USCIS has officially wrapped up the H-1B electronic registration process for FY 2026, reaching the annual cap for both the regular and advanced degree (master’s) exemption categories. The agency has completed its random selection process and started notifying petitioners whose beneficiaries were chosen, allowing them to proceed with filing their H-1B cap-subject petitions.
If your registration was selected, now is the time to start preparing your petition. Here’s what you need to know.
What Happens Next?
Check Your Selection Status
- Employers and attorneys can log into their USCIS online accounts to view selection results.
- Only those with selected beneficiaries can proceed with filing an H-1B petition.
Petition Filing Period
- The filing window opens April 1, 2025, and will remain open for at least 90 days.
- Petitions must be properly filed within this timeframe, either online at my.uscis.gov or via the designated USCIS filing location.
Required Documentation
To file an H-1B petition, petitioners must include
- A copy of the selection notice
- A valid passport or travel document used during registration
- Proof of eligibility, including the job’s specialty occupation status and the employer-employee relationship
How This Year Compares to Previous H-1B Registrations
H-1B registration numbers dropped significantly in FY 2025, and the trend seems to continue in FY 2026. Here’s what USCIS data shows
38.6% Decline in Eligible Registrations
- In FY 2025, USCIS received 470,342 eligible registrations, down from 758,994 in FY 2024.
- However, the number of unique beneficiaries remained steady (~442,000 in FY 2025 vs. ~446,000 in FY 2024).
Fewer Multiple Registrations Per Beneficiary
- On average, there were 1.06 registrations per beneficiary in FY 2025, compared to 1.70 in FY 2024.
- This suggests that new fraud prevention measures aimed at stopping duplicate or fraudulent registrations may be working.
Key Takeaways for Employers and Petitioners
- File Early: Don’t wait until the deadline approaches—submit your petition as soon as possible to avoid last-minute issues.
- H-1B Cap-Exempt Options: Universities, nonprofits, and certain research organizations may still be able to file cap-exempt H-1B petitions.
- Better Odds for Genuine Applicants: With fewer overall registrations, legitimate applicants may have a better chance of selection and approval.
- Prepare for RFEs: Ensure job descriptions, salary levels, and qualifications meet H-1B specialty occupation requirements to minimize the risk of a Request for Evidence (RFE).
Final Thoughts
With the H-1B lottery complete, employers and beneficiaries must now focus on filing strong petitions, meeting deadlines, and staying compliant. If your registration wasn’t selected, alternative visa options like O-1, L-1, or employment-based green cards could be worth exploring.
Want to simplify your H-1B process?
Platforms like Imagility can streamline petition building, compliance tracking, and e-filing, reducing errors and saving time.
