FY 2026 H-1B CAP REGISTRATION PERIOD

If you’re looking to file for an H-1B visa under the fiscal year 2026 cap, mark your calendars:
the initial registration period will open on March 7, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time and close
on March 24, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Here’s what you should know about the process
and the new updates that could impact your registration.

The Registration Process

The H-1B registration system streamlines the petition process by moving the selection to an
electronic format, significantly reducing paperwork. However, this is just the first step toward
submitting an H-1B cap petition, and it’s crucial to follow the process carefully.

  • Electronic Registration: During the registration period, you must submit your registration electronically through a USCIS online account. This includes basic information about both the employer (prospective petitioner) and the beneficiary (employee seeking the H-1B visa).
  • Registration Fee: A $215 registration fee is required for each beneficiary you wish to submit.
  • No Rush to Register on Day 1: You don’t have to submit your registration as soon as the window opens. While the registration period lasts for 17 days, selections happen after the period closes, so you have some time.
  • What Happens After Registration: Once registrations are submitted, USCIS randomly selects beneficiaries to move forward to the petition stage. Selections will be announced by March 31, 2025.

Important Updates and Enhancements

This year, there are a few key updates that could help smooth the process and reduce errors:

  1. Beneficiary-Centric Selection: For the second year in a row, USCIS will use a beneficiary-centric selection process. This means each beneficiary will be selected independently, rather than based on the number of registrations submitted on their behalf. This reduces the advantage of multiple registrations for a single beneficiary and ensures fairness in the selection process.
  2. Improved Online Account Features: USCIS is rolling out new features for organizational accounts. Notably, paralegals can now work with multiple legal representatives, which makes it easier for them to assist with registrations, petitions, and premium processing requests. Additionally, users can pre-populate data by uploading beneficiary information via spreadsheet, speeding up the process and reducing errors.
  3. Updated Payment Limits: In response to previous high-volume registrations, USCIS has temporarily increased the daily credit card transaction limit from $24,999.99 to $99,999.99. This change is designed to accommodate the high volume of payments made
    during the registration process. However, if your payment exceeds this amount, you will need to use an Automated Clearing House (ACH) payment.
  4. Integrity Measures to Combat Fraud: In 2024, USCIS implemented a final rule designed to improve the integrity of the H-1B registration process. The rule includes stricter verification steps to prevent fraud, such as requiring registrants to provide valid passport or travel document information for each beneficiary. Additionally, all registrants must attest that the information they submit is complete and truthful. Fraudulent submissions can lead to penalties, including petition denials, revocations, and possible criminal investigations.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • First-Time Registrants: If you’re a first-time user, you’ll need to create a USCIS online account to submit your registration. This is essential for completing the process correctly and on time.
  • Multiple Beneficiaries: If you’re registering multiple beneficiaries, be sure to submit accurate and complete details for each one. Only properly submitted registrations will be eligible for selection, and errors can lead to disqualification.
  • Advanced Degree Exemption: If the beneficiary has a U.S. advanced degree, they may be eligible for the advanced degree exemption (also known as the “master’s cap”). Ensure this is correctly noted in your registration.

For further information or assistance with your H-1B registration, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office.