U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it has reached the initial H-1B visa cap for fiscal year 2026. This cap includes both the regular 65,000 visa cap and the additional 20,000 visas available for individuals with a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. university. It’s important to understand the timeline and next steps — whether your registration was selected or not.
What Happens Next?
For those whose registrations were selected, the next step is to submit the H-1B application. The filing window for this application is from April 1 to June 30, 2025, and it is important to file during this period to ensure your application is processed. USCIS will send notices with detailed instructions on how to submit the application, which must include the correct Form I-129 and associated fees.
What if Your Registration is Not Selected?
If your registration wasn’t selected in the lottery, you have other possible options. For FY 2026, USCIS may conduct secondary or third-round lotteries, but the odds of being selected in these rounds depend on the number of applications submitted in the first round and the number of registrations withdrawn.
If your company’s registration is not selected, consider alternative visa options such as:
- L-1 Visa: For intra-company transfers of employees in managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge roles.
- O-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary abilities in fields such as science, education, or business.
- TN Visa: For professionals from Canada or Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
- E-1 and E-2 Visas: For treaty traders and investors from countries with trade agreements with the U.S.
- F-1 OPT and STEM Extension: For recent U.S. graduates who want to stay and work temporarily in their field of study.
Given the complexity of the H-1B process, it’s a good idea for companies to work with experienced immigration attorneys to explore their options and stay compliant. Staying informed about all available visa options and deadlines is key to hiring and retaining global talent.