Key Takeaways
• USCIS extended the FY 2026 H-1B cap filing deadline to July 1, 2025 at 7:30 pm EDT due to technical issues.
• H-1B petitions require completed Form I-129 and Form G-28; missing the deadline means losing FY 2026 visa chance.
• H-1B fees rose from $10 to $215; new lottery system focuses on beneficiary, limiting selections to one per worker.
The H-1B visa program remains one of the most important ways for skilled foreign workers to join the workforce in the United States 🇺🇸. Each year, thousands of employers and applicants prepare for the H-1B cap season, hoping to secure one of the limited spots available. For Fiscal Year 2026, a key change has just been announced: the H-1B cap filing deadline has been extended by one day, moving from June 30, 2025, to July 1, 2025, at 7:30 pm EDT. This extension, announced by USCIS, comes after technical difficulties prevented some petitioners from completing the required forms on time.
This news is especially important for employers, attorneys, and foreign workers who have already been selected in the H-1B lottery. Missing the new deadline means losing the chance to file for an H-1B visa under the FY 2026 cap, even if the applicant’s registration was picked. Here’s what you need to know about the extension, the reasons behind it, and what it means for everyone involved in the H-1B process.
Why the H-1B Cap Filing Deadline Was Extended
USCIS, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, announced the extension after technical problems made it hard for some petitioners to finish and submit two key forms: Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) and Form G-28 (Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative). These forms are essential for every H-1B petition. Without them, the application cannot move forward.
The technical issues affected the online system that many employers and attorneys use to prepare and file these forms. Some users reported that they could not save drafts or complete their submissions, which put their applications at risk. In response, USCIS decided to give everyone an extra day to finish their filings.
Key facts about the extension:
- New deadline: July 1, 2025, at 7:30 pm EDT
- Original deadline: June 30, 2025
- Reason: Technical glitches with Form I-129 and Form G-28
- Who is affected: All petitioners selected in the FY 2026 H-1B lottery who have not yet filed their full petitions
This extra day is meant to ensure fairness. It gives those who faced technical problems a real chance to submit their applications and stay in the running for an H-1B visa.
The H-1B Cap Filing Process: How It Works
The H-1B cap process is a yearly event that follows a strict timeline. Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works for Fiscal Year 2026:
- Electronic Registration: Employers submit electronic registrations for each worker they want to sponsor. For FY 2026, this window ran from March 7 to March 24, 2025.
- Lottery Selection: After the registration window closes, USCIS holds a random lottery to select which registrations can move forward. This usually happens at the end of March.
- Full Petition Filing: Employers whose registrations are selected must then file a complete H-1B petition. This includes all supporting documents, the required forms, and payment of fees. The filing period typically starts on April 1 and, for this year, now ends on July 1, 2025, at 7:30 pm EDT.
- USCIS Review: USCIS reviews the petitions and decides whether to approve or deny them.
Important numbers for FY 2026:
- Total H-1B cap: 85,000 visas
- Regular cap: 65,000 visas
- Advanced degree cap: 20,000 visas reserved for applicants with a U.S. master’s degree or higher
If a petitioner misses the extended deadline, they lose their chance for an H-1B visa under the FY 2026 cap. They would have to wait until the next fiscal year to try again.
What Forms Are Required and Why They Matter
Two forms are at the heart of every H-1B petition:
- Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker): This is the main form that employers use to ask USCIS to allow a foreign worker to come to the United States 🇺🇸 for a specific job.
- Form G-28 (Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative): This form is used when an attorney or accredited representative is helping with the case. It tells USCIS who is representing the employer or worker.
Both forms must be filled out completely and correctly. If there are mistakes or missing information, USCIS may reject the petition or ask for more details, which can cause delays or even disqualification.
Why This Extension Matters for Employers and Applicants
The extension of the H-1B cap filing deadline is more than just a small change in the calendar. It has real consequences for employers, attorneys, and foreign workers.
For employers and attorneys:
- Extra time to fix problems: The extension gives them a little more time to finish forms, gather documents, and double-check everything before submitting.
- Avoiding disqualification: Missing the deadline, even by a few minutes, means losing the chance to hire the selected worker for the next fiscal year.
- Chance to correct technical errors: Those who faced system glitches now have a fair shot at completing their applications.
For foreign workers:
- Hope for a fair process: Many workers depend on the H-1B visa to start or continue their careers in the United States 🇺🇸. The extension helps ensure that technical problems do not take away their opportunity.
- Clear communication: Workers should stay in close contact with their employers or attorneys to make sure their cases are moving forward.
For both groups:
- No second chances: If the petition is not submitted by the new deadline, there is no way to fix it until the next year’s lottery.
Recent Changes to the H-1B Process: Higher Fees and New Lottery System
The H-1B program has seen some important changes for the 2025-2026 season. These changes affect how employers plan and how much it costs to apply.
Higher Registration Fees
USCIS has raised the H-1B cap registration fee from $10 to $215 per registration, starting in March 2025. This is a big jump and is meant to help cover the costs of running the program.
What this means:
- Employers must budget more: The higher fee makes it more expensive to submit registrations, especially for companies that want to sponsor many workers.
- Discourages frivolous applications: The increased cost may reduce the number of registrations from employers who are not serious about hiring.
Beneficiary-Centric Lottery
USCIS has also changed how the lottery works. In the past, the lottery was based on each registration submitted by an employer. Now, it is “beneficiary-centric,” which means the focus is on the worker, not the number of registrations.
Key points:
- Each worker can only be selected once: Even if multiple employers submit registrations for the same worker, that worker can only be chosen once in the lottery.
- Advanced degree holders get priority: The system still gives preference to workers with a U.S. master’s degree or higher, who are eligible for the 20,000 advanced degree spots.
These changes are designed to make the process fairer and to prevent employers from flooding the system with duplicate registrations.
Expert Advice: How to Avoid Problems and Make the Most of the Extension
Immigration attorneys and experts stress the importance of careful planning and attention to detail during the H-1B filing season. Here are some practical tips for employers and applicants:
- Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare forms and gather documents.
- Check for updates: USCIS sometimes makes last-minute changes or announces new requirements. Always check the USCIS H-1B Cap page for the latest information.
- Review forms carefully: Make sure every section of Form I-129 and Form G-28 is filled out correctly. Double-check names, dates, and other details.
- Keep records: Save copies of everything you submit, including confirmation of electronic filing.
- Communicate: Employers, attorneys, and workers should stay in close contact to make sure nothing is missed.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the extension is widely seen as a positive step by USCIS. It shows that the agency is willing to respond to real-world problems and help ensure that the process is fair for everyone.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
The rules are strict: if a selected registration does not result in a complete petition filed by the deadline, the opportunity is lost for that fiscal year. There are no exceptions, even for technical problems, once the deadline passes.
Consequences of missing the deadline:
- No H-1B visa for FY 2026: The worker cannot start or continue employment in the United States 🇺🇸 under the H-1B program for that year.
- Must wait for next year: The employer and worker must go through the registration and lottery process again in the next fiscal year.
- Possible loss of job opportunity: Some employers may not be able to wait another year, which could mean lost jobs for foreign workers.
Looking Ahead: Will There Be More Changes?
The H-1B program is always under review, and more changes could come in the future. For now, the higher fees and the beneficiary-centric lottery are expected to stay in place. USCIS may also continue to improve its electronic filing system to prevent technical problems like those seen this year.
Possible future developments:
- Better technology: USCIS may invest in better online systems to reduce glitches.
- Policy changes: Lawmakers and government officials sometimes propose changes to the H-1B program, but no new rules have been announced yet for future years.
- Continued scrutiny: The H-1B program is often discussed in debates about immigration and the workforce, so it’s important for employers and workers to stay informed.
What Employers and Workers Should Do Now
With the new H-1B cap filing deadline set for July 1, 2025, at 7:30 pm EDT, everyone involved should take immediate steps to finish their applications.
Action steps:
- Employers: Review all forms and documents, pay the correct fees, and submit everything before the deadline.
- Attorneys: Double-check every case, especially those affected by technical issues, to make sure nothing is missing.
- Workers: Stay in touch with your employer or attorney and ask for updates on your case.
If you have questions or run into problems, it’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer who specializes in immigration. They can help you understand the rules and avoid mistakes.
Where to Find Official Information
For the most accurate and up-to-date information about the H-1B cap, deadlines, and filing requirements, always check the USCIS H-1B Cap page. This official government site has details about forms, fees, deadlines, and any new announcements.
You can also find the latest versions of Form I-129 and Form G-28 on the USCIS website. Make sure you use the current forms, as older versions may not be accepted.
Conclusion: Use the Extra Day Wisely
The extension of the H-1B cap filing deadline for Fiscal Year 2026 is a small but important change that could make a big difference for many employers and foreign workers. It gives everyone a little more time to complete their applications and avoid being left out because of technical problems.
Key takeaways:
- The new deadline is July 1, 2025, at 7:30 pm EDT.
- The extension was granted because of technical issues with required forms.
- Missing the deadline means losing the chance for an H-1B visa in FY 2026.
- Higher fees and a new lottery system are now in place.
- Employers and workers should act quickly and carefully to meet all requirements.
By staying informed, checking official sources, and working together, employers and foreign workers can make the most of this extra day and keep their H-1B dreams alive. Always remember to use the correct forms, pay the right fees, and submit everything before the deadline. For more details and updates, visit the USCIS H-1B Cap page.
Learn Today
H-1B visa → A US work visa for skilled foreign professionals sponsored by employers under annual quotas.
Form I-129 → Petition form used by employers to request nonimmigrant worker approval from USCIS.
Form G-28 → Notice filed by attorneys or representatives to USCIS indicating legal representation in immigration cases.
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency that manages immigration and visa petitions.
Beneficiary-centric lottery → A selection system where each foreign worker can be chosen only once across multiple employer registrations.
This Article in a Nutshell
USCIS extended the FY 2026 H-1B visa cap filing deadline to July 1, 2025 due to technical glitches. This gives employers and workers extra time to submit essential forms and avoid disqualification. Higher fees and a new lottery system now make the process more competitive and beneficiary-focused.
— By VisaVerge.com
