USCIS Ends FY 2025 H-1B Cap Registration: Future Prospects and Analysis

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially closed the initial registration window for the fiscal year 2025 H-1B cap at noon (ET) on Monday, March 24. The closure marks the end of a critical 14-day period for prospective petitioners and representatives seeking to secure an H-1B visa for their beneficiaries.

What Happens Next for Selected Applicants?

Following the closure of the initial registration period, the USCIS will take until March 31 to notify prospective petitioners and representatives whose accounts have at least one eligible registration. If selected, the beneficiaries can begin preparing and submitting their H-1B petitions for the fiscal year 2026.

Filing H-1B Petitions for FY 2026

Selected applicants will have a minimum of 90 days to file their H-1B cap-subject petitions. During this phase, applicants need to carefully prepare the necessary documentation and follow USCIS guidelines to increase the chances of approval.

When Will the Next H-1B Registration Window Open?

While the exact timeline for the fiscal year 2027 registration window remains uncertain, it is generally anticipated to open in March 2026. Prospective applicants and representatives should monitor the USCIS website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

H-1B Cap Season Registration Details and Costs

For the 2026 H-1B cap season, each registration submitted on behalf of a beneficiary incurs a fee of $215. The registration process is managed entirely online through the USCIS’s secure platform, where each beneficiary is registered electronically for the selection process.

A Look at Previous H-1B Registration and Selection Numbers (FY 2021–2025)

• FY 2021: 274,237 total registrations, 124,415 selected
• FY 2022: 308,613 total registrations, 131,924 selected
• FY 2023: 483,927 total registrations, 127,600 selected
• FY 2024: 780,884 total registrations, 188,400 selected
• FY 2025: 479,953 total registrations, 135,137 selected

Note: The fluctuation in the number of selections is influenced by policy changes, projected filing rates, and the growing demand for H-1B visas.

Preparing for the Next H-1B Season

As competition for H-1B visas continues to intensify, early preparation, strategic planning, and accurate filing are vital. Applicants and employers should stay updated with USCIS announcements and ensure compliance to maximize their chances in the next H-1B cap season.

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