News
Lottery updates, USCIS deadlines, DOL LCA processing, and employer policy changes — curated for U.S. employers sponsoring H-1B workers.
Effective July 10, 2026, USCIS may reject or deny Form I-129 and other benefit requests with invalid signatures — even after acceptance — and can keep the filing fee. Wet-ink signatures (and valid copies) matter on every H-1B petition.
Read updateThe April 1–June 30, 2026 filing period for FY 2027 lottery-selected H-1B petitions ended June 30. Employers now wait on USCIS volume data and whether a second selection round is needed.
Read updateCap-subject H-1B lottery registration for FY 2027 opens soon. Employers must register each beneficiary, pay the registration fee, and align wage data before USCIS runs the random selection.
Read updateSelected lottery registrations receive a filing window to submit Form I-129. Missing the deadline forfeits the cap number — employers should prep LCA and petition documents in parallel with registration.
Read updateMost LCAs certify within 7–14 days when filed correctly in FLAG. Flagged cases need employer responses before certification — plan LCA lead time before any USCIS deadline.
Read updateChange-of-employer transfers let candidates start work after USCIS receipt when portability requirements are met. Employers still need a new LCA and I-129 for the new worksite.
Read updateFor evergreen guides and city data, see our H-1B blog.