USCIS has completed the H-1B FY 2026 selection process. Petitioners can now file cap-subject petitions starting April 1, 2025
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) finished picking applicants for FY 2026 H-1B visas through their selection process. USCIS collected enough electronic applications during the initial registration period to satisfy the H-1B cap requirements.
Selection of candidates for the H-1B visa for FY2026 has finalized both standard and graduate degree exceptions (master’s cap). USCIS has now started to inform petitioners with selected beneficiaries, thus allowing them to initiate cap-subject petition filings.
Filing Begins for Selected Beneficiaries
Selected H-1B registration system entrants can file petitions during the April 1 – June 30 period of FY 2026. Only selected participants are allowed to file petitions during the registration process. Petitioners must submit their applications within the designated 90-day period, which their selection notice specifies. The USCIS will process these petitions while demanding that filing occur within the selected locations.
Together with the necessary forms, petitioners must submit a copy of the selection notice provided by USCIS. The petitioners must produce documentation of their beneficiary’s valid passport or travel document from the registration process. The confirmation of beneficiary identity stands as an essential requirement for this step.
Registration Status and What It Means for Petitioners
Individuals in the H-1B category can find their application status through their USCIS online accounts. The registration service displays either “Submitted” when it becomes available for future selections or “Selected” if USCIS chooses the application. The selected status verification indicates the beneficiary can initiate an H-1B petition.
The H-1B status of some applications displays “Not Selected.” The ability to submit a cap-subject petition for the beneficiary is impossible for petitioners in this case. Multiple registrations for a single beneficiary lead to denial through the system invalidating every submission. The system displays “Invalidated failed payment” when problems arise from the payment method used during sign-up.
Understanding the Filing Process and Requirements
H-1B cap-subject petitions need to be filed to USCIS within six months of the requested start date of employment for the H-1B beneficiary. The H-1B cap-subject petitions must be submitted to USCIS based on the results of their registration selection. Successful filing processes for H-1B cap-subject petitions need to happen at one of two locations: my.uscis.gov or the physical location specified in the selection notice.
A successful registration followed by selection does not provide any assurance toward the approval of a petition. Even after being selected in the registration process petitioners must present proof which establishes the beneficiary qualifies for an H-1B visa. To receive approval from USCIS, petitioners must fulfil the established requirements with the required documentation.
