Summary
Work visa for specialty occupations
Employer-sponsored role tied to an approved petition, often subject to the annual cap, with a DOL labor condition application and sometimes a consular visa stamp. Overview, official tools, activity data, and the latest policy updates below.
What this visa is
The H-1B ties you to the employer and job described in the approved petition. If you change employers, the new employer normally needs their own approval.
Each year, most new H-1Bs are subject to a cap and a registration and selection process. Some employers, such as many colleges and universities, are not subject to that cap. Your case may involve USCIS, a labor certification (LCA) filed with the Department of Labor, and a consulate if you need a visa stamp in your passport.
Fees, wait times, and rules change. Always double check USCIS and DOL for current numbers and instructions before you rely on them.
Last 90 days
What matters for H-1B
Highest-signal items mentioning H-1B (or cross-listed policy), from roughly the last three months — weighted for impact, open comment periods, fees, lottery, and processing changes.
- Published USCISLottery / selectionFY 2027 H-1B Initial Registration Selection Process Completed
USCIS has completed the FY 2027 H-1B initial registration period and received enough registrations to meet both the regular H-1B cap and the advanced degree exemption cap. This marks the end of the registration window for fiscal year 2027. Employers and workers who registered…
- Published USCISLottery / selectionFY 2027 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens on March 4
The H-1B cap registration period for fiscal year 2027 will open on March 4, 2026 at noon ET and close on March 19, 2026 at noon ET. All H-1B petitions subject to the annual cap must be registered during this window before employers can file full petitions. Register early, as…
- Published State DeptTravel / entryAnnouncement of Expanded Screening and Vetting for H-1B and Dependent H-4 Visa Applicants
The U.S. State Department has announced expanded security screening and vetting procedures for H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependent family members. The enhanced measures are intended to strengthen the review process for these work visa categories. No specific details on…
Updates
Latest updates
All H-1B‑tagged updates, newest first (full archive by page). Open a row for the summary and source.
- Apr 18, 2026Announcement of Expanded Screening and Vetting for H-1B and Dependent H-4 Visa ApplicantsState DeptNeu
- Mar 31, 2026FY 2027 H-1B Initial Registration Selection Process CompletedUSCISNeu
- Jan 30, 2026FY 2027 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens on March 4USCISNeu
- Dec 23, 2025DHS Changes Process for Awarding H-1B Work Visas to Better Protect American WorkersUSCISNeg
- Oct 20, 2025Presidential Proclamation on Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant WorkersUSCISNeg
- Sep 21, 2025H-1B FAQUSCISNeg