The H1B annual cap is 85,000 — the same number since 2004 while the US workforce has grown dramatically. Here is exactly how the cap works.
**The two pools:** - Regular cap: 65,000 H1B visas for bachelor's and above degree holders (or foreign equivalent) - Master's cap: 20,000 additional H1B visas exclusively for US Master's degree or above holders
**How the lottery works:** 1. Registration opens in March (typically 2 weeks) 2. Employers register each beneficiary for $10 per registration 3. USCIS randomly selects from all registrations 4. Master's degree holders get TWO chances: first selected from master's cap pool, then any not selected get added to the regular cap pool 5. If regular cap is not filled after master's selection, USCIS selects from remaining master's registrations
**FY2026 statistics:** Approximately 470,000 registrations received for 85,000 slots. Selection rate: ~18% overall. Master's degree holders: ~35–38% effective selection rate.
**Who is NOT subject to the cap:** - Cap-exempt employers (universities, national labs, nonprofits) — no limit - H1B holders changing employers (H1B transfer) — no cap - H1B holders extending their existing petition — no cap - H1B holders who were previously selected but petition was denied — no new lottery needed if refiled within same fiscal year
**Multiple registrations:** Since FY2023, if an employer files multiple registrations for the same beneficiary, USCIS invalidates all registrations for that beneficiary. Do not try to game the lottery — it results in disqualification.
**What the cap does NOT cover:** The H1B cap only applies to new H1B status. Amendments, extensions, and transfers for people already in H1B status are unlimited.