The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the initial registration period for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 H-1B cap. The registration window will open at noon Eastern Time on March 7, 2025, and close at noon Eastern Time on March 24, 2025.

During this period, prospective petitioners and their representatives must register each beneficiary electronically through the USCIS online system and pay the associated registration fee.

 

Key H1B dates

 

 

• Registration Opens: March 7, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET
• Registration Closes: March 24, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET
• Selection Notifications By: March 31, 2025
• Earliest Filing Date for Selected Petitions: April 1, 2025

 

 

Key H1B costs

 

 

• H-1B Registration Fee: $215 per beneficiary.
• USCIS Base Filing Fee: $780 for Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker.
• Anti-Fraud Fee: $500, applicable to all initial H-1B petitions.
• ACWIA Education and Training Fee: $750 for employers with 1-25 employees; $1,500 for those with more than 25 employees.
• Premium Processing Fee (Optional): $2,805 for expedited processing.
• Asylum Program Fee: $600, introduced for all Form I-129 petitions starting April 1, 2024.

 

 

Practical tips for H1B registrants

 

While the H1B cap-subject category is typically random when oversubscribed (as is usually the case), there are steps that employers and workers can take to optimise their prospects of success.

 

Create Your USCIS Online Account Early

 

Employers and their legal representatives should set up their USCIS online accounts well before the registration window opens. A delayed account setup could lead to missed registration opportunities. You want to give yourself sufficient time to familiarize yourself with the system, resolve any login issues and avoid last-minute technical glitches.

 

Double Check for Accuracy in Information Submission

 

Do not underestimate the importance of providing accurate information in all H1B-related documentation. When submitting beneficiary details, all information, including names, passport details and employer information, must match official documents exactly. Discrepancies can result in registration invalidation or delays in processing. Verify all data before submission to avoid errors or problems.

 

Stay Updated on Rule Changes

 

USCIS has tightened its selection process by implementing a beneficiary-centric approach. This means that each beneficiary can only be registered once, even if multiple employers are submitting applications on their behalf. Duplicate registrations by different employers can lead to disqualification. Employers will need to comply with these new regulations to avoid issues such as refused applications.

 

Plan for Fees

 

The cost of H-1B registration has increased to $215 per beneficiary for applications made in 2025 for the 2026 FY. Application fees for employers also now include the $600 Asylum Program Fee for all Form I-129 petitions. Employers with 25 or fewer full-time employees are eligible for a reduced $300 fee, while nonprofit organizations are exempt. Employers will need to account for these costs when planning their H-1B petitions.

 

Regularly Monitor USCIS Updates

 

USCIS policies and processing timelines can change, sometimes with little notice. Employers and registrants should regularly check the USCIS website and monitor official announcements for any updates related to H-1B registration, fee changes or procedural modifications to avoid unexpected challenges in the application process.

 

Need assistance?

 

NNU Immigration are specialist US immigration attorneys. We work with employers and individuals seeking to secure a visa to work in the USA, including via the H-1B route. We can advise on all aspects of the eligibility requirements and lottery and petitioning process, including advice on the H-1B filing deadline and meeting the strict timescales.

If you have a question about the H-1B visa, speak to our experts.