The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the dates of fiscal year 2026 (FY 2026) H-1B visa registration. The process will start from 7 March 2025 and end on 24 March 2025.

During this time, foreign professionals who are willing to work in the US can apply to participate in the H-1B visa lottery. For registration, it is necessary to have an online account of USCIS, and payment of registration fees at the time of application will also be mandatory.

H-1B visa application process

If an employer wants to get a H-1B visa for his employees, he must first create an organizational account on the USCIS. after this:

1. Registration process:
   • The employer has to register H-1B for its employees.
   • Individual applicants are also required to create their USCIS online account.
   • Registration fees will have to be paid during registration.
2. Selection Process:
   • USCIS will select qualified applicants through lottery.
   • If the USCIS gets sufficient number of beneficiaries by 24 March 2025, they will inform the successful applicants through their online account.
   • Lottery selected candidates will be directed to complete the next step of the visa application process.

Who can apply?

The H-1B visa allows foreign nationals working in specialized fields to work temporarily in the US. Eligibility for this visa:

• The applicant should have a bachelor’s degree or above qualification.
• There should be specialization in science, technology, engineering and maths.
• The employer has to provide proof that they require the services of this employee.

New rules and changes

• The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented the final rules of H-1B visa from 17 January 2025.
• The US Department of Treasury has increased the credit card transactions limit for the FY 2026 H-1B season, which will make fees payment easier.

H-1B Visa start and importance

The H-1B visa program started in 1990. This visa is given to foreign professionals who have efficiency in special areas and want to work temporarily in the US.

This visa is most commonly used by technology companies. Large companies like Infosys, Amazon, Apple, Meta and Google appoint thousands of foreign employees under this visa every year.

Last year application number declined

In 2024, the USCIS had increased strictness by applying several times in the H-1B visa lottery, which led to a decrease in the application number.

• 4,70,342 applications were received in the lottery of 2024, while 7,58,994 applications were received in 2023.
• This decline was due to the decrease in the number of multiple applications.

The perfect time of application for H-1B visa!

An application of H-1B Visa 2026 is a golden opportunity for whichever foreign professionals want to make a career in America. It is necessary to register on time, as limited applicants will be selected through lottery.

Important dates

Registration Open: 7 March 2025
Registration Close: 24 March 2025
Selection notification by USCIS: Potential in April 2025

Professionals wishing to work in the US should apply on time and keep their documents ready in a correct way.