U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reached the congressionally mandated H-1B cap for fiscal year 2027. According to USCIS, the agency received enough petitions for both the regular cap and the advanced degree category, meaning there will be no second lottery this year. Anyone not selected for the March 2026 registration must wait for the next cycle.
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. Congress mandates two separate H-1B categories each year: a regular cap of 65,000 visas, and an advanced degree exemption, often called the master’s cap, of 20,000 visas.
USCIS confirmed both categories were filled as of July 17, 2026. That closes out the FY2027 cap season, and the next registration period won’t open until the FY2028 cycle begins in March 2027.
The cap doesn’t affect everyone with H-1B status, though. Petitions for people who already hold H-1B visas, including extensions, amendments, and change-of-employer filings, are cap-exempt and can still be filed regardless of the cap being reached.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical you get the right advice.