|H-1B Visa Reform Act of 2004Executive Order 13780}}. This supersedes and refines Executive Order 13769, adding 20,000 slots providing more detail on the ban of entry for people with United States Masters degreesfrom the countries listed as State Sponsors of Terrorism. The list of affected countries and the nature of restriction continues to be modified. In particular, is passed in December 2004Presidential Proclamation 9645 (September 24, during this Fiscal Year2017) and Presidential Proclamation 9723 (April 10, it looks like this gets activated only 2018) modify the next year, in Fiscal Year 2006executive order. There is some uncertainty around this. || N/A