3 min readApr 1, 2025 12:51 PM IST
First published on: Apr 1, 2025 at 12:50 PM IST
H-1B Visa Registration Selection Process FY 2026: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) initial registration for the FY 2026 H-1B selection process has been concluded.
The USCIS has received many electronic registrations for the unique beneficiaries during the initial registration of the fiscal year (FY) 2026 for H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap).
The beneficiaries have been selected randomly with properly submitted registrations projected as needed to reach the H-1B cap and have notified all prospective petitioners with selected beneficiaries that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for such beneficiaries.
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H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2026 can be filed with USCIS beginning April 1, 2025, including those qualified for the advanced degree exemption, and if they are for a specific beneficiary and are based on a valid registration. Only petitioners who have registered designated beneficiaries may file H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2026.
Here’s how to check the status of H-1B visa selection process for FY 2026
H-1B visa applicants who have registered for the 2026 cap season must verify their registrants’ online accounts for one of the following statuses for each registration (that is, for each beneficiary registered):
- Submitted: The registration has been submitted and is eligible for consideration. If the first selection procedure has been completed, this registration is still eligible for consideration in any subsequent choices for the fiscal year for which it was submitted, unless it is later invalidated.
- Selected: It has been selected to file an H-1B cap petition based on this registration.
- Not Selected: Not eligible to file an H-1B cap petition based on this registration.
- Denied – duplicate registration: Several registration forms were submitted by or on behalf of the same registrant for the same beneficiary, which has led to denial and invalidation for the fiscal year.
- Deleted: The registration which has been submitted was deleted and is no longer eligible for selection.
- Invalidated – failed payment: A registration was submitted; however, the payment method was declined, not reconciled, or otherwise invalid.
- Processing submission: The submission is being processed by the USCIS and might take up to around 72 hours to reflect.
*Inputs from USCIS Press Release dated March 31, 2025 and April 1, 2025*
H-1B Visa Registration Selection Process FY 2026: Here's a step-by-step guide on how to check the status of the H-1B electronic visa selection process for FY 2026. (Source: GettyImages/File) 
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