USCIS has confirmed to AILA that, despite rumors to the contrary, H-1B numbers remain for both fiscal 2005 and 2006 for graduates of U.S. masters or above programs. Please remember that, for fiscal 2005 numbers (i.e., a start date earlier than 10/1/05), the petition should be filed at the Vermont Service Center. Petitions for fiscal 2006 numbers (i.e., a start date of 10/1/05 or later) should be filed at the service center having jurisdiction over the place of employment.

AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 05082362 (posted Aug. 23, 2005)