Finally after all the speculations, USCIS has released H1b visa cap count update for the FY 2011 quota by End of business day of April 8th, 2010. Despite our entire H1B cap count lottery GDP Analysis, finally the recession and latest H1B visa rules of 2011 have 
Updated : Check May 3rd, 2010 H1B cap count update for latest count
USCIS official H1B cap count update :
| Regular H1B Cap H1B filings | 13,500 of total 65,000 |
| Advanced degree cap filing count | 5,600 of total 20,000 |
| Total H1B visa petitions received | 19,100 of total 85,000 |
Analysis of USCIS H1B cap count update April 9th, 2010
We cannot directly compare with last year i.e. FY 2010 cap count because USCIS did not have an official number released last year until April 20, 2009.  Anyways, it is very clear the number has dropped down. Let’s face it, what are the odds of filing 30,000 visas in the next 11 days filing.   As we analyzed in GDP analysis of H1B visa cap count lottery prediction, our assumption of which outweighs other is clear now. The New H1B visa 2011 rules and the recession have won the turf. Despite the GDP growth, the strict rules for H1B visa have put the H1B visa sponsorships on check. It will be interesting to see how the petition filings react in the next few months to come. I think, it will be a huge advantage for H4 visa holders as they can look for full time job as I mentioned in article H4 to H1B visa transfer for FY 2011 Quota. It is a good thing for L1 visa holders too who wish to apply for H1B visa because, with the few filings they can buy more time now and may be plan to find a full time job. You may read L1 to H1B visa conversion Advantages . Will keep you all posted with more updates as USCIS releases numbers and do the respective analysis.
Reference: Official USCIS H1-B Cap count update