U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2026 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 7 and run through noon Eastern on March 24, 2025.
The H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant work visa that allows U.S. employers to hire skilled international workers. It also offers international students the opportunity to live and work in the U.S. after finishing their education. Due to the high demand for H-1B visas, USCIS enforces an annual cap, which limits the number of visas issued each year through a lottery system. As a result, applicants for regular H-1B visas, known as “cap-subject” visas, can only apply once per year. This year, the cap includes 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 available for individuals with a master’s degree or higher. The H-1B petition must be filed by an employer on behalf of the worker, as employees cannot apply on their own.
Duke International students and alumni should discuss the H-1B petition process with their current employer if they are willing to sponsor the visa, or with a prospective employer if they have received a job offer with an opportunity for sponsorship.
Employers should consider registering employees currently on OPT, STEM-OPT or another non-immigrant status for the lottery. it’s important to understand the H-1B petition steps, including gathering documents, determining the wage level, and meeting filing deadlines. Learn how to sponsor your first H-1B.
