Annual quota of 85,000 for H-1B cap visas for fiscal 2026 met: USCIS says H-1B cap-subject petitions can be filed starting April 1

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the H-1B visa cap of 85,000 for the fiscal year 2026 has been reached. In a press statement, the agency stated, “We have randomly selected enough beneficiaries with properly submitted registrations projected as needed to reach the H-1B cap.” USCIS has also notified all prospective petitioners with selected beneficiaries that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition. Petitions for FY 2026, including those qualifying for the advanced degree exemption, can be submitted starting today i.e. April 1, 2025.

What is H-1B Visa Cap