The selection process for the fiscal year (FY) 2026 H-1B visa cap was completed on Monday, with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receiving enough registrations to meet the required limit.
Those who have been selected can now proceed with filing their H-1B cap-subject petitions, according to the official website of the USCIS.
How to check your H-1B selection status
Prospective petitioners who submitted electronic registrations can check their status by logging into their online accounts. USCIS has notified all selected beneficiaries, and their accounts will display the updated registration status. More details on the process are available on the H-1B Electronic Registration Process page.
Next steps for selected applicants
Petitioners with selected beneficiaries can begin filing their H-1B cap-subject petitions from April 1, 2025. This includes those eligible under the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap). However, only those with valid registrations can submit petitions.
To ensure the petition is processed smoothly, applicants must:
1) File their H-1B cap-subject petition at the correct location or online at my.uscis.gov
2) Submit the petition within the designated filing period (at least 90 days)
3) Include a copy of the selection notice with the petition
4) Provide evidence of the beneficiary’s valid passport or travel document used during registration
Who can apply for an H-1B visa and what jobs qualify?
The H-1B visa program allows US employers to hire foreign professionals for specialised jobs on a temporary basis. To qualify, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a specific field that requires advanced knowledge.
Common H-1B occupations include engineering, architecture, mathematics, medicine, social sciences, education, business, accounting, law, theology, and the arts. This visa is designed for roles that require both theoretical and practical expertise in specialised fields.
Final steps before approval
Although selection in the registration process allows an applicant to file the H-1B petition, it does not guarantee approval. Petitioners must still submit the necessary evidence to prove their eligibility for the H-1B visa.
For further details, applicants are advised to visit the official USCIS website and stay updated on the filing process.
