Resolution criteria

• Resolves YES if, for the first cycle where the $100K cap announced in September 2025, USCIS publicly states that the H‑1B cap has been reached for both: (a) the 65,000 regular cap and (b) the 20,000 U.S. advanced‑degree exemption (master’s cap), as shown on the USCIS H‑1B Cap Season page or an official USCIS alert/news release. Example source: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations/h-1b-cap-season. If USCIS has not posted that both caps were reached by December 31, 2026, resolves NO. (uscis.gov)

• Precondition: The $100,000 H‑1B fee policy announced September 20–21, 2025 must take effect at least temporarily (nationwide) for the cycle. If it never takes effect (e.g., fully enjoined before effective date), resolves N/A. Notes/sources on the policy: Reuters, Business Insider, Al Jazeera, and legal client alert. (reuters.com)

• Evidence: The resolver will use the USCIS page(s) above. If multiple USCIS postings conflict, the most recent USCIS posting prevails. (uscis.gov)

Background

• FY2026 initial registration ran March 7–24, 2025, with a $215 registration fee and beneficiary‑centric selection (limits multiple registrations per person). Source and details: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/fy-2026-h-1b-cap-initial-registration-period-opens-on-march-7. (uscis.gov) It seems unclear if the announcement will apply to this cycle first or to the next one.

• USCIS fee rule (Jan 2024) made the $215 registration fee effective starting the March 2025 registration (FY2026). https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/stakeholder-messages/uscis-issues-final-rule-to-adjust-certain-immigration-and-naturalization-fees. (uscis.gov)

• As context on cap levels: 65,000 regular + 20,000 master’s cap (with 6,800 set aside for H‑1B1 Chile/Singapore each year from the 65,000). https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations/h-1b-cap-season. (uscis.gov)

• See also:

  • https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/restriction-on-entry-of-certain-nonimmigrant-workers/

  • https://x.com/PressSec/status/1969495900478488745

Considerations

• The $100,000 policy was described by the White House as a one‑time fee applying to new H‑1B petitions/applicants; legal challenges or agency guidance could narrow, suspend, or clarify its scope. Traders should monitor for injunctions. (reuters.com)

• USCIS sometimes posts that the cap has been reached well before the fiscal year ends; check the Cap Season page for the definitive status. As of now, USCIS indicates the FY2026 caps have been reached. (uscis.gov)