USCIS Completes the H-1B Cap Random Selection Process for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018

April 18, 2017

On April 11, 2017 USCIS completed the computer-generated random selection process for fiscal year (FY) 2018 of petitions needed to meet the cap of 65,000 visas for the general category and 20,000 visas for the U.S. advanced degree exemption, also known as the master’s cap. USCIS conducted the selection process for the advanced degree exemption first and then all unselected petitions from the advanced degree petitions then became part of the random selection process for the 65,000 cap. All unselected petitions with their filing fees will be returned, unless the petition is found to be a duplicate filing.

USCIS has also announced that the number of H-1B cap-subject petitions they received for the fiscal year 2018 (FY) was 199,000, lower than the all-time record of over 236,000 cap-subject petitions they received last year for fiscal year 2017.

Premium processing for all H-1B petitions, including cap-exempt petitions, is still temporarily suspended for up to six months. However, USCIS continues to accept and process cap-exempt petitions including extensions, transfers or amended petitions filed on behalf of H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap.


TAGS: , ,

Latest News

December 22, 2025

Department of State Releases January 2026 Visa Bulletin The DOS released its January 2026 Visa Bulletin. October begins a new fiscal year for the U.S. government bringing forward movement...More

December 17, 2025

Trump Administration Expands Travel Ban On December 16, 2025, President Trump signed a new Presidential Proclamation expanding the travel restrictions originally announced in June 2025....More
Image Image Image Image