As reported at CNNMoney.com, immigration experts expect H-1B visa applications for 2009 to be at their lowest levels in years. Some even predict that after April 1, the first day on which applications may be filed, it could take a week or more to fill the quota of 85,000 visas (as compared to past years, when the quota has been met in as little as 48 hours). Several factors account for this year's reduced demand, including the economic downturn and new restrictions on H-1B hiring at some firms. One result of the lower demand is that smaller businesses have the best chance in years to succeed with their H-1B applications.