H-1B Visa Registration for FY26 Begins: Changes and Important Details

Highlights:

• H-1B visa registration for FY26 opens on March 7, 2025, and closes on March 24, 2025.
• USCIS has increased the registration fee from $10 to $215 per beneficiary, a 2050% hike.
• Employers must register electronically, with lottery results expected by March 31, 2025.
• A beneficiary-centric selection process ensures equal opportunity for all applicants.
• New fraud prevention measures have been implemented to curb multiple registrations.

H-1B Visa Registration Opens: What Applicants Need to Know

The H-1B visa registration process for the fiscal year 2026 (FY26) officially starts today, March 7, 2025, and will remain open until March 24, 2025. This program, managed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), is a critical gateway for skilled foreign professionals seeking employment in the United States, particularly in sectors like information technology (IT), healthcare, finance, and engineering.

Significant Increase in Registration Fee

One of the most notable changes this year is the sharp increase in the H-1B registration fee. USCIS has raised the fee from $10 to $215 per beneficiary, representing a staggering 2050% hike.

Why the Fee Increase?

• USCIS states that the higher fee is intended to cover administrative costs.
• It is also aimed at reducing non-serious applications, ensuring that only genuine applicants enter the selection process.
• The increase aligns with USCIS’s broader effort to enhance efficiency, security, and fraud prevention within the H-1B visa program.

It is important to note that this fee is non-refundable, even if an applicant is not selected in the lottery.

H-1B Registration and Lottery Selection Process

To participate in the FY26 H-1B lottery, employers must electronically submit their registrations through the USCIS online portal before the deadline on March 24, 2025.

Steps in the Registration Process:

1. Employer Registration: U.S. employers must create an account on the USCIS portal and register each beneficiary.
2. Fee Payment: A non-refundable fee of $215 per beneficiary must be paid at the time of registration.
3. Lottery Selection: Once the registration period ends, USCIS will conduct a random lottery to select applicants.
4. Notification of Results: Selected applicants will be notified by March 31, 2025. If chosen, the employer can proceed with filing the H-1B petition on behalf of the beneficiary.

Equal Opportunity for Applicants: Beneficiary-Centric Selection Process

A major reform introduced this year is the beneficiary-centric selection process. Previously, some employers increased their chances by submitting multiple registrations for the same individual through different entities.

Key Features of the New Selection Process:

• Each applicant has an equal chance of being selected, regardless of the number of registrations submitted on their behalf.
• This reform prevents unfair advantages where employers previously tried to manipulate the lottery system.
• The rule, first introduced in FY2025, is aimed at making the process more transparent and fair.

Fraud Prevention Measures and Regulatory Oversight

USCIS has also tightened fraud prevention measures in response to past concerns over abuse of the H-1B lottery system. Some of these measures include:

• Enhanced background checks on employers and beneficiaries.
• Monitoring of duplicate applications to prevent unfair gaming of the system.
• Stronger documentation requirements for selected applicants.

These steps aim to protect the integrity of the H-1B program and ensure that only qualified professionals benefit from it.

H-1B Visa Demand and Future Outlook

The H-1B visa remains one of the most sought-after work visas in the U.S., with tens of thousands of applications submitted annually. In previous years, the number of registrations far exceeded the annual cap of 85,000 visas (65,000 for the general category and 20,000 for applicants with U.S. advanced degrees).

With the increased registration fee and new lottery selection process, USCIS is aiming for a more streamlined and fair process. However, the demand for H-1B visas is expected to remain high, particularly from Indian and Chinese tech professionals who make up a significant share of H-1B holders.

Highlights for H-1B Applicants and Employers

For employers and skilled professionals seeking U.S. work opportunities, it is crucial to:

• Complete the registration process before March 24, 2025.
• Ensure compliance with new USCIS regulations.
• Be aware of the increased fee structure.
• Follow lottery updates and prepare for the next steps if selected.

The FY26 H-1B registration process marks a major shift in U.S. immigration policies, focusing on fairness, fraud prevention, and administrative efficiency. While the new rules may change how employers and applicants approach the process, the H-1B visa continues to be a critical pathway for global talent in the U.S. job market.