The H-1B visa lottery FY 2026 is a crucial opportunity for skilled foreign professionals seeking U.S. employment. With USCIS H-1B lottery rule changes, employers and applicants must stay updated to increase their chances of selection. This year’s H-1B registration system will continue transition to key changes, higher H-1B fees, and increased compliance audits for H-1B petitions. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2026 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 7 and run through noon Eastern on March 24, 2025.
1. Beneficiary-Centric H-1B Registration System
Continuing transition to a beneficiary-focused selection process, instead of allowing multiple employers to submit separate entries for the same candidate, USCIS will now identify applicants based on unique beneficiary information like passport details. This change prevents duplicate registrations, ensuring a fairer H-1B lottery selection process.
2. H-1B Visa Fees for FY 2026
The fee for H-1B cap registration was increased in an announcement last year and will be coming into effect starting FY2026. This is significantly affecting employer costs. The H-1B registration fee has jumped from $10 to $215 per applicant, along with increased petition filing costs. Employers should plan their H-1B visa application budgets accordingly.
3. Updated Prevailing Wage Requirements
New H-1B wage requirements 2026 ensure salaries align with industry standards. Employers must meet the Department of Labor (DOL) prevailing wage levels to comply with H-1B labor condition application (LCA) rules and avoid petition denials.
4. Increased H-1B Compliance Audits
The rise in H-1B fraud prevention measures means employers face more USCIS site visits and audits. Ensuring compliance with job descriptions, work location accuracy, and H-1B public access file requirements is essential to avoid penalties.
5. organizational account for employers
If you are an H-1B petitioning employer who does not have a USCIS online account, you will need to create an organizational account. If you are an H-1B petitioning employer who had an H-1B registrant account for the FY 2021 – FY 2024 H-1B registration seasons, but you did not use the account for FY 2025, your existing account will be converted to an organizational account after your next log in. First-time registrants can create an account at any time.
Final Thoughts
As the H-1B 2026 cap season approaches, employers and applicants must prepare early to navigate the updated H-1B lottery process. At Ahluwalia Law Firm, we specialize in H-1B visa application guidance, ensuring compliance and maximizing your success chances. Contact us today for expert legal support!
Read More:
H-1B for Entrepreneurs: How Business Owners Can Self-Sponsor
How to Prepare for the H-1B Lottery: A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Workers
Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up a USCIS Organizational Account for H-1B Petitions
H-1B 2026 Lottery: 5 Major Updates Employers & Applicants Must Know
