H-1B Visa Registration 2026 Begins: New Rules, Application Process, Fees, and Important Dates

✅ H-1B Visa Registration 2026: Application Process, New Rules, and Deadline

The H-1B visa registration process for the fiscal year 2026 (FY 2026) has officially begun. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) opened the registration window on March 7, 2025, and it will remain open until March 24, 2025. During this period, US-based employers who intend to hire highly skilled foreign professionals, especially in fields like IT, healthcare, engineering, and finance, must complete the registration to be eligible for the H-1B visa cap lottery.

This time, USCIS has introduced new rules, higher fees, and a beneficiary-centric selection process, which will majorly impact the application process. In this article, we have covered all the important information related to the H-1B visa registration for FY 2026, including the new rules, application fees, deadlines, and changes in the selection process.

✅ H-1B Visa Registration 2026: Important Dates to Remember

The H-1B visa registration period for FY 2026 has officially started from:

• Registration Start Date: March 7, 2025
• Registration End Date: March 24, 2025
• H-1B Lottery Result Date: March 31, 2025

👉 Note: After the registration closes on March 24, the USCIS will conduct a random selection process (lottery) if the number of registrations exceeds the visa cap limit.

✅ Key Changes in H-1B Visa Registration Process 2026

The USCIS has made some major changes in the H-1B visa registration process for FY 2026. These changes include increased fees, a beneficiary-centric selection process, higher daily transaction limits, and improved account management for paralegals.

Here are the key changes you must know:

1. Increased H-1B Registration Fee

The H-1B visa registration fee has been significantly increased for FY 2026.

• Previous Registration Fee: $10 per beneficiary
• New Registration Fee: $215 per beneficiary (Approximately ₹18,730.84 in Indian currency)

👉 This is a huge increase in registration fees, making it 21 times higher than the previous fee.

2. Beneficiary-Centric Selection Process (No More Multiple Applications)

One of the most significant changes introduced by USCIS is the beneficiary-centric selection process.

👉 What does this mean?

• Previously, multiple employers could file H-1B registrations for the same applicant, increasing their chances of selection.
• Now, the lottery will be conducted based on a unique beneficiary (applicant) rather than the number of registrations.
• This eliminates the possibility of duplicate applications and ensures equal opportunities for all applicants.

3. Online USCIS Account is Mandatory

All H-1B petitioning employers must have a USCIS online account to:

• Submit beneficiary information.
• Track application status.
• Receive notifications from USCIS.

👉 If you already had a USCIS account from FY 2021 to FY 2024 but did not use it in FY 2025, your account will automatically be converted into an Organizational Account.

For first-time applicants:

• You must create a new USCIS account to complete the registration process.

4. Higher Daily Transaction Limit for Credit Card Payments

To facilitate smooth registration, the US Department of Treasury has increased the daily transaction limit for credit card payments:

👉 This means H-1B petitioners can now make high-value transactions easily without any payment failures.

5. Special Provisions for Paralegals

USCIS has now allowed paralegals (legal assistants) to:

• Handle multiple H-1B applications under different legal representative accounts.
• Easily manage multiple clients without creating separate accounts.

This change has streamlined the application process for legal representatives.

✅ How to Apply for H-1B Visa 2026? - Step-by-Step Process

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how employers can apply for the H-1B visa registration in FY 2026:

✔ Step 1: Create a USCIS Online Account

• Visit the official USCIS portal (https://my.uscis.gov).
• Sign up using your email and contact details.
• If you already have an account, simply log in.

✔ Step 2: Submit Beneficiary Information

• Fill in the personal details of each beneficiary (applicant).
• You can register multiple beneficiaries under one account.

✔ Step 3: Pay the Registration Fee

• Pay the $215 registration fee per beneficiary through:
  • Credit card.
  • Debit card.
  • ACH Payment (for higher transactions).

✔ Step 4: Submit the Application

• After entering the applicant’s details, click on “Submit Registration”.
• You will receive a confirmation number from USCIS.

✔ Step 5: Wait for Selection Result

• USCIS will conduct a random lottery for H-1B visas.
• Selected applicants will receive a confirmation notification by March 31, 2025.

✅ When Will the H-1B Visa Lottery Results Be Announced?

As per USCIS guidelines, the lottery results will be announced on:

• Lottery Result Date: March 31, 2025
• Notification Type: Email notification and account update.

👉 If your beneficiary is selected, you can proceed to file Form I-129 for the final visa processing.

✅ H-1B Visa Application Fees for FY 2026

Here’s a complete breakdown of the H-1B visa application fee:

👉 Note: The registration fee is non-refundable, even if the applicant is not selected in the lottery.

✅ Final Thoughts: Why Is This H-1B Visa Registration Important?

The H-1B visa is one of the most popular work visas for foreign skilled professionals looking to work in the United States. This year, the USCIS has made major changes, including:

• ✅ Increased registration fees.
• ✅ Beneficiary-centric selection process.
• ✅ Higher credit card transaction limits.
• ✅ Streamlined processing for legal representatives.

👉 If you are an employer or foreign skilled worker planning to apply for an H-1B visa, ensure you complete the registration process before March 24, 2025.