<p>The annual H-1B visas became available on April 1, 2009 through April 7, 2009. There are 65,000 visas available for the year 2010. If there are more than 65,000 applicants, the USCIS will conduct a lottery to select those eligible to apply. The visa starting date will be October 1, 2009. Last year there were about 130,000 applicants so that an applicant had about a 50% chance of being selected.</p>