Alternatives to the H-1B Visa (cap 50% full)

Please be advised that the H-1B cap count for the 2013 fiscal year is approximately 50% full even though the USCIS has only been accepting applications for four weeks.  At this rate, the 85,000 H-1B cap may be reached as early as June or July – the earliest in the last few years.  Canadian citizen applicants looking to apply for a new H-1B visa this fiscal year should have their employers do so immediately.  Once the cap is reached, Canadians should examine other alternatives, such as an L-1 intracompany transfer visa, E-2 treaty trader visa, O-1 extraordinary visa, or a TN work visa for certain occupations (http://www.nafta-sec-alena.org/en/view.aspx?x=343&mtpiID=147#Ap1603.D.1).