Archive · 18 Jul 2025
USCIS Reaches H-1B Cap for FY2026; Continues Exempt Petition Processing
The U.S. government has a limit on how many H-1B visas it gives out each year.
These visas let U.S. companies hire foreign workers for special jobs.
This year, enough people applied for these visas to hit the limit.
There are two parts to the limit: a general one and a special one for people with advanced degrees.
The government will still process visa applications from people who don't count toward the limit, like those already using an H-1B visa.
The number of applications was lower this year than the last.
USCIS has received enough petitions to meet the H-1B visa cap for FY 2026.
The regular cap of 65,000 and the master's cap of 20,000 have been reached.
USCIS will continue processing petitions exempt from the cap.
Exemptions include petitions for current H-1B workers who retain their cap number.
The H-1B program allows U.S. businesses to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations.
- Who
- USCIS
- What
- USCIS has reached the H-1B visa cap for FY 2026.
- When
- For fiscal year 2026.
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To manage the number of foreign workers employed in specialty occupations.
- H-1B Cap
- Reached for FY 2026
- Regular Cap
- 65,000
- Master's Cap
- 20,000
- Exemptions
- Current H-1B workers retaining cap number
- Selected Beneficiaries
- 118,660