The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has completed the initial registration selection process for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 H-1B visa program. This indicates a major breakthrough for US employers looking to recruit foreign professionals in specialised fields.

Registration period and selection processThe initial registration period for the FY 2026 H-1B cap season was open from March 7 to March 24, 2025. During this timeframe, prospective petitioners and their representatives utilized the USCIS online system to submit electronic registrations for potential beneficiaries. Each registration required a fee of $215 per beneficiary.

Following the closure of the registration period, USCIS conducted a random selection process among the properly submitted registrations to meet the congressionally mandated H-1B cap, which includes both the regular cap and the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap). Petitioners with selected beneficiaries have been notified and are now eligible to file H-1B cap-subject petitions on their behalf.


Next steps for selected petitionersStarting April 1, 2025, petitioners with selected registrations can file H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2026. At least ninety days after this date, the filing period will remain open. Petitioners must make sure that, as directed in the selection notice, their applications are submitted electronically through the USCIS portal or at the appropriate address.

Petitioners must include the following information with their petition:

A copy of the selection notice.

Evidence of the beneficiary’s valid passport or travel document used during the registration process.

It's crucial to note that even though being selected during the registration process gives one the ability to submit a petition, petitioners still need to prove the beneficiary's eligibility for H-1B status when the case is being adjudicated.

Understanding registration statusPetitioners can check the status of their registrations through their USCIS online accounts. Possible statuses include:

Submitted: The registration was successfully submitted and is under consideration.

Selected: The beneficiary has been chosen, and the petitioner is eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition.

Not selected: The beneficiary was not chosen in the selection process.

Denied: The registration was invalidated due to multiple submissions by the same petitioner for the same beneficiary.

If a registration remains in "Submitted" status beyond March 31, it indicates that the beneficiary was not selected in the current round.


Beneficiary-centric selection processFor the FY 2026 H-1B cap season, USCIS maintained the beneficiary-centric selection process first introduced in FY 2025. This method prioritizes unique beneficiaries over individual registrations, reducing duplicate submissions and ensuring a fairer selection process.

Implications and recommendationsFor employers and foreign professionals hoping to work in the United States under the H-1B visa program, completing the first registration selection procedure is a crucial step. Petitioners who have chosen beneficiaries should get ready to submit their petitions as soon as possible, making sure that all necessary paperwork is correct and comprehensive to speed up the adjudication process.

For those not selected, it's advisable to explore alternative visa categories or consider reapplying in subsequent H-1B cap seasons. Staying informed about policy changes and maintaining compliance with all USCIS guidelines is essential for future applications.