H-1B Cap Season Arrives

Jan 25, 2021 | Immigration Updates

H-1B cap season is here, and it’s time to think about who might be eligible for an H-1B visa. The H-1B cap registration will take place at the end of March, and USCIS will conduct its lottery in early April. Once the lottery has taken place, the winners must file their H-1B petitions within 90 days.  

 For first-time H-1B petitions, registration for the H-1B cap is needed in March. Foreign nationals applying for an H-1B for the first time holding the following visa statuses should register: 

  • F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) 
  • F-1 STEM OPT 
  • TN (Canadian or Mexican) if more stable status is desired 
  • L-1 if there is a PERM application and an extension beyond 5 or 7 years is needed 

 Before filing an H-1B registration, we recommend scheduling an assessment of your case to determine its viability and to evaluate any issues that might result in USCIS responding with a Request for Evidence.  

 We will post further information as the season progresses. Please do not hesitate to contact us or schedule a consultation if you have any questions.  

Subscribe to the WR Immigration Newsletters

Start the RFP Process

Join the Corporate Benchmarking Roundtable

Request an Attorney Consultation

Related Posts:

Legal News Bulletin – June 2025

RAPID RESPONSE ANALYSIS – U.S. HOUSE “RECONCILIATION” SPENDING PROPOSALS ON IMMIGRATION AND THE BORDER Date of Report: May 2025 Key Takeaway: The U.S. House of Representatives’ 2025 “reconciliation” spending bills propose sweeping financial investments and legal changes to immigration and border policy—totaling approximately $151.3 billion. While framed as funding measures,...

H-1B Cap Travel FAQ for F-1 Students

By Kimberley Best Robidoux Q: When is the H-1B cap registration period? A: It is expected to be the first two weeks of March 2024 but as of January 24, 2024 the specific dates have not yet been announced by USCIS. Q: If I am maintaining F-1 status, can I...