H-1B Visa FY 2026 Registration Begins March 7: Important Changes and Latest Updates

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the registration period for the H-1B visa for the fiscal year (FY) 2026. This registration opens on March 7, 2025, and closes on March 24, 2025. This year introduces significant updates that aim to improve the application process for employers and foreign professionals.

Important Dates to Remember

• Registration Period: March 7 – March 24, 2025
• Selection Notification: By March 31, 2025

How to Register for the H-1B Lottery

Prospective petitioners and their legal representatives must register beneficiaries electronically. They will use a USCIS online account and pay a registration fee of $215 per beneficiary. First-time registrants can create an account anytime. Returning users with previous H-1B accounts will have their accounts converted to organizational accounts during their next login.

Key Changes for FY 2026

1. Beneficiary-Centric Selection Process

This year, USCIS has adopted a beneficiary-centric approach. This means each unique beneficiary will have an equal chance of selection, regardless of how many registrations are submitted for them. If unique registrations exceed the H-1B cap, USCIS will conduct a random selection process. Employers will receive notifications about selection status by March 31, 2025, through their online accounts.

2. Increased Credit Card Transaction Limits

To streamline payments, the U.S. Department of Treasury has raised the daily credit card transaction limit for H-1B registration payments. The limit increased from 24,999.99 to 99,999.99. Payments exceeding this limit must be made via the Automated Clearing House (ACH). Employers should inform their banks in advance to avoid any transaction blocks.

3. Enhanced Account Features for Legal Representatives

Legal representatives can now collaborate more easily. Paralegals can manage multiple cases within a single account, allowing them to prepare H-1B registrations and petitions for different attorneys efficiently.

Eligibility and Selection Process

Only those whose registrations are selected can file an H-1B cap-subject petition. This includes applicants qualifying for the advanced degree exemption. If USCIS does not receive enough unique registrations, all properly submitted registrations will be selected.

Fraud Prevention Measures

To promote fairness, USCIS implemented a final rule on January 30, 2024. This rule aims to prevent fraudulent multiple registrations. It ensures that each beneficiary has an equal chance of selection, regardless of the number of submissions. Only beneficiaries selected can file cap-subject petitions, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption.

What Employers and Applicants Should Do

As the March 7 opening date approaches, employers and applicants should take the following steps:

• Create or Update USCIS Online Accounts: Ensure account details are current.
• Prepare Payment Methods: Set up the necessary payment methods to avoid delays.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on additional announcements from USCIS.

The H-1B lottery process continues to be highly competitive. Early preparation is vital for a smooth application experience. By following these guidelines, applicants can enhance their chances of success in the upcoming registration period.