U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has completed the initial electronic registration selection for the FY 2026 H-1B cap, including the advanced degree exemption. If you registered, it’s time to log in to your USCIS account and review your selection status.
Registration Status: What Each One Means
Your USCIS account will show one of the following statuses:
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Submitted: Your registration remains eligible for future selection rounds.
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Selected: You are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition.
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Not Selected: Your registration was not chosen for this fiscal year.
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Denied – Duplicate Registration: Multiple entries for the same person from the same registrant were disqualified.
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Invalidated – Failed Payment: Payment failed, and the registration is invalid.
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Deleted: Your registration was removed and is no longer under review.
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Processing Submission: Your registration is still being reviewed by USCIS.
When and How to File Your H-1B Petition
For selected applicants, the filing window opens on April 1, 2025. Make sure your petition:
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Includes the updated Form I-129
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Uses the correct filing fee amounts
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Is sent to the correct filing location
Mistakes in any of these areas can lead to processing delays or denials.
Important Changes for FY 2026 Filings
New Fees and Form Edition
USCIS is rolling out new fees starting April 1, 2025. Use the latest edition of Form I-129 to ensure your petition is valid.
New Mailing Locations
Paper filings for H-1B cap petitions must now go to designated USCIS lockbox facilities, not service centers. Filing to the wrong address may result in rejection.
Delays in Notice of Receipt
Due to high filing volumes, USCIS may take longer to issue Form I-797 Notices of Action. If your delivery was confirmed, but you haven’t received a notice within 30 days, contact the USCIS Contact Center for assistance.
Next Steps for Applicants
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Log in to your USCIS account and check your registration status.
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If selected, prepare and file your petition using the new Form I-129 and fee structure.
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Verify that your petition is mailed to the correct USCIS lockbox location.
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Track your delivery and monitor for receipt notices or potential follow-ups.
Need Help Filing Your H-1B Petition?
Our team at Richards and Jurusik is here to support professionals navigating the H-1B process. We help individuals and employers prepare strong petitions with the most up-to-date forms and procedures.
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
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We Can Help!
You may have questions regarding the H1B Visa petition process and the H1B Visa lottery. We invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people work and live in the United States. Read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
JEREMY L. RICHARDS is the founding partner of Richards and Jurusik and has dedicated his career to U.S. immigration law, with a specialized focus on assisting Canadian and Mexican citizens under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to work and live in the United States. (Full Bio)
