FY 2026 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens on March 7
Release Date: February 5, 2025
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced important details regarding the FY 2026 H-1B cap initial registration period, which will open on March 7, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern and close on March 24, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern.
This marks a critical time for employers and representatives to participate in the lottery process for the highly sought-after H-1B visa. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming registration period, the process, and key changes.
What is the H-1B Cap and Why is it Important?
The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations that require specialized knowledge, typically in fields such as IT, engineering, and healthcare. However, due to the high demand for these visas, USCIS caps the number of H-1B petitions each year. For FY 2026, employers will need to register beneficiaries electronically to be considered for selection in the H-1B lottery.
Key Dates for FY 2026 H-1B Cap Registration
- Registration Period: Opens at 12:00 PM ET on March 7, 2025, and closes at 12:00 PM ET on March 24, 2025.
- Selection Notifications: USCIS will notify selected registrants by March 31, 2025.
During this time, prospective petitioners and their representatives must use a USCIS online account to register each beneficiary for the selection process. This registration must also include payment of the $215 H-1B registration fee per beneficiary.
H-1B Cap Eligibility and Filing
To file a complete H-1B petition, including for a beneficiary eligible for the advanced degree exemption, a petitioner must first have their registration selected during the registration process. After selection, they can file an H-1B petition with the required documentation and fee.
We’re Here to Help!
Navigating the H-1B registration and petition process can be complex, but you don’t have to go it alone. Lally Immigration is here to assist you with every step of the process.
- Registration Filing Service: Let us take care of the entire registration process for you. We offer a flat fee of $150 per case to file your H-1B registration and ensure your submission is complete and accurate.
- H-1B Petition Filing Service: Once selected in the lottery, we can help you prepare and file the full H-1B petition, including any additional documentation required. Our flat rate fee for preparing and filing the H-1B petition is $2,550.
Take the stress out of the H-1B process—contact us today to get started and ensure your registration is submitted correctly and on time.
For more information or to begin your registration, please visit our contact page and reach out to us directly. We’re here to help you every step of the way!
Disclaimer: This blog article is provided by Lally Immigration Services, LLC for informational and marketing purposes. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor does it establish an attorney-client relationship. No reader should act, or refrain from acting, on the basis of any information presented in this article, or elsewhere on this website, without seeking the advice of appropriate legal counsel, or other professional counsel, licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. Lally Immigration Services, LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability with respect to any actions taken, or not taken, based on any content of this article or website. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Last Reviewed/Updated: 02/12/2025
