On March 31, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it has received enough electronic registrations for unique beneficiaries during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year (FY) 2027 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap).
USCIS has notified all prospective petitioners with selected beneficiaries that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition. Registrants’ online accounts will display their registration status.
USCIS said that H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2027, including petitions eligible for the advanced degree exemption, may be filed with USCIS as of April 1, 2026, if filed for a selected beneficiary and based on a valid registration. Only petitioners with registrations for selected beneficiaries may file H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2027.
The period for filing the H-1B cap-subject petition will be at least 90 days, USCIS noted. Petitioners must include a copy of the applicable selection notice with the FY 2027 H-1B cap-subject petition. USCIS will only accept the 02/27/26 edition of the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129).
USCIS noted that the Presidential Proclamation, Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers, requires certain H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025, to be accompanied by an additional $100,000 payment as a condition of eligibility.
