USCIS Extends H-1B Cap Filing Deadline to July 1 for Online Filings Only

In a critical update released on July 1, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed that the H-1B cap petition filing deadline has been extended until 7:30 PM EDT on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, but only for online-filed cases. This extension follows widespread technical disruptions in the myUSCIS platform that impacted the ability to complete and file Form I-129 and the accompanying Form G-28.

What Happened?

Starting June 30, several users encountered a persistent 404 error when attempting to finalize Form I-129 or submit Form G-28 for electronic signature. These errors blocked the completion of H-1B cap-subject filings, causing delays and uncertainty in the hours leading up to the original deadline.

In response to the disruptions, USCIS issued a system notice acknowledging the issue and providing a temporary deadline extension for online-filed petitions only. Notably, paper-filed H-1B petitions that were not received by June 30 will not qualify for the extended deadline and will be considered untimely.

Important Filing Considerations

1. Do not duplicate filings: If a paper petition was filed on time but not yet receipted, do not submit a second online version unless the paper case is withdrawn first. Filing duplicates may result in both cases being denied.
2. Online Filing Only Extension: The extension to 7:30 PM EDT on July 1 is exclusively for users filing via myUSCIS. USCIS has not extended the deadline for paper-filed applications.
3. Reporting Technical Issues: USCIS encourages stakeholders to continue reporting technical challenges through the “Need Help” form available on the myUSCIS platform.

Recommendations for Employers and Attorneys

For employers and attorneys managing FY2026 H-1B cap-subject filings, the window to complete online petitions has been briefly extended, but only under strict parameters. We recommend:

• Reviewing myUSCIS functionality early to confirm all systems are operational.
• Coordinating closely with clients for timely digital signatures and final submissions.
• Avoiding duplicate filings and ensuring clear documentation of submission attempts in case of future challenges.

As always, Ahluwalia Law Offices remains committed to helping employers and professionals navigate these procedural challenges. If your petition was impacted or if you are unsure how to proceed, please consult with our team immediately for guidance.

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