U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on March 31, 2026, the completion of the selection process for the H-1B cap lottery for fiscal year 2027. This marks another milestone in the annual H-1B process that affects thousands of skilled foreign workers and their U.S. employers seeking to fill specialty occupation positions.

The announcement confirms that USCIS received sufficient H-1B registrations for unique beneficiaries to meet the annual statutory cap of 85,000 visas (65,000 for the regular cap plus 20,000 for advanced degree holders). Selected petitioners now have a critical 90-day window beginning April 1, 2026, to submit complete H-1B petitions with all required documentation and evidence.

Important Notice
Employers with selected registrations should immediately begin preparing comprehensive petition packages, including Labor Condition Applications (LCAs), supporting documentation for specialty occupation requirements, and evidence of the beneficiary's qualifications. Given the strict 90-day deadline, any delays in preparation could result in missed opportunities for the entire fiscal year.

The timeline allows for H-1B employment to commence no earlier than October 1, 2026, providing employers and employees with approximately six months to plan for the transition. For current H-1B holders seeking extensions or changes of employer, this timeline remains crucial for maintaining lawful status and avoiding gaps in employment authorization.