H-1B Visa Registration Opens on March 7; Fee Hike
The H-1B visa cap registration period for the fiscal year 2025-26 will commence on March 7 and close on March 24, according to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This year, the registration process comes with a significant fee hike, increasing to $125 per beneficiary from the previous fee of $10.
The initial registration period for the fiscal year 2026 H-1B cap will run from noon ET on March 7 to noon ET on March 24. Prospective petitioners & representatives must use a USCIS online account to register each beneficiary … (1/3)
— USCIS (@USCIS) February 5, 2025
This increase, part of the Biden administration’s efforts to enhance the integrity of the H-1B visa program, is designed to streamline the process while deterring attempts to game the lottery system.
Beneficiary-Centric Lottery System
Introduced in previous years, the beneficiary-centric registration system will likely continue in 2026 as well. This system ensures that each H-1B visa applicant is entered into the lottery only once, regardless of the number of registrations filed on their behalf.
Key features include:
- Unique tracking using passport numbers, reducing duplicate entries.
- A fairer lottery process that prevents multiple entries for the same individual.
This reform aims to improve the transparency and efficiency of the visa allocation process.
Lottery and Selection Process
The USCIS will receive over 85,000 H-1B visa registrations, surpassing the annual cap of 65,000. Once the registration period closes, a random lottery will determine the initial beneficiaries.
For applicants with advanced degrees from US institutions who are not selected in the first round, a secondary lottery will provide them with another chance. This two-tier system ensures fair opportunities for eligible applicants.
Modernisation Rules Under Biden Administration
The new H-1B visa modernisation rules, effective from January 17, 2026, introduce critical changes:
- The definition of a specialty occupation has been updated, shifting focus from the sponsoring employer’s requirements to the client’s needs in cases of client-site postings.
- These rules primarily affect IT service companies and consultancies, which often place H-1B employees at client sites.
The changes are aimed at making the visa process more transparent and aligning job requirements with actual client demands, thereby addressing potential misuse of the program.
A Program Under Reform
The H-1B visa program remains a cornerstone for attracting skilled foreign professionals to the United States. These reforms, from higher fees to streamlined lottery processes, reflect a broader push to modernize the system, ensuring it serves the needs of the US economy while maintaining fairness and integrity.
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