H1B Cap Season 2026
After consecutive executive orders from President Trump, we have already received the most critical USCIS announcement for 2025, which most US employers eagerly await every year.
USCIS, on February 5, announced the opening of the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2026. As per the announcement, employers could start filing their registrations from March 7, 2025.
Before you proceed further, there are other critical dates that every employer should keep in mind:
- March 24, 2025: Closure of the registration window.
- April 1, 2025: The earliest date employers can file their petitions for the season.
Is there anything different in the H1B Cap 2026 Season?
One of the most significant changes affecting most employers is the increased fee for filing registration this cap season. A 2000% rise in the cost from $10 to $215 would impact hiring budgets for most US employers seeking to use the H-1B route.
Another vital change that came first during the last season is the beneficiary-centric lottery system.
Besides the above changes, increased scrutiny would come this year because of the new H-1B rule, which came into force in January 2025.
How do you file registration for the H1B Cap Season 2026?
Though the online registration mode stays as it is, you can’t use the old requestor/applicant/petitioner account anymore. Two essential things to keep in mind are:
- The employers must now use the Organizational account on the USCIS website, which was previously called the registrant account till the 2024 season. Any employer or any prospective petitioner must first create this account on the USCIS website in the registration process for 2026. They have to do this irrespective of whether you use an attorney or any accredited representative to file registration.
- If the employer or petitioner is using the services of an immigration attorney or there is an authorized representative who would be filing the registration on the petitioner’s behalf, please submit form G-28 as a notice of entry appearance as an attorney or accredited representative.
Essential tips for employers
- Prepare early: You must have all of the necessary information and documents of the beneficiary, the employer, and the job in consideration, ready way in advance before the registration.
- Qualification for specialty occupation: The job in consideration must meet the guidelines of specialty occupation mentioned under the new H1B rule.
- Strict No-No to Duplicate Registration: Since the process has completely changed to beneficiary-centered, employers only have a single registration against a passport ID. Even if you have done the same by mistake, there is no process to return, and you lose a year. We recommend you use the tools available in the new organizational account to check duplicity before submitting any registration.
- Keep track: We recommend you keep track of all critical dates after registration submission. USCIS generally takes 72 hours to process any case. The lottery selection results will start reflecting on the organizational accounts by March 31, 2025, and if your registration is picked up in the lottery, you have 90 days to file the petition.
The H-1B visa is the gateway for global talent to contribute to US industries requiring specialized expertise.
H1B cap Season 2026 registration period will begin soon, presenting a significant opportunity for employers and skilled professionals. Thorough preparation and a clear understanding of the process are essential for maximizing your chances of success.
If you have questions about your H-1B Registration or need advice on alternative options, feel free to reach out for a consultation.
