Must-Know Facts About the H-1B Master’s Cap and Advanced Degree Exemption
Breaking Update: The Trump administration has introduced a proposed $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions. Understanding the exclusions and the most effective strategies to navigate this change is critical for future applicants.
Each year, 20,000 H-1B visa spots are reserved for foreign nationals who hold a U.S. Master’s degree or higher from accredited institutions. This advanced degree exemption—often called the H-1B Master’s Cap—offers a major advantage. Qualified applicants not only join the general lottery but also receive an additional opportunity to be selected, significantly improving their chances of approval.
Graduates from U.S. universities with advanced degrees gain a meaningful edge in securing employment through the H-1B program. Understanding how this process works for the 2025–2026 H-1B lottery season can help applicants and employers plan with confidence.
At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys have assisted thousands of applicants in navigating the Master’s Cap process. This guide explains everything you need to know in clear, easy-to-follow terms.
What This Guide Covers:
- What is the H-1B Master’s Cap?
- Your odds of H-1B lottery selection
- Eligibility requirements
- How to register for the H-1B cap lottery
- Key deadlines and timelines
- How the Master’s Cap improves selection chances
- Practical tips to increase your odds
If you are preparing for the H-1B visa lottery, consult with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link for tailored guidance.
Latest H-1B News and Updates
- In April 2024, the H-1B registration fee increased to $215.
- A new I-129 petition form became mandatory on January 17, 2025.
- Breaking: The Trump administration introduced a proposed $100,000 filing fee for new H-1B petitions—a major policy development applicants must understand.
What is the H-1B Master’s Cap?
Each year, USCIS conducts the H-1B lottery to allocate temporary work visas for foreign professionals in specialty occupations.
The lottery is divided into two rounds:
- Regular Cap: 65,000 visas are available, but 6,800 are reserved for applicants from Chile and Singapore. This leaves about 58,200 visas for all other applicants with at least a Bachelor’s degree.
- Master’s Cap: An additional 20,000 visas are set aside exclusively for applicants with a Master’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution.
This means that Master’s degree holders participate in both rounds of selection—first in the general lottery, and if not selected, again in the advanced degree lottery—giving them two chances instead of one.
What Are Your Chances in the Master’s Cap?
Your odds of selection in the H-1B Master’s Cap depend on:
- Rising demand for H-1B visas
- Accuracy and timeliness of employer filings
- Increasing government filing fees
- USCIS anti-fraud measures
How the Odds Work:
- First Round: All applicants compete for 65,000 visas, minus 6,800 set aside for Chile and Singapore.
- Second Round: Applicants with U.S. Master’s degrees move into the Master’s Cap pool for an additional 20,000 slots.
In 2019, USCIS reported that this second round gave Master’s degree holders a 16% higher chance of being selected compared to those with only a Bachelor’s degree.
Because the Master’s Cap typically has fewer applicants than the general pool, the chances of selection are generally more favorable.
Historical Selection Trends
- 2023: Demand peaked with 758,994 eligible registrations, dropping Master’s odds to a low of 15.2%.
- 2024: Odds improved to 24.52%.
- 2025: Odds climbed even higher to 33.53%, returning to levels seen in the early 2020s.
Although the Master’s Cap remains competitive, applicants with advanced U.S. degrees still enjoy a clear statistical advantage.
Why Work with Green Card Link?
The H-1B process is complex, with changing deadlines, evolving government policies, and heightened competition. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys provide experienced, results-driven guidance to maximize your chances of success. From preparing strong registrations to advising on timelines and strategies, they are committed to helping you achieve your career goals in the United States.
H-1B Master’s Cap Eligibility and Registration Guide
Eligibility Requirements for the H-1B Master’s Cap
To qualify for the H-1B Master’s Cap, applicants must meet strict requirements set by USCIS:
- Earned Degree – You must hold a master’s degree (or higher) from a U.S. institution of higher education.
- Accreditation Requirement – The institution must be accredited by a recognized national accrediting agency.
- Institution Type – The university must be a public or non-profit institution.
⚠️ Important Note: If your degree was issued by a for-profit university, it will not qualify you for the Master’s Cap. In such cases, you may only apply under the regular H-1B cap.
Tip: If you are still completing your graduate degree and plan to apply under the Master’s Cap, start building professional connections and researching potential employers during your final year of study.
How to Register for the H-1B Master’s Cap
The H-1B Master’s Cap registration process follows these steps:
- Confirm Eligibility – Verify that your degree is from a qualifying U.S.-based, accredited institution.
- Employer Creates USCIS Account – Your sponsoring employer must open an online USCIS account to file the registration.
- Submit Registration – Your employer provides basic details about you and the company while paying the required filing fee.
- File Before the Deadline – The 2025 H-1B registration period closes at Noon ET, March 24, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.
- Lottery Selection – If chosen in the lottery, your employer may then submit a full H-1B petition.
Finding Eligible Universities for the H-1B Master’s Cap
Applicants can check eligibility by reviewing resources from:
- U.S. Department of Education – Complete listings of accredited universities and qualifying programs.
- National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) – Offers tools to verify whether an institution is public, non-profit, or for-profit.
Recognized accrediting bodies include:
- Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
- Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training
- Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools
H-1B Master’s Cap Registration Timeline (2025–2026)
- Registration Window: Noon ET, March 7, 2025 – Noon ET, March 24, 2025
- Lottery Results: By March 31, 2025
- Next Steps: Selected petitions are assigned a USCIS case number for tracking and further adjudication.
How the H-1B Master’s Cap Lottery Works
- USCIS first runs the regular cap lottery for 65,000 visas.
- Advanced degree holders not selected in the regular lottery are moved into the Master’s Cap lottery.
- USCIS then randomly selects 20,000 additional petitions from this pool.
- Petitioners selected receive a USCIS notice and may file Form I-129.
- Unselected cases remain in “Submitted” status until the fiscal year ends.
Possible Lottery Outcomes
By March 31st, USCIS updates your registration with one of the following statuses:
- Selected – Your case was chosen in the lottery.
- Denied – Your petition did not meet eligibility requirements.
- Not Selected – Your registration was not chosen.
- Submitted – Your registration is received but pending outcome until the fiscal year closes.
Reasons for H-1B Master’s Cap Denials
USCIS may reject or deny petitions due to errors, missing documents, or ineligibility. Common issues include:
- Filing from an unaccredited or for-profit institution
- Incorrect or late submissions
- Duplicate registrations by the same employer
If your petition is denied, you may consider filing:
- Motion to Reopen – If you have new supporting evidence.
- Motion to Reconsider – If you believe USCIS made a legal or factual error.
Because these legal motions are highly complex, it is critical to consult an experienced immigration attorney at Green Card Link before taking action.
Tips to Improve Your Chances in the H-1B Master’s Cap
- Qualify for the Advanced Degree Cap – Having a U.S. master’s degree gives you two opportunities in the lottery.
- File Accurately and On Time – USCIS automatically rejects incomplete or incorrect applications.
- Work With Immigration Attorneys at Green Card Link – Professional guidance reduces the risk of costly errors.
- Consider Cap-Exempt Employers – Universities, nonprofit research institutions, and government research organizations may file H-1B petitions at any time without being subject to the lottery.
H-1B Master’s Cap FAQs
Which comes first: the regular cap or the Master’s cap?
USCIS runs the regular cap lottery first. Unselected master’s degree holders are then entered into the Master’s Cap lottery.
How many visas are available?
- Regular cap: 65,000 visas
- Master’s cap: 20,000 additional visas reserved for advanced degree holders
Does premium processing improve my selection odds?
No. Premium processing only speeds up USCIS’s decision after selection. It does not increase your chances in the lottery.
Can H-1B visa holders apply for a green card?
Yes. Many H-1B professionals later transition to green cards, often under the EB-2 or EB-3 categories.
Is the Master’s Cap an exemption from the lottery?
Not entirely. It simply gives you an extra chance to be selected.
H-1B Visa Lottery and Registration Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Do I Need to Register Before the H-1B Cap?
Yes. All employers who intend to file petitions on behalf of H-1B beneficiaries must first complete the registration process. Only after a registration is selected in the lottery can the employer proceed with filing the full H-1B petition. Registration is always the first step, followed by petition submission if chosen.
Do I Need to File a Petition to Enter the Lottery?
No. Employers no longer file petitions simply to enter the lottery. Instead, they must register the H-1B beneficiary with USCIS. USCIS then conducts the lottery, and only those registrations that are selected will move forward to the petition filing stage.
If you want to register for the 2026–2027 H-1B visa lottery, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can guide you through the process and ensure accurate filing.
Will USCIS Require Registration Every Year?
Yes. USCIS currently plans to hold the registration process annually as part of the H-1B lottery. However, the agency may suspend registration for a given year if technical issues or other challenges arise. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys closely monitor USCIS announcements and keep clients updated on any changes.
How Does the H-1B Master’s Cap Improve My Chances?
The H-1B Master’s Cap provides an additional selection opportunity for individuals with advanced U.S. degrees. USCIS first places Master’s registrations in the regular lottery with all other applicants. Any unselected Master’s registrations are then placed into a separate lottery for the Master’s Cap, where the pool is smaller and chances of selection may increase.
Because this process can be confusing, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link recommend professional guidance to make the best decision for your case.
Finding an H-1B Sponsor
If you don’t already have an H-1B sponsor, there are online databases that can help you identify potential employers. These tools allow you to filter by job title, industry (NAICS), work location, and more. Information is typically based on certified Labor Condition Applications (LCAs).
Another excellent resource is U.S. academic institutions, which are cap-exempt and not subject to the annual H-1B lottery limit.
Understanding the Prevailing Wage
The prevailing wage is the average salary for workers performing similar jobs in a specific geographic area. It is determined by the Department of Labor (DOL) under the Occupational Employment Statistics program. Employers are legally required to pay H-1B employees at least this amount, which is recorded in the Labor Certification Application.
Does an MBA Increase My Selection Chances?
Having an MBA is not a direct advantage in the H-1B lottery. However, an MBA can strengthen your qualifications and make it easier for USCIS to approve your petition if your registration is selected, since it demonstrates advanced professional skills relevant to many H-1B positions.
Documents Required for H-1B Registration
Employers must provide the following details for registration:
- Company name
- Employer’s FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number)
- Business address
- Employer’s contact information
- Immigration attorney’s contact information (if represented)
H-1B Filing Fees
To enter the lottery, employers must pay a $215 registration fee. If selected, additional petition filing fees will apply. For a complete breakdown, review our H-1B Visa Fees Guide.
The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can ensure fee compliance and accurate filing.
What is Consular Processing?
Consular processing applies to H-1B beneficiaries who live outside the U.S. If selected and approved, you must schedule a consular interview in your home country. You will need:
- DS-160 nonimmigrant application
- Receipt for the $190 DS-160 fee
- Supporting documentation
At the interview, be prepared to answer questions about your job, qualifications, and travel history. Honesty is key—even if you don’t know the answer, it is better to be transparent than to guess.
Why Was My Labor Condition Application Delayed?
Sometimes the iCert visa portal does not recognize an employer’s FEIN. This usually happens if pre-verification wasn’t completed before filing the LCA. Working with the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link helps avoid these preventable delays.
How to Submit an H-1B Petition
Petitions must be sent through approved delivery methods such as USPS, FedEx, or UPS. Do not hand-deliver or use unapproved methods, as USCIS may reject improperly filed petitions. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys provide clear instructions for secure and compliant submission.
Types of Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
An RFE means USCIS needs more evidence—not that your case is denied. Responses include:
- Full response: Submit all requested documents.
- Partial response: Provide some of the evidence.
- No response: Withdraw the application.
Always review RFEs with an immigration attorney to ensure the best outcome.
What If I Lose My H-1B Job?
If your employment ends, USCIS grants a 60-day grace period. During this time, you may:
- Find a new H-1B sponsor
- Switch to another visa category
- Prepare to depart the United States
Can My Spouse Get a Visa?
Yes. Spouses of H-1B workers are eligible for the H-4 visa. In some cases, they may also apply for employment authorization (EAD). The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can help evaluate eligibility and guide your family through the process.
Alternatives to the H-1B Visa
If you don’t qualify for the H-1B, other options may be available:
- L-1B visa: Allows multinational companies to transfer employees from abroad to U.S. offices.
- J-1 visa: For exchange programs such as teaching, counseling, or medical training.
The attorneys at Green Card Link can review your qualifications and recommend the most suitable pathway.
How Green Card Link Can Help
Maximize your chances in the 2026–2027 H-1B lottery with the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link. From registration to petition filing, we provide precise legal support, minimize delays, and ensure compliance with USCIS requirements.
Contact Green Card Link today to get started.