Navigating the H-1B Lottery Process: Key Updates and Strategies for FY 2026

The H-1B visa program plays a vital role in enabling U.S. employers to hire highly skilled foreign professionals in specialty occupations, including IT, engineering, finance, and healthcare. As the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 H-1B cap season approaches, understanding key updates and implementing the right strategies is essential for employers and prospective applicants to successfully navigate the process.

Key Updates for FY 2026

1. Beneficiary-Centric Selection Process

• Introduced in FY 2025, this new system ensures that each individual beneficiary is entered into the lottery only once, regardless of how many employers submit a registration on their behalf.
  
  
• This change aims to prevent duplicate entries, discourage misuse of the system, and promote fairness.
  

2. Increased Registration Fee

• The H-1B registration fee has increased from $10 to $215 per beneficiary, effective FY 2026.
  
  
• Employers should update their budgets and plan accordingly, especially when sponsoring multiple beneficiaries.
  

3. Mandatory Passport Information

• Registrations must now include valid passport or travel document information for each beneficiary.
  
  
• This measure further validates identity and helps prevent duplicate or fraudulent registrations.
  
  

Important Dates for FY 2026

• Registration Period:
  Opens: Noon ET, March 7, 2025
  Closes: Noon ET, March 24, 2025
  Timely and accurate submission within this window is crucial.
  
  

Note: If selected in the lottery, employers may then submit a full H-1B petition during the USCIS-designated filing period.

Strategic Considerations

1. Early Preparation

• Collect beneficiary documents (passport, educational records, employment details) well before the registration period.
  
  
• Ensure all employer and job details meet specialty occupation criteria.
  

2. Consult with Immigration Experts

• Engage immigration attorneys or consultants to interpret eligibility nuances and ensure all registration steps comply with USCIS guidance.
  

3. Budget for Increased Costs

• With the fee increase, large employers submitting multiple registrations must plan for a significant budget adjustment.
  
  
• Factor in additional legal or consulting costs for registration and petition filing.
  

Staying Informed

Employers and beneficiaries should regularly monitor:

• The USCIS H-1B Cap Season webpage
  
  
• Official press releases and updates
  
  
• Alerts from immigration law firms and professional organizations
  
  

Being proactive and compliant ensures a smoother experience during one of the most competitive visa processes in the U.S.

People Also Ask (PAA)

1. What is the beneficiary-centric selection process in the H-1B lottery?
   It’s a system where each beneficiary is entered into the lottery only once, even if multiple employers submit registrations for that individual.
2. How much is the H-1B registration fee for FY 2026?
   The registration fee is $215 per beneficiary starting in FY 2026.
3. When is the H-1B registration period for FY 2026?
   The registration window is from March 7, 2025 (noon ET) to March 24, 2025 (noon ET).
4. Is passport information required for H-1B registration?
   Yes, each registration must include a valid passport or travel document number for the beneficiary.
5. Can multiple employers register the same beneficiary for H-1B?
   Yes, multiple employers can register the same person, but only one lottery entry will be considered for that individual.
6. What happens if duplicate H-1B registrations are submitted for a beneficiary?
   The beneficiary-centric system filters duplicates and ensures that only one entry per person is considered, regardless of the number of registrations.
7. Are there any changes to the H-1B cap for FY 2026?
   No changes to the numerical cap have been announced. The annual cap remains at 65,000 regular H-1Bs and 20,000 U.S. master’s cap exemptions.
8. How can employers prepare for the H-1B registration process?
   By gathering all documents early, consulting legal experts, budgeting for new fees, and reviewing the beneficiary’s qualifications for specialty occupation roles.
9. What is the purpose of the increased H-1B registration fee?
   To deter frivolous or duplicate entries and ensure that only serious and eligible applicants are entered into the lottery.
10. Where can I find official updates on the H-1B process?
    Visit the USCIS H-1B Cap Season webpage or subscribe to official USCIS alerts and newsletters.