FY 2026 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens on March 7
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the initial registration period for the FY 2026 H-1B cap will open at noon ET on March 7, 2025, and close at noon ET on March 21, 2025. During this time, employers and their lawyers will need to use the USCIS online account system to register each beneficiary for the selection process and pay the required registration fee.
Please note that the original USCIS lottery fee was $10 but has now increased to $215.
If you’re planning to file an H-1B petition, make sure to mark your calendar and get everything in place before the deadline!
Key Steps for Prospective Petitioners:
- Create a USCIS Online Account: Both representatives and registrants must wait until March 7 to create and submit H-1B registrations.
- Complete the Registration: During the registration period, provide the necessary information for each beneficiary and pay the $10 registration fee per beneficiary.
- Await Selection Notification: USCIS will conduct a random selection process if the number of registrations exceeds the annual cap. Selected registrants will be notified via their USCIS online accounts.
Important Considerations:
- Multiple Registrations: Each beneficiary may only be registered once by the same petitioner during the registration period. Submitting multiple registrations for the same beneficiary by the same petitioner will result in the invalidation of all registrations for that beneficiary.
- Eligibility Criteria: The H-1B program is designed for employers seeking to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations that require the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and a bachelor's degree or higher in the specific specialty, or its equivalent. uscis.gov
- Stay Informed: USCIS may implement changes to the H-1B program, including modifications to the registration process or selection criteria. It's crucial to stay updated by regularly checking the USCIS website for the latest information.
Navigating the H-1B registration process can be complex and time-sensitive. Our experienced immigration attorneys are here to assist you in successfully preparing and submitting your H-1B registrations. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your petitions are filed accurately and promptly.