H1B Cap Met for FY2027: USCIS Selects Registrants, Filing Window Opens April 2026

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed on March 31, 2026 that it has received a sufficient number of unique registrations to meet the H-1B cap and the advanced degree exemption (master's cap) for fiscal year 2027. This marks the completion of the annual H-1B lottery registration process, which typically draws hundreds of thousands of applicants competing for the 85,000 available visas. Selected registrants were notified through their employers' myUSCIS online portal on March 31, 2026. Beginning April 1, 2026, employers have approximately 90 days to prepare and submit H-1B petitions on behalf of their selected employees. Missing this filing window would forfeit the selection, requiring re-entry into the lottery next cycle. For EB-3 applicants and those tracking employment-based immigration pathways, the H-1B cap result is a closely watched indicator of overall employer demand for foreign skilled workers. Many EB-3 green card holders initially entered the U.S. on H-1B status, making the H-1B pipeline directly relevant to long-term permanent residence planning. Applicants not selected in this year's lottery are not eligible to file an H-1B petition for FY2027 unless they qualify for a cap-exempt position, such as employment at a university, nonprofit research institution, or government research organization. Those who were not selected may wish to explore alternative visa categories, including O-1, L-1, or employment-based green card pathways.