Washington, April 1: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it has received sufficient electronic registrations to meet the cap for H-1B visas for fiscal year 2027, including the advanced degree exemption. The next phase of the application process has begun as of April 1.
The agency confirmed that it has selected enough beneficiaries from properly submitted registrations to fulfill the H-1B cap. Applicants whose registrations were chosen have been notified. Only those whose registrations were selected are eligible to file cap-based petitions for the H-1B visa for fiscal year 2027.
Registered applicants can check their status through their online USCIS accounts. Petitions for selected beneficiaries can be submitted starting April 1, 2026. USCIS stated that the application period will last at least 90 days, and it is mandatory to attach a copy of the selection notice with each petition. Applications must be submitted at the correct location or through the agency’s online portal.
The agency has also implemented a compliance requirement related to documentation. Each petition must match the identity and position-related information provided during registration. Petitioners must present proof of the beneficiary’s valid passport or travel document used at the time of registration, along with evidence supporting the declared wage level.
USCIS announced that it will only accept the new version of Form I-129 for all H-1B applications for fiscal year 2027 starting April 1.
This announcement comes with an additional financial requirement linked to a presidential directive. According to the agency, certain H-1B applications filed on or after September 21, 2025, will require an additional payment of $100,000 as a condition of eligibility.
USCIS clarified that being selected in the registration process does not guarantee approval of the application. Petitioners must still demonstrate eligibility and submit all required documents according to the instructions for Form I-129.
For fiscal year 2027, USCIS has implemented a new weighted selection system that prioritizes more skilled and higher-paid applicants based on Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) wage levels.
Congress has set the annual H-1B cap at 65,000 visas, of which 6,800 are reserved for U.S. trade agreements with Chile and Singapore under the H-1B1 program. Additionally, 20,000 visas are available separately for applicants holding advanced degrees from U.S. institutions.
Certain categories remain exempt from this cap, including petitions filed by U.S. higher education institutions and applications related to employees working in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, provided they are filed before December 31, 2029.
The H-1B visa program is widely used by U.S. companies to employ foreign workers with specialized skills, particularly in technology, engineering, and research fields. Each year, a significant portion of H-1B visa recipients are Indian nationals.
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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