USCIS Confirms FY2027 H-1B Cap Has Been Reached: What It Means for Employers, Foreign National Employees

Short summary

USCIS announced on July 18, 2026 that the FY2027 H-1B cap of 65,000 regular visas and 20,000 master's cap exemptions has been fully reached, meaning no second lottery will be conducted this fiscal year. Unselected registrants must wait until the FY2028 registration period expected in early 2027. Employers should evaluate alternative immigration pathways such as cap-exempt H-1B, O-1, L-1, TN, or E-3 visas for affected employees.

• •FY2027 H-1B regular and master's caps both reached; no second lottery will be held
• •Unselected candidates must wait for FY2028 registration opening in early 2027
• •Employers should explore alternatives: cap-exempt H-1B, O-1, L-1, TN, E-3 visas

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