Significant Increase in H-1B Registration Fees for FY 2026: What Employers Need to Know

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a substantial increase in the H-1B visa registration fee for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 cap season. Effective April 1, 2024, the registration fee will rise from $10 to $215 per beneficiary, marking a 2,050% increase.

Key Details of the Fee Increase

• Implementation Date: The new fee structure applies to the H-1B cap registration period, which opens at noon Eastern Time on March 7, 2025, and closes at noon Eastern Time on March 24, 2025 .
  
  
• Purpose of the Increase: The significant fee hike aims to deter frivolous or duplicate registrations and ensure that only serious employers participate in the H-1B lottery process.
  
  

Implications for Employers

• Financial Planning: Employers should budget for the increased registration fees, especially if they intend to sponsor multiple H-1B candidates.
  
  
• Strategic Considerations: The higher fee may prompt employers to be more selective in their H-1B sponsorship decisions, focusing on candidates critical to their operations.
  
  
• Process Adjustments: Employers are encouraged to consult with immigration professionals to navigate the updated registration process effectively and ensure compliance with the new fee requirements.
  
  

Additional Updates

• Credit Card Transaction Limits: The U.S. Department of the Treasury has temporarily increased the daily credit card transaction limit from $24,999.99 to $99,999.99 for the FY 2026 H-1B cap season. This adjustment accommodates the higher fees and facilitates smoother transactions for employers .
  
  
• Premium Processing Fee Increase: As of February 26, 2024, the Premium Processing Fee for all H-1B petitions has increased from $2,500 to $2,805, regardless of the employer’s size .
  
  

Employers planning to sponsor H-1B candidates for FY 2026 should prepare for these changes and adjust their recruitment and budgeting strategies accordingly. Staying informed and proactive will be key to navigating the evolving landscape of H-1B visa regulations.

People Also Ask (PAA)

1. What is the new H-1B registration fee for FY 2026?
   The registration fee has increased from $10 to $215 per beneficiary, effective April 1, 2024
   
   
2. When does the FY 2026 H-1B registration period begin?
   It opens at noon Eastern Time on March 7, 2025, and closes at noon Eastern Time on March 24, 2025
   
   
3. Why did USCIS increase the H-1B registration fee?
   The fee increase aims to deter frivolous or duplicate registrations and ensure only serious employers participate in the H-1B lottery.
   
   
4. How does the fee increase affect employers?
   Employers must budget for the higher fees and may become more selective in sponsoring H-1B candidates.
   
   
5. Are there changes to credit card transaction limits for H-1B fees?
   Yes, the daily credit card transaction limit has been temporarily increased to $99,999.99 for the FY 2026 H-1B cap season
   
   
6. Has the Premium Processing Fee for H-1B petitions changed?
   Yes, as of February 26, 2024, it increased from $2,500 to $2,805
   
   
7. What is the purpose of the H-1B visa program?
   The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s degree or higher.
   
   
8. How many H-1B visas are available each fiscal year?
   There are 65,000 visas under the regular cap and an additional 20,000 for individuals with advanced degrees from U.S. institutions.
   
   
9. What is the beneficiary-centric selection process?
   It’s a method to reduce duplicate registrations by focusing on individual beneficiaries rather than multiple employer submissions.
   
   
10. How should employers prepare for the H-1B registration process?
    Employers should assess their hiring needs, budget for increased fees, and consult with immigration professionals to ensure compliance with the new regulations.