H-1B Visa Registration 2026: Key Updates and Application Steps

H-1B Visa Registration 2026: Application Process and New Guidelines

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

The registration process for the H-1B visa for fiscal year 2026 (FY 2026) has commenced. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) opened the registration portal on March 7, 2025, which will remain accessible until March 24, 2025. During this timeframe, employers in the US looking to recruit highly skilled foreign workers in sectors such as IT, healthcare, engineering, and finance must complete their registrations to qualify for the H-1B visa lottery.

This year, USCIS has implemented new regulations, increased fees, and a beneficiary-focused selection process, which will significantly affect the application procedure. This article outlines essential details regarding the H-1B visa registration for FY 2026, including new regulations, application costs, deadlines, and modifications in the selection process.

H-1B Visa Registration 2026: Key Dates to Keep in Mind

The H-1B visa registration window for FY 2026 has officially opened:

• Registration Start Date: March 7, 2025


• Registration End Date: March 24, 2025


• H-1B Lottery Result Date: March 31, 2025

👉 Note: Following the closure of registration on March 24, USCIS will initiate a random lottery if the number of applications surpasses the visa cap.

H-1B Visa Registration Process Changes for 2026

Significant modifications have been made by USCIS to the H-1B visa registration process for FY 2026. These alterations include increased fees, a beneficiary-focused selection method, higher daily transaction limits, and enhanced account management for paralegals.

Here are the crucial updates you should be aware of:

1. Increased H-1B Registration Fee

The registration fee for the H-1B visa has seen a substantial rise for FY 2026.

• Previous Registration Fee: $10 per beneficiary


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

👉 This marks a significant increase in registration costs, now 21 times higher than before.

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

A major change introduced by USCIS is the beneficiary-centric selection process.

👉 What does this entail?

• Previously, multiple employers could submit H-1B registrations for the same candidate, enhancing their chances of selection.


• Now, the lottery will be based on a unique beneficiary (applicant) rather than the total number of registrations.


• This prevents duplicate applications and guarantees equal opportunities for all candidates.

3. Mandatory Online USCIS Account

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

• Submit beneficiary details.


• Monitor application status.


• Receive updates from USCIS.

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

For first-time applicants:

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

4. Higher Daily Transaction Limit for Credit Card Payments

To ensure a smooth registration experience, the US Department of Treasury has raised the daily transaction limit for credit card payments:

👉 This allows H-1B petitioners to conduct high-value transactions without payment issues.

5. Special Provisions for Paralegals

USCIS has now permitted paralegals (legal assistants) to:

• Manage multiple H-1B applications under various legal representative accounts.


• Efficiently handle multiple clients without needing separate accounts.

This adjustment has simplified the application process for legal representatives.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for H-1B Visa 2026

Here’s a detailed 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 information.


• If you already possess an account, simply log in.

✔ Step 2: Submit Beneficiary Information

• Provide the personal details of each beneficiary (applicant).


• You can register multiple beneficiaries under a single account.

✔ Step 3: Pay the Registration Fee

• Pay the $215 registration fee per beneficiary via:





• Credit card.


• Debit card.


• ACH Payment (for larger transactions).

✔ Step 4: Submit the Application

• After entering the applicant’s details, click on “Submit Registration”.


• A confirmation number will be provided by USCIS.

✔ Step 5: Await Selection Results

• USCIS will conduct a random lottery for H-1B visas.


• Selected candidates will receive a confirmation notification by March 31, 2025.

Announcement of H-1B Visa Lottery Results

According to USCIS guidelines, the lottery results will be revealed on:

• Lottery Result Date: March 31, 2025


• Notification Method: 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 comprehensive overview of the H-1B visa application fees:

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

Final Thoughts: Importance of H-1B Visa Registration

The H-1B visa remains one of the most sought-after work visas for foreign skilled professionals aiming to work in the United States. This year, USCIS has introduced significant 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 a foreign skilled worker intending to apply for an H-1B visa, make sure to complete the registration process before March 24, 2025.