USCIS announced on July 17, 2026 that it received enough petitions to reach the 85,000 FY2027 H-1B cap (65,000 regular plus the 20,000 master's exemption), so it will not run a second lottery. It received about 211,600 unique beneficiary registrations in the March 2026 draw, down sharply from 336,153 the prior year; unselected registrations cannot file until the March 2027 (FY2028) cycle.
Why this matters for founders
Startups that didn't get a selection this cycle should plan cap-exempt options (O-1A, cap-exempt employers, concurrent H-1B) now and prep FY2028 registrations for March 2027 rather than waiting for a second round that isn't coming.
Related updates
More that helps you.
UK opens Global Talent visa endorsement to 100+ R&D companies
On 6 August 2026 the UK government expanded the Global Talent visa so more than 100 innovative research businesses (including AstraZeneca and Jaguar Land Rover) can now endorse int…
USCIS expands 9-11 biometrics fee to H-1B/L-1 filings from Sept 9, 2026
Beginning Sept 9, 2026, USCIS expands collection of the 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee to certain specialty-occupation (H-1B) and L-1A/L-1B petitions. The fee targets e…
UK opens Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for scale-ups: up to £25k/year
The government's Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups (VFRS4SU) opened on 9 June 2026 and runs until 1 March 2027 (or until funds run out). Eligible high-growth firms can r…
$100,000 H-1B fee still applies in 2026 despite court striking it down
A federal court ruled the $100,000 H-1B entry fee (from the Sept 2025 proclamation) unlawful on June 8, 2026, but the judge paused the decision and the government sought a First Ci…
Get briefs like this tuned to you.
In the app, Founder Briefs are personalized to your country, industry and stage, and you can save the ones that matter.
See plans →
Keep exploring
Related across the site
ChecklistHire your first employee the legal wayEverything a first-time employer needs, in order: classification, registration, workers' comp, payroll, and a first week that sets your new hire up to succeed.ToolDocuSignDocuSign lets you send documents for legally binding electronic signature and track their status. It handles contracts, NDAs, offer letters, and other agreements with an audit trail.ToolGustoGusto runs full-service payroll for US businesses, handling paychecks, tax filing, and direct deposit, plus benefits, onboarding, and contractor payments. It automates federal, state, and local payroll tax compliance.TermEIN (Employer Identification Number)A unique nine-digit number the US IRS assigns to your business for tax and identification purposes, like a Social Security number for your company.Case studyMadam C.J. WalkerMadam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Co.Case studyNina VacaPinnacle Group