H-1B selection for FY 2026 complete: Here’s how to check your status

The selection process for the fiscal year (FY) 2026 H-1B visa cap was completed on Monday, with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receiving enough registrations to meet the required limit.
Those who have been selected can now proceed with filing their H-1B cap-subject petitions, according to the official website of the USCIS.
USCIS has received enough electronic registrations for unique beneficiaries to meet the fiscal year 2026 H-1B cap, including the master’s cap. They have randomly selected the required number of beneficiaries with valid registrations and notified all eligible petitioners. These selected petitioners can now file an H-1B cap-subject petition for their beneficiaries.

H-1B selection for FY 2026: How to check your H-1B selection status

Prospective petitioners who submitted electronic registrations can check their status by logging into their online accounts. USCIS has notified all selected beneficiaries, and their accounts will display the updated registration status. More details on the process are available on the H-1B Electronic Registration Process page.

H-1B selection for FY 2026: Next steps for selected applicants

Petitioners with selected beneficiaries can begin filing their H-1B cap-subject petitions from April 1, 2025. This includes those eligible under the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap). However, only those with valid registrations can submit petitions.
To ensure the petition is processed smoothly, applicants must:
1) File their H-1B cap-subject petition at the correct location or online at my.uscis.gov
2) Submit the petition within the designated filing period (at least 90 days)
3) Include a copy of the selection notice with the petition
4) Provide evidence of the beneficiary’s valid passport or travel document used during registration

H-1B selection for FY 2026: Who can apply for an H-1B visa and what jobs qualify?

The H-1B visa program allows US employers to hire foreign professionals for specialised jobs on a temporary basis. To qualify, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a specific field that requires advanced knowledge.
Common H-1B occupations include engineering, architecture, mathematics, medicine, social sciences, education, business, accounting, law, theology, and the arts. This visa is designed for roles that require both theoretical and practical expertise in specialised fields.

H-1B selection for FY 2026: Final steps before approval

Although selection in the registration process allows an applicant to file the H-1B petition, it does not guarantee approval. Petitioners must still submit the necessary evidence to prove their eligibility for the H-1B visa.
For further details, applicants are advised to visit the official USCIS website and stay updated on the filing process.
H-1B fees and payment guidelines for FY2026The fees for H-1B petitions vary depending on the type of petition being submitted. For detailed information, refer to the Fee Schedule and the H and L Filing Fees page for Form I-129.
For FY2026, the registration fee has increased to $215.
The U.S. Department of Treasury has raised the daily credit card transaction limit for H-1B registrations and petitions submitted online from $24,999.99 to $99,999.99. This change follows feedback from stakeholders and addresses previous issues with credit card limits. Transactions over $99,999.99 can be paid via Automated Clearing House (ACH). If using ACH, notify your bank in advance to remove any potential blocks. More information will be provided before the registration period begins.
For petitions sent by mail, there is still a daily credit card limit of $24,999.99 per card.
Checks must be:

It’s best to submit a separate check for each fee. For example, if you’re paying the base filing fee, fraud fee, and ACWIA fee, submit three separate checks. Combining payments in one check with incorrect or missing fees will result in the rejection of your H-1B petition.