H-1B Visa Registration for FY 2026: Key Details and Updates
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the registration period for H-1B visas for the fiscal year 2026, which will begin on March 7, 2025, and close on March 24, 2025. The H-1B visa program is a vital channel for skilled foreign workers, particularly Indian IT professionals, to secure employment in specialized technical and theoretical roles in the US.
Important Dates and Fees
Registration Opens: March 7, 2025, at 10:30 PM IST
Registration Closes: March 24, 2025, at 10:30 PM IST
Registration Fee: $215 per beneficiary
How to Register
Prospective petitioners, including employers and legal representatives, must submit each beneficiary’s registration electronically via the USCIS online portal. The required $215 registration fee must be paid during the registration period.
Changes in the Selection Process for FY 2026
USCIS will continue the beneficiary-centric selection process introduced in FY 2025, which aims to improve fairness and reduce fraudulent applications. This system focuses on selecting unique beneficiaries rather than individual registrations, ensuring that each applicant only gets one opportunity in the lottery.
If the number of registrations exceeds the annual cap, USCIS will conduct a random lottery to select beneficiaries. Applicants will be notified of their selection through their USCIS online accounts. In cases where the number of registrations falls below the cap, all eligible registrations will be selected.
Key Features of the Registration Process
Registration Window: Employers must create a USCIS online account and submit each H-1B registration, including a $215 fee.
Lottery Selection (If Applicable): If the total number of registrations exceeds the cap, USCIS will conduct a random lottery.
Regular Cap: 65,000 visas
Master’s Cap: Additional 20,000 visas for applicants with a US master’s degree or higher
Petition Submission: Employers of selected applicants must file a full H-1B petition within 90 days. Required documents include:
Form I-129 (H-1B petition)
Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the Department of Labor
Proof of candidate qualifications (e.g., degree certificates, work experience)
Job offer details and employer information
Approval and Work Start Date: After reviewing applications and potentially requesting additional evidence, USCIS will approve or deny the petitions. If approved, the beneficiary may begin work in the US on October 1, 2025.
Recent Reforms to Ensure Fairness
In January 2025, USCIS introduced several reforms to ensure the selection process remains fair and transparent:
One Registration Per Beneficiary: Applicants can now be registered only once, regardless of how many employers file on their behalf. This measure eliminates duplicate registrations and reduces the likelihood of manipulation.
Mandatory Passport Information: Registrants are required to provide passport details to help prevent fraudulent applications.
Strict Penalties for False Information: Providing inaccurate or misleading information during registration can result in disqualification from the process and potential legal consequences.
Who Benefits the Most?
Indian nationals consistently receive the largest share of H-1B visas. In FY 2023, Indian professionals accounted for approximately 78% of the 265,777 H-1B visas issued by the US.
H-1B Registration Data for FY 2025
Total Registrations: 479,953
Eligible Registrations: 470,342
Unique Beneficiaries: 442,000
Selected Registrations: 120,603
Conclusion
The H-1B visa program continues to be a crucial opportunity for skilled foreign workers, particularly Indian professionals, seeking to contribute to the US workforce. With the implementation of stricter regulations and a more transparent selection process, applicants and employers must stay informed and comply with the updated procedures. The registration period for FY 2026 is fast approaching, and individuals looking to participate in the program should begin preparations promptly.
Stay updated for further developments as the registration window opens.
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