The H-1B is the main visa category that allows skilled foreign workers to legally work in the United States. Currently, only 85,000 H-1B visas can be issued to cap-subject applicants per fiscal year, with 20,000 of those being reserved for individuals who have earned a master's degree or higher from a U.S. institution of higher education. This cap does not apply to some employers, such as universities or nonprofits.

This question will resolve positively if, by the end of April 2026, a U.S. law, policy, or rule change is officially announced, indicating that the quota for cap-subject H-1B visas will be increased to at least 127,500 visas for Fiscal Year 2027 or an earlier fiscal year, or that the cap will be completely removed. This change must apply for at least one entire fiscal year.

The resolution will be based on authoritative sources such as official U.S. government statements, websites, or databases, including the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Federal Register, or the Congressional Record.

The question will resolve on May 1, 2026, unless a resolution can be determined earlier due to an official law, policy, or rule change that satisfies the criteria mentioned above.

This question does not consider increases in the number of H-1B visas granted due to administrative changes, such as backlog reductions or alterations in application rejection rates. It specifically refers to modifications in the legislated or official policy quota for cap-subject H-1B visas. Changes to the "lottery system" of visa allocation are not relevant to this question unless they effectively increase the total cap.

The question pertains to the total quota for cap-subject H-1B visas, encompassing all categories (regular cap and advanced degree exemption). Alterations specific to one category that do not increase the total cap by the necessary amount will not cause the question to resolve positively.