#h1bcap

The H-1B cap season for FY 2026 is just around the corner. With the registration period officially opening on March 7, 2025, it’s essential for attorneys, employers, and prospective H-1B applicants to be well-prepared. Staying informed about critical dates and updates can significantly increase the chances of a successful petition.

Key Dates to Remember:

March 7, 2025: H-1B cap registration opens

March 20, 2025: Registration closes at 12:00 PM EST

March 31, 2025: Selection notifications begin

What is the H-1B Cap?

The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations that require highly specialized knowledge. Each fiscal year, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) places a cap on the number of H-1B visas available:

65,000 regular cap

20,000 additional visas for applicants with advanced degrees from U.S. institutions

How to Prepare for the FY 2026 H-1B Cap Season

1. Gather Required Documentation

Ensure that all supporting documents are ready, including:

Employer’s tax identification number (EIN)

Proof of the applicant’s education and qualifications

Detailed job descriptions and salary information

2. Complete the Electronic Registration

Employers must submit electronic registrations through the USCIS portal. Each submission must include:

Employer details

Beneficiary information

Payment of the registration fee

3. Stay Compliant with USCIS Guidelines

It’s essential to comply with all legal and procedural requirements, including wage standards and specialty occupation definitions.

4. Monitor Selection Notifications

USCIS will notify registrants through their online accounts. Employers with selected registrations can then submit complete petitions within 90 days.

Key Changes and Updates for FY 2026

Stay tuned for any updates from USCIS that may impact the cap process, such as changes in processing times, additional compliance requirements, or policy updates.

Tips for Attorneys

Communicate Early: Start conversations with clients now to manage expectations and timelines.

Document Review: Double-check all applications for accuracy and completeness.

Stay Updated: Monitor USCIS announcements for any changes or updates.

Conclusion

The FY 2026 H-1B cap season presents opportunities for skilled foreign workers to contribute to the U.S. workforce. By staying organized, informed, and proactive, attorneys and employers can navigate the process more effectively.

For More Information Get detailed insights and expert tips on managing H-1B petitions by visiting the full blog here: Imagility Blog.

Key Points:

The deadline to file cap-subject petitions for FY2024 H-1B cap is June 30, 2023.

Only 24 days are remaining until the deadline.

Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) must be submitted no later than June 21, 2023, to ensure timely filing of H-1B petitions.

The H-1B visa program allows US employers to hire foreign workers in specialized occupations.

Failing to meet the deadline can result in petitions not being considered for the FY2024 H-1B cap.

Employers should start gathering necessary documentation and coordinating with legal counsel or immigration experts.

Being proactive and organized can increase the chances of securing H-1B visas for desired candidates.

Act promptly and prepare H-1B cap petitions to seize the opportunity to bring skilled professionals to your team.

Time is running out with only 24 days left, so take action now!

Summary:

Attention employers & employees! The deadline for filing cap-subject petitions for selected H-1B registrations is fast approaching. With only 24 days left until June 30, 2023, it's crucial to take action and submit your Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) by June 21, 2023, to ensure a timely filing of H-1B petitions. Read on to understand the significance of this deadline and the necessary steps to secure your H-1B visas for the upcoming fiscal year.

In-Depth take by RemitAnalyst:

Employers seeking to hire skilled foreign workers through the H-1B visa program must mark their calendars and make note of the impending submission deadline for FY2024 cap petitions. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has set the deadline for June 30, 2023, leaving only 24 days left to act. It's crucial to act promptly to ensure your petition is considered for the upcoming fiscal year's H-1B cap.

With just 24 days remaining until the deadline, time is of the essence. One important prerequisite for filing H-1B petitions is obtaining certified Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) from the Department of Labor (DOL). The DOL typically reviews LCAs within seven days, making it essential to submit your applications no later than June 21, 2023. Meeting this deadline will ensure that your H-1B petitions can be filed in a timely manner.

The H-1B visa program allows employers in the United States to hire foreign workers in specialized occupations. These occupations span various fields, including information technology, engineering, finance, healthcare, and more. With a limited number of H-1B visas available each year, the cap-subject petition process is highly competitive. Therefore, it's crucial to adhere to the submission deadline to maximize your chances of securing the visas for your desired candidates.

Failing to meet the deadline can have significant consequences, as petitions received after the June 30 cutoff date will not be considered for the FY2024 H-1B cap. This could potentially result in a missed opportunity to bring in skilled talent from overseas, affecting your workforce planning and business goals.

To ensure a smooth and successful filing process, it is advisable to start gathering the necessary documentation, reviewing job requirements, and coordinating with legal counsel or immigration experts well in advance. By being proactive and organized, you can navigate the complexities of the H-1B visa process and position your company for success.

In conclusion, the submission deadline for FY2024 H-1B cap petitions is approaching rapidly, with only 24 days left. Employers must act promptly and submit their cap-subject petitions by June 30, 2023. Remember to obtain certified LCAs from the DOL by June 21, 2023, to ensure timely filing. By meeting these deadlines and carefully preparing your petitions, you can increase your chances of securing H-1B visas for your desired candidates, enabling your organization to thrive with top talent.

Don't miss out on this opportunity! Start preparing your H-1B cap petitions now and seize the chance to bring skilled professionals to your team. Only 24 days left, so act fast!