H-1B cap

H-1B cap is the number of new H-1B visas that are issued in a fiscal year. The visas are counted as one H-1B visa per person. The number of visas issued in previous fiscal years is not considered or counted. As of 2008, the cap was 65,000 per/year. 6,800 of these visas are set aside for H-1B1 status for similar foreign workers from Chile and Singapore. There are an additional 10,500 E-3 visas for similar workers from Australia. H-1B visa renewals or visa transfers to a different employer do not count towards the cap, nor do up to 20,000 foreign workers who received a Masters' or higher from a U.S. educational institution. Furthermore, there is no limit on the number of visas issued to U.S. universities and research institutions.