By C. Matthew Schulz

USCIS H-1B FY 2026 lottery registration runs from March 7-24, 2025. Learn about new employer account rules, fees, selection odds, and key updates!

Key Dates and Registration Period

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially announced the H-1B lottery registration period for FY 2026, which will open on March 7, 2025, and close on March 24, 2025​. This process is crucial for U.S. employers seeking to hire highly skilled foreign workers in specialty occupations.

Key Takeaways for Employers and Applicants

• Act now – Employers should set up their USCIS organizational accounts before the registration period.
• Budget for increased fees – The H-1B registration fee has risen to $215 per beneficiary.
• Be prepared for low odds – Given likely high demand, most applicants will not be selected in the lottery.
• Understand compliance rules – The new USCIS rule effective Jan. 17, 2025, remains in effect.

New Organizational Account Requirement for Employers
 

For the upcoming H-1B cap season, employers must set up an organizational account with USCIS before submitting H-1B electronic registrations. This is a new requirement designed to streamline the process and improve case management. Employers can create these accounts now, well before the registration period begins, to avoid last-minute complications.

H-1B Registration Fee Update

The H-1B registration fee has significantly increased. Starting with the FY 2025 lottery, the fee per beneficiary has risen from $10 to $215​. Employers should be prepared for this change and budget accordingly.

USCIS Changes for Employer Accounts

USCIS has introduced several improvements to organizational accounts, including:
 

• Enhanced collaboration features – allowing multiple representatives within an organization to prepare and submit H-1B registrations.
• Streamlined case tracking – making it easier for employers and legal representatives to manage petitions.
• Secure electronic document submission – to reduce paper-based inefficiencies.

These changes are expected to simplify the registration and filing process for employers while reducing administrative burdens.

Historical H-1B Lottery Selection Statistics

The demand for H-1B visas has consistently exceeded the annual cap, requiring USCIS to use a computerized lottery system. The standard annual cap is 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 reserved for applicants holding U.S. master's degrees or higher.

Recent H-1B lottery statistics illustrate the low odds of selection:
 

• FY 2025: Approximately 470,000 registrations submitted.
• FY 2024: Over 758,994 registrations, with a 14% selection rate for regular cap applicants and 19% for master’s cap.
• FY 2023: About 483,000 registrations received.

These numbers highlight the highly competitive nature of the H-1B lottery.

H-1B Rule Change Effective January 17, 2025

A new USCIS policy for H-1B adjudications, effective January 17, 2025, remains in place and appears unaffected by the change in presidential administration. This rule strengthens employer obligations to demonstrate a legitimate employer-employee relationship and ensures compliance with prevailing wage and worksite requirements.

General H-1B Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for an H-1B visa, applicants must meet the following:
 

• A U.S. job offer in a "specialty occupation" – generally requiring at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field with some exceptions.
• A degree or equivalent experience – the applicant must hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher, or a foreign equivalent, related to the job.
• Labor Condition Application (LCA) approval – employers must file an LCA with the Department of Labor, ensuring compliance with wage and working condition regulations.

H-1B visas are typically issued for an initial period of three years, and can be extended incrementally for a total period up to six years generally, with some exceptions.

FAQs

Q: When is the H-1B FY 2026 lottery registration period?
A: The USCIS H-1B registration for FY 2026 opens on March 7, 2025, and closes on March 24, 2025.

Q: What is the new USCIS requirement for H-1B employers?
A: Employers must create an organizational account with USCIS before submitting H-1B registrations.

Q: How much is the new H-1B registration fee?
A: The USCIS H-1B lottery registration fee has increased to $215 per beneficiary.

Conclusion

With a short window between March 7 and March 24, 2025, employers must prepare now to ensure a smooth and successful H-1B lottery registration.

Please contact the author for more information.