What about cap-exempt H1Bs? There are tons of new companies which streamlined the process and which are offering "nearly-guaranteed H1B with no lottery"
A cap-exempt H-1B doesn't let you work for a "company".
Only universities, university-affiliated nonprofits, nonprofit research organizations, and government research organizations can sponsor one. Furthermore, even after you obtain a cap-exempt H-1B, you would be required to go through the lottery like anyone else if you want to work at an employer subject to the H-1B cap.
I understand there are some exceptions made for academic institutions so these companies employ people into a "participating university" for a token number of hours per month, person comes in and once they are in the country they can pursue different opportunities to get employed and change their status.
This cap-exempt H1B bypasses lottery, can be obtained in about 3 months any time during the year.
No, it's not. The limit of new is universally capped at 85k. They can request as many applications as they want. The lottery still only picks a total of 85k
They were not because in a layoff you cannot prefer a specific protected category like race, gender, age AND nationality.
The 9000 number is also a global number which includes layoffs in countries all over the world.
The argument “9000 US workers were fired and X visa applications were applied for” is also very reductive. The layoffs were in gaming, sales and other divisions, meanwhile the visa applications were for people who either already are on visas in other divisions like engineering and are continuing their status or for people in newer positions that have nothing to do with sales or gaming.
No, you're wrong too. The 20k is the Master's cap, only applicable to students who did a Master's or above in the US. Cap exempt refers to H1bs granted to US/State employers, who can get H1bs for employees without any cap whatsoever, and at any time of the year.
