As the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 H-1B lottery season approaches, employers and foreign professionals must stay ahead of key changes to maximize their chances of securing a cap number. With updates to fees, registration requirements, and eligibility criteria, understanding the process is more important than ever. This guide breaks down the latest USCIS updates and how Pelud Immigration can help you prepare.
Understanding the H-1B Cap & Lottery
The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher. Each year, USCIS grants:
65,000 visas under the general cap, plus
20,000 additional visas for those with a U.S. master’s degree or higher.
Because demand exceeds the 85,000 available slots, USCIS conducts a lottery in two stages:
1️⃣ Regular Cap Lottery – USCIS selects registrants for the 65,000 general cap.
2️⃣ Advanced-Degree Lottery – Unselected candidates with a U.S. master’s degree get a second chance at one of the 20,000 reserved slots.
Employers will be notified via the USCIS online system if their candidates are selected. Only those chosen can proceed with full H-1B petition filings.
Essential Updates for FY2026
✅ Increased Registration Fee: Starting April 1, 2024, the H-1B lottery registration fee increases from $10 to $215 per applicant.
✅ New I-129 Form: USCIS requires updated petition forms to avoid delays or rejections.
✅ Stricter Specialty Occupation Definition: Petitions must include detailed proof that the role requires a degree in a specific field and that the degree is directly related to job duties.
✅ Shortened Registration Window: The H-1B registration period is now March 7 – March 24, 2025, lasting just 17 days instead of the usual three weeks.
Key Dates & Registration Timeline
📅 March 7, 2025 – USCIS opens the H-1B electronic registration portal.
📅 March 24, 2025 – Registration closes at noon Eastern.
📅 March 31, 2025 – USCIS notifies selected employers.
📅 April 1, 2025 – The 90-day filing window for selected petitions opens.
📅 June 30, 2025 – Final deadline for H-1B petition submissions.
Who Can Be Sponsored for an H-1B ?
Foreign individuals working, or with a job offer, in a 'specialty occupation' (see above) who are:
✔️ Recent college graduates
✔️ OPT employees needing long-term work authorization
✔️ H-4 visa holders looking for work authorization or more stability than an H-4 EAD
✔️ TN, E-2, and E-3 employees seeking a 'dual-intent' visa like H-1B to facilitate transfer to a Green Card
✔️ Foreign Entrepreneurs with a legally registered U.S. company (LLC or Corporation) - Yes, entrepreneurs can apply for H-1B visas to work in the United States. This includes self-sponsorship for startup entrepreneurs who own 100% of their business.
Why Early Action Matters
The FY 2026 H-1B cap season brings important changes, including higher fees, stricter requirements, and a shorter registration period. Employers must act early to improve their chances of success.
📩 Need help preparing your H-1B filings? Contact Pelud Immigration for expert guidance. We'll ensure your applications meet all USCIS requirements and stand the best chance of selection.
📧 Get in Touch: info@peludimmigration.com
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