FY 2026 H-1B Visa Registration:Key Updates and What You Need to Know

The H-1B visa registration period for FY 2026 is approaching, and it’s crucial for employers and prospective applicants to prepare for the process. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the initial registration period will open at noon Eastern on March 7 and run through noon Eastern on March 24, 2025.

At The Margolis Law Firm, we are here to guide you through the registration process, ensuring that your applications comply with the latest USCIS requirements and policy changes.

 Key H-1B Registration Details for FY 2026

• Registration Period: March 7, 2025 – March 24, 2025 (noon Eastern)

• Registration Fee: $215 per beneficiary (new increased fee)

• Lottery Selection Process: Beneficiary-centric selection process continues – each unique beneficiary will be entered into the lottery once, regardless of the number of registrations submitted on their behalf.

USCIS Online Accounts:

• Employers must have or create a USCIS organizational account to submit registrations.

• Employers with previous registrant accounts (from FY 2021 – FY 2024) will have their accounts converted to organizational accounts upon login.

• Representatives and registrants must wait until March 7 to enter beneficiary information and submit the registration with the required fee.

What Employers and Applicants Need to Do Now

Determine Eligibility: Identify employees who may need an H-1B visa, including those currently on F-1 OPT/STEM OPT.

Create or Update USCIS Organizational Accounts: Employers without an account must create one in advance.

Prepare Necessary Documentation: Ensure proper documentation is ready for timely registration and petition filing.

Contact The Margolis Law Firm: Our team is available to assist with all phases of the H-1B process, including the above-mentioned eligibility assessments, creating the needed USCIS accounts, registration, and petition filing.

Why Act Now?

Given the 85,000 visa cap and the historically high volume of applications, early preparation is key. The H-1B visa remains the primary pathway for securing long-term employment for highly skilled foreign professionals in the U.S.

We encourage employers and prospective H-1B applicants to begin the process now to avoid last-minute complications. The Margolis Law Firm is here to assist with every step, from initial registration through to petition filing after lottery selection. Schedule a Consultation today to discuss your H-1B needs and ensure a smooth and successful application process.