Key Takeaways
- The FY2026 H-1B registration opens March 7, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET and ends March 24, 2025, 12:00 PM.
- USCIS raised the H-1B registration fee from $10 to $215 per beneficiary, reflecting a significant cost increase for employers.
- USCIS will notify selected beneficiaries by March 31, 2025; petition filing begins April 1 with a 90-day submission window.
The H-1B cap lottery for fiscal year 2026 (FY2026) is set to begin on Friday, March 7, 2025. Significant updates introduced this year promise to change how employers prepare for and participate in the process. The H-1B visa remains a critical pathway for U.S. employers to hire skilled foreign workers in high-demand fields such as technology, healthcare, and engineering. Here’s a comprehensive look at what employers need to know to navigate the H-1B cap lottery this season.
Key Dates for FY2026 Registration
The registration process officially kicks off at 12:00 PM Eastern Time on March 7, 2025, and concludes at 12:00 PM on March 24, 2025. This 18-day registration window is the sole period for employers to submit their entries for potential H-1B beneficiaries. Importantly, submitting applications early doesn’t give registrants any advantage; selections are made only after the registration period ends. Employers need to ensure all registrations are finalized and submitted within this timeframe to be considered.
Registration Fee Increase: A Major Change
One of the most talked-about updates for FY2026 is the considerable rise in the registration fee. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has increased the fee from $10 to $215 for each beneficiary entered into the H-1B lottery. This amount must be paid upfront and is non-refundable, even if a registration isn’t selected. While this increase represents a significant jump, USCIS claims it is necessary to cover administrative processing costs. Employers should account for this fee in their budget for every H-1B candidate they plan to register.
Equal Opportunity for All Beneficiaries
The beneficiary-centric selection model, first introduced in FY2025, continues this year. Under this process, the focus is on individual beneficiaries rather than the total number of registrations. Essentially, each H-1B applicant has equal chances, whether one or multiple employers register them. This system aims to level the playing field and discourage overlapping or multiple registrations from skewing lottery results. Employers submitting for the same beneficiary under multiple entities will not increase the odds of selection.
Notification and Next Steps for Selected Registrations
USCIS plans to notify employers of selected beneficiaries by March 31, 2025. For those who are selected, April 1 marks the opening of a 90-day window to file complete H-1B petitions. These petitions must include essential supporting documents, such as the candidate’s educational certificates, proof of job offer, and evidence of the employer’s ability to pay the prevailing wage. Employers are strongly advised to gather these materials in advance, especially given the tight submission window.
H-1B Cap and Ongoing Competition
The cap remains unchanged for FY2026, with 65,000 visas available under the regular cap and an extra 20,000 allocated to those holding a U.S. master’s degree or higher. H-1B demand remains extremely high, as seen in last year’s 479,953 registrations. With a selection rate of only around 15-16% for FY2025, competition will be fierce again this year. Employers should brace for the possibility of their candidates not being selected and consider alternative pathways for hiring skilled foreign nationals.
Online System Enhancements for Registration
USCIS has improved its online registration system for FY2026, making it more streamlined for organizations and legal representatives. Employers can expect the following upgrades:
- Paralegals working within an account will now have expanded access, enabling more efficient collaboration with attorneys.
- Representatives can seamlessly add paralegals for different client cases.
- Beneficiary information such as names and details from the registration process will be pre-populated when filing petitions.
- Employers also have the option to upload a spreadsheet containing multiple candidates’ information, simplifying the input process.
These updates are designed to enhance efficiency and reduce unnecessary errors.
Payment Limit Adjustments to Accommodate High Volume
In anticipation of high transaction volumes, the U.S. Department of Treasury has temporarily increased the daily credit card transaction limit from $24,999.99 to $99,999.99 for FY2026 H-1B registrations. Employers handling larger numbers of registrations can also make payments exceeding $99,999.99 using Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers. This adjustment should make the payment process smoother for employers registering many beneficiaries.
Preparing for the H-1B Lottery: Practical Steps
Employers must take several steps to ensure they are ready for the H-1B lottery season. Below are actionable recommendations to make the process more efficient:
- Identify Eligible Candidates Early
Employers should start evaluating candidates now to avoid last-minute rushes. Potential applicants might include:- F-1 visa holders engaged in Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Spouses in H-4, L-2, or E-2 status who are already working under employment authorization
- Foreign nationals not selected in previous H-1B lotteries
- E-3 visa holders who might be seeking an alternate visa path
- Set Up a USCIS Account
It’s vital that employers either create or update their USCIS accounts ahead of the registration window. Familiarity with the platform will help avoid delays or errors. - Collect Beneficiary Information
Employers should compile all necessary details for each candidate, including:- Full personal and citizenship details such as name, gender, country of birth, and passport number
- Educational history, including any U.S. master’s degrees or higher
- Proof of employment offers and job descriptions
- Allocate Funds Appropriately
With the hike in fees, budgeting for the $215 registration fee per candidate is essential. Employers submitting many registrations may need to reassess their financial plans to handle these higher costs. -
Prepare Supporting Documents
Employers must organize supporting materials, including:- The worker’s past degrees and certificates
- Evidence that their offered wages meet or exceed prevailing wage levels
- Company documents showing financial stability and ability to pay the required salaries
- Plan for Successful Filings Post-Selection
If a selected application moves to the petition stage, complete filings must be submitted within 90 days from April 1. Employers should create clear timelines within their organizations to ensure no deadlines are missed. -
Consult Immigration Professionals
The stakes of the H-1B lottery can be high, and consulting experienced immigration attorneys can ensure compliance with every rule, from registration to petition filing.
Notable Updates and Changes
Several new or carried-over updates could impact employers for FY2026. These include:
1. The continued beneficiary-centric selection method ensures a fair process for the lottery system.
2. A significant increase in registration fees, now set at $215 per entry, makes planning essential for any organization submitting multiple candidates.
3. Improved online account features and payment capabilities make the process easier to use but require employers to familiarize themselves with the modifications.
4. F-1 students benefiting from an automatic employment authorization extension if their H-1B petition is timely filed.
Employers should be aware of such updates to make informed, strategic decisions during this H-1B cap lottery season. Specific details about registration processes and documentation can be found on the USCIS official page (USCIS H-1B Program Information).
The Outlook for FY2026
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the rising registration fees coupled with ongoing demand for H-1B visas underline the increasing administrative intensity around U.S. immigrant work visas. The online system upgrades and payment limit adjustments aim to simplify processes but also highlight the scale of competition faced by employers. With demand for skilled labor in the U.S. showing no signs of slowing, the H-1B visa remains a prized resource for businesses recruiting top global talent.
Employers who prepare early and stay informed about the rules have the best chance of navigating the process smoothly. While challenges remain, understanding key updates such as the registration fee increase, lottery methodology, and notification process will help employers increase their chances of success in FY2026.
Learn Today
H-1B Cap Lottery → A random selection process for allocating H-1B visas when demand exceeds annual limits set by law.
Beneficiary-Centric Selection Model → A lottery system focusing on individual applicants, ensuring equal chances regardless of multiple employer registrations.
USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) → The federal agency managing immigration processes, including visa applications, naturalization, and work authorization programs.
Prevailing Wage → The minimum wage determined by law or regulation for a specific job role within a geographic area, ensuring fair compensation.
Automated Clearing House (ACH) Transfers → Electronic payment transactions used to transfer funds directly between bank accounts, often for large-volume payments.
This Article in a Nutshell
The FY2026 H-1B cap lottery opens March 7, 2025, with key changes employers must note. The registration fee skyrockets to $215, and a beneficiary-focused lottery system continues, ensuring fairness. USCIS has upgraded its online platform for efficiency. Early preparation is critical—employers should budget, gather documents, and strategize for fierce competition ahead.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• Smart Steps to Boost Your H-1B Lottery Application Success
• Rethinking Workflows to Stay Ahead of H-1B Lottery Challenges
• New H-1B Lottery Trends Could Shift Paths for Tech Workers with Unique Skills
• Data Analytics Reveals Hidden Trends in the H-1B Lottery Process
• Third-Party Reviews May Strengthen H-1B Lottery Applications
