As of September 24, 2009, almost 20,000 new H-1B's were still available for the 2009-2010 fiscal year.  Today the USCIS reported that their count, as of September 18, 2009, was approximately 46,000.   The annual H-1B cap is 65,000, with an additional 20,000 for applicants with a U.S. Master's degree or higher. 

This year marks the first time in the past several years that the H-1B cap has not been reached within the first week that applicants can first apply.   Employer's wishing to employ a qualified foreign national for a professional job may still submit applications to the USCIS.