H-1B visa lottery for FY26 completed, petition filing begins April 1
Prospective petitioners with selected beneficiaries have been notified and are now eligible to file H-1B cap-subject petitions. The status of each registration can be checked in the registrants’ online accounts, USCIS said in a statement.
The filing period for FY 2026 H-1B cap-subject petitions begins on April 1, 2025. Only those with selected beneficiaries and a valid registration may submit petitions. Applications must be filed at the correct location or online through my.uscis.gov within the designated filing window, which will last at least 90 days.
Petitioners must include a copy of the selection notice and submit proof of the beneficiary’s valid passport or travel document used at the time of registration. They must also provide sufficient evidence to establish the beneficiary’s eligibility for H-1B petition approval, as selection in the registration process only grants eligibility to file the petition.
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What happens next?
Now that the initial selection process is complete, here are the next steps for employers and selected beneficiaries:
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- Check Registration Status – Employers or legal representatives should log in to their USCIS accounts to view the registration status. A “Selected” status means the beneficiary is eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition.
- Prepare and Submit the Petition – Petitioners must submit Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) along with the required documentation and fees. This includes:
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