U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it has received a sufficient number of electronic registrations during the initial H-1B registration period to meet the fiscal year (FY) 2026 H-1B numerical allocations, including both the regular cap and the advanced degree exemption (commonly referred to as the “master’s cap”).
This means that the annual H-1B lottery has been conducted and USCIS has randomly selected enough registrations to meet the statutory limit of H-1B cap-subject petitions. All prospective petitioners whose beneficiaries were selected in this lottery have been notified through their USCIS online accounts.
Understanding What Happens Next: Key Takeaways for Selected Registrants
If your registration was selected in the FY 2026 H-1B lottery, your online USCIS account will now display a status indicating that the beneficiary is eligible to proceed. Petitioners with selected beneficiaries may begin filing cap-subject H-1B petitions starting April 1, 2025. Here’s what you need to know:
- Who Can File – Only those petitioners with selected beneficiaries based on a valid registration may file an H-1B cap-subject petition. Registration and selection alone do not guarantee approval—petitioners must still establish that the beneficiary and the position qualify under H-1B eligibility criteria.
- Filing Window – The filing window for H-1B cap-subject petitions will remain open for at least 90 days from April 1, 2025. Petitioners must ensure that the petition is submitted either at the proper physical filing location or electronically through my.uscis.gov within this designated period.
- Required Documentation – When submitting the petition, make sure to include:
- A copy of the H-1B selection notice received through the online account
- Evidence of the beneficiary’s passport or travel document used during the registration process
- All necessary documentation to support the eligibility of the position and the beneficiary under H-1B requirements (including educational credentials, LCA approval, and any relevant experience documentation)
Important Reminders for Petitioners
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No Filing Without Selection: If your registration was not selected, you are not eligible to file a cap-subject petition for FY 2026.
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Maintain Accuracy: Ensure that all petition documents align with the information provided during registration. Discrepancies can lead to denials or RFEs.
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Advanced Degree Exemption: Beneficiaries with U.S. master’s or higher degrees who were selected under the advanced degree exemption must also submit evidence of their degree at the time of filing.
Next Steps for Employers and Beneficiaries
If your registration has been selected:
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Begin compiling all necessary documentation now to ensure timely filing on or after April 1, 2025.
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Work closely with your immigration counsel to confirm all details, deadlines, and evidence required.
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Stay updated through the official H-1B Cap Season page and the H-1B Electronic Registration Process page for ongoing developments.
If your registration was not selected:
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Consider alternative immigration options, including cap-exempt H-1B filings, O-1, L-1, TN (for Canadian or Mexican nationals), or F-1 STEM OPT extensions if applicable.
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Stay alert for possible subsequent lottery rounds, as USCIS may conduct additional selections if there are insufficient filings from the first round of selected registrants.
Need Help with Your H-1B Filing?
At Richards and Jurusik Immigration Law, we work closely with employers and individuals to guide them through the H-1B process. Whether your registration has been selected or you are exploring alternative immigration strategies, our experienced legal team is here to support you every step of the way.
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
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