H-1B Visa Registration for FY 2026 begins on March 7; Key Dates, Selection Process, and What Indians Should Know

The H-1B visa is a crucial pathway for skilled professionals, particularly in the IT and technology sectors, to work in the United States. It allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for specialized roles requiring technical and theoretical expertise. The H-1B visa registration for the fiscal year (FY) 2026 is set to begin on March 7, 2025, and will end on March 24, 2025, as announced by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the registration process, recent policy changes, lottery selection, eligibility criteria, and the impact on Indian professionals.

Important Dates for H-1B Visa Registration FY 2026

The H-1B visa registration process follows a strict timeline, and missing deadlines can result in disqualification. Below are the key dates:

Event	Date & Time (IST)
Registration Opens	March 7, 2025, 10:30 PM
Registration Closes	March 24, 2025, 10:30 PM
Registration Fee	$215
Lottery Results Announcement	By End of March 2025
Full Petition Submission Window	Within 90 Days of Selection
H-1B Visa Start Date	October 1, 2025

Note: The U.S. financial year starts on October 1, 2025, which is when selected H-1B applicants can begin employment.

Changes in the H-1B Selection Process for FY 2026

The FY 2026 H-1B cap selection process will follow the beneficiary-centric approach, which was first introduced in FY 2025.

Key Changes in the Selection Process

1. Unique Beneficiary-Based Selection

   • Unlike previous years, where multiple employer registrations increased selection chances, the new system ensures that each individual is counted only once, reducing fraud.

2. Random Selection Process (If Needed)

   • If the number of unique beneficiaries exceeds the cap, a random lottery will be conducted.
   • If registrations fall short of the cap, all properly submitted applications will be selected.

3. Increased Transparency and Fraud Prevention

   • USCIS has tightened regulations by requiring applicants to provide passport details during registration.
   • Providing false information may lead to disqualification and legal consequences.

Step-by-Step H-1B Visa Registration Process

The H-1B registration process consists of four primary stages:

1. Online Registration

• Employers (or their legal representatives) must create a USCIS online account.
• Each H-1B beneficiary must be registered electronically.
• A $215 registration fee is required per submission.

2. H-1B Lottery System (If Required)

If the number of registrations exceeds the annual H-1B cap, USCIS will conduct a lottery selection process. The lottery has two categories:

• Regular Cap: 65,000 visas for applicants with a bachelor’s degree.
• Advanced Degree Exemption (Master’s Cap): 20,000 additional visas for applicants holding a U.S. master’s degree or higher.

Selection notification will be sent via USCIS online accounts by the end of March 2025.

3. Full Petition Submission

• Employers of selected candidates must submit a complete H-1B petition within 90 days of selection.

• Required documents include:

  • Form I-129 (H-1B petition)
  • Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the Department of Labor
  • Proof of the candidate’s qualifications (degree certificates, transcripts, work experience letters)
  • Detailed job offer and employer information

4. USCIS Review and Approval

• USCIS will evaluate the petitions and may issue Requests for Evidence (RFE) for additional documentation.
• If approved, the H-1B visa holder can begin working from October 1, 2025.

Note: Employers such as universities, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations are exempt from the annual H-1B cap and can file petitions year-round.

Who Benefits the Most from the H-1B Visa?

The H-1B visa program has historically benefited Indian professionals the most, particularly in the IT, software, and engineering sectors.

Indian Nationals’ Share in H-1B Visas

Fiscal Year	Total H-1B Visas Issued	Percentage Issued to Indians
2022-2023	265,777	78%
2021-2022	276,423	74%
2020-2021	275,000	72%

With over 72% of H-1B visas awarded to Indians annually, they remain the largest group of beneficiaries.

H-1B Visa Registration Data for FY 2025

The H-1B registration statistics for FY 2025 highlight the intense competition for this visa category:

Category	Number of Registrations
Total Registrations	479,953
Eligible Registrations	470,342
Unique Beneficiaries	442,000
Selected Registrations	120,603

These figures indicate that less than 30% of applicants were selected, reinforcing the importance of thorough documentation and proper filing.

USCIS Reforms to Improve the H-1B Process

Key Reforms Introduced in January 2025

1. Eliminating Duplicate Registrations

   • Each individual can now be registered only once, regardless of how many employers apply on their behalf.

2. Mandatory Passport Details

   • Applicants must submit valid passport details to prevent fraudulent and duplicate registrations.

3. Stricter Penalties for False Information

   • Any misrepresentation or falsification of details can result in immediate disqualification and legal action.

These changes aim to streamline the H-1B process and ensure greater fairness in selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When does the H-1B visa registration for FY 2026 start?

Ans: The registration period begins on March 7, 2025, and ends on March 24, 2025.

Q2: How much is the registration fee for H-1B applicants?

Ans: The H-1B registration fee is $215 per applicant.

Q3: How does the H-1B lottery system work?

Ans: If the number of unique registrations exceeds the cap, USCIS will conduct a random lottery selection and notify selected applicants by the end of March 2025.

Q4: What documents are needed for the full petition submission?

Ans: Selected applicants must submit:

• Form I-129 (H-1B petition)
• Labor Condition Application (LCA)
• Educational qualifications (degree certificates, transcripts)
• Job offer and employer details

Q5: When can selected H-1B applicants start working?

Ans: Approved applicants can begin employment in the U.S. from October 1, 2025, which marks the start of the financial year.

The H-1B visa remains a highly competitive pathway for skilled professionals seeking employment in the United States. With new selection process reforms, a higher registration fee, and stricter fraud prevention measures, applicants must carefully follow the updated guidelines.

For Indian IT professionals, the H-1B visa remains a key avenue to securing jobs in the U.S. tech industry, with thousands applying each year. Staying informed and preparing a strong application increases the chances of selection. Stay updated with official USCIS announcements to track the latest H-1B developments!

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