U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the FY 2026 H-1B numerical cap, including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap), has been met. The agency completed a random selection process for unique beneficiaries with properly submitted registrations. USCIS has now notified all prospective petitioners with selected beneficiaries that they are eligible to proceed with filing H-1B cap-subject petitions.
For FY 2026, H-1B cap-subject petitions, including those qualifying under the advanced degree exemption, can be filed starting April 1, 2025. Petitioners must ensure that their petitions are properly filed at the appropriate filing location or online through the USCIS portal at my.uscis.gov. The filing period will be at least 90 days, allowing petitioners ample time to prepare and submit their applications. A copy of the selection notice must be included with the H-1B cap-subject petition.
Petitioners are required to provide evidence of the beneficiary’s valid passport or travel document that was used during the registration process. This documentation is critical for establishing the identity of the beneficiary and ensuring the petition meets the necessary eligibility criteria. It’s important to note that being selected in the registration process does not automatically guarantee approval. Petitioners must still meet all requirements and provide sufficient evidence to establish eligibility for approval.
Additionally, USCIS emphasizes that only petitioners with registrations for selected beneficiaries may file H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2026. Those who were not selected will be unable to proceed with filing petitions under this year’s H-1B cap. Registrants can check their status through their online accounts to determine whether their registrations have been selected.
For more details and the most current information regarding the FY 2026 H-1B cap process, visit the official USCIS H-1B Cap Season page.