USCIS Announces H-1B Cap Registration Period for FY 2026



Table of Contents:

  1. Introduction to H-1B Cap Registration for FY 2026

  2. H-1B Cap Registration Period & Key Dates

  3. Registration Process for H-1B Visa Applicants

  4. New Beneficiary-Centric Selection Process

  5. Creating a USCIS Online Account for Registration

  6. Registration Fee & Payment Guidelines

  7. Notification of Selection Results

  8. Steps for Petitioning Employers & Recruiters

  9. How Wave Visas Can Assist with H-1B Applications

  10. Conclusion & Next Steps

Introduction to H-1B Cap Registration for FY 2026

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially announced the registration period for the H-1B visa cap for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The H-1B visa is one of the most sought-after work visas for skilled foreign professionals seeking employment in the United States.

H-1B Cap Registration Period & Key Dates

The online registration for the FY 2026 H-1B visa cap will open on March 7, 2025, at noon (Eastern Standard Time - EST) and will remain open until March 24, 2025. Employers and their representatives must complete the registration process within this timeframe to participate in the selection lottery.

Registration Process for H-1B Visa Applicants

To apply for the FY 2026 H-1B cap, petitioners and their representatives must register online via their USCIS account. Only employers or authorized representatives can submit an H-1B registration on behalf of foreign professionals. Each beneficiary must be registered separately, and a $215 registration fee is required per applicant.

New Beneficiary-Centric Selection Process

Starting in FY 2026, USCIS will continue using a beneficiary-centric selection process. This method ensures that each beneficiary is counted once in the selection process, regardless of the number of registrations submitted by different employers. Selected beneficiaries will receive notifications via their USCIS accounts.

Creating a USCIS Online Account for Registration

  • New applicants must create a USCIS online account before registering.

  • Employers who previously had an H-1B registrant account (FY 2021–FY 2024) but did not use it for FY 2025 will have their accounts automatically converted into an organizational account upon logging in.

  • Petitioning employers without an existing account must create an organizational account for the registration process.

Registration Fee & Payment Guidelines

Applicants must pay a non-refundable $215 registration fee per beneficiary. Payment can be made through USCIS-approved online payment methods.

Notification of Selection Results

USCIS plans to notify all selected applicants by March 31, 2025. Selected beneficiaries and their petitioners will receive an online notification through their USCIS accounts.

Steps for Petitioning Employers & Recruiters

Employers sponsoring H-1B applicants should:

  1. Create or update their USCIS online account.

  2. Register beneficiaries between March 7–24, 2025.

  3. Pay the registration fee per applicant.

  4. Await lottery selection results by March 31, 2025.

  5. File the H-1B petition for selected beneficiaries within the filing period.

How Wave Visas Can Assist with H-1B Applications

Navigating the H-1B visa process can be complex, but Wave Visas Immigration provides comprehensive assistance, including:

  • Expert guidance on H-1B registration and documentation.

  • Ensuring eligibility compliance and avoiding common errors.

  • Assisting with employer sponsorship and petition filing.

Conclusion & Next Steps

The H-1B cap registration for FY 2026 opens on March 7, 2025, and remains available until March 24, 2025. Employers and representatives must complete the registration and payment process within this window.

For personalized assistance with your H-1B visa application, contact Wave Visas Immigration today! Our experts are here to help you navigate the process smoothly and successfully.

Stay updated with the latest US immigration news and trends by following Wave Visas Immigration

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