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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Website
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Statistics
Annual Caps for H-1B for Fiscal Years: 85,000 visas
- 65,000 visas
- 20,000 visas for the master’s cap*
The master’s cap – individuals with advanced degrees from U.S. institutions.
Topics
10 FAQs: H-1B Electronic Registration
What it is, who files it, when it opens, statuses, and premium processing.
Welcome back to FAQ Central. This time, we’re exploring the most common questions about the H-1B Electronic Registration process. If you missed the previous chapter, you can catch up here - it covers Form I-129 filing, notifications, duplicate registrations, payment issues, and more.
1. What is H-1B electronic registration?
2. Who has to complete the H-1B registration?
3. When does H-1B registration usually open?
4. What information is required for H-1B registration?
The registration requires basic information about the employer and the beneficiary, including the beneficiary’s legal name, date of birth, passport details, country of birth and citizenship, and whether they qualify for the advanced degree exemption.
USCIS has also increased fraud detection and compliance reviews, so all data must be accurate and consistent with future petition filings to avoid RFEs, denials, or investigation.
5. Can an employer submit multiple H-1B registrations for the same person?
6. What happens if my H-1B registration is selected?
If your registration is marked “Selected”, your employer (usually through an attorney) may file a full H-1B cap petition (Form I-129 with supporting documents) during the USCIS-specified filing window, typically 90 days.
USCIS may also conduct multiple selection rounds throughout the year if additional petitions are needed to meet the annual cap, so a “Submitted” status may still move to “Selected” later in the season.
7. What do “Submitted”, “Not Selected”, and “Invalidated - Failed Payment” mean?
Submitted: Registration was properly filed and may still be considered in the lottery.
Not Selected: Registration was not chosen once USCIS finishes all selection rounds.
Invalidated - Failed Payment: The registration was not valid because the fee payment did not go through successfully.
8. Does H-1B approval mean I can start working immediately?
Not necessarily. You can only start H-1B employment once:
Your H-1B start date has arrived (usually October 1 or later), and
You are in H-1B status inside the U.S. (change of status) or have entered the U.S. with an H-1B visa after consular processing.
9. Can I change status in the U.S. instead of going to a consulate?
10. Is premium processing available for H-1B petitions?
Yes. Premium processing can only be requested after the employer files a full H-1B petition (Form I-129). Once accepted, USCIS provides a 15-calendar-day response window for certain actions, such as approval, denial, a Request for Evidence (RFE), or a notice of investigation.
However, premium processing cannot be used to expedite the electronic registration stage and does not increase the chances of being selected in the H-1B lottery. It applies only after a registration has been selected and a petition is filed.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Immigration rules, agency procedures, fees, forms, timelines, and government guidance can change, and outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case. Before making filing, travel, employment, status, or compliance decisions, review the latest official guidance and consult a qualified U.S. immigration attorney.