USA H-1B Work Visa 2026 – Registration Opening in March

A crucial update for foreign professionals looking for employment prospects in the United States was just provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The fiscal year 2026 H-1B cap’s first registration period begins at noon Eastern time on March 7, 2025, and ends on March 24, 2025. Under a highly sought-after visa program, skilled international workers have a fantastic opportunity to find employment in the United States.

Now is the moment to take action if you want to apply for an H-1B visa! Through a USCIS online account, you must make sure that your potential employer completes the electronic registration and pays the necessary registration cost on your behalf. Being prepared is essential because missing this window means waiting a full year for the following cycle!

As the H-1B application season draws near, this post offers a comprehensive guide to assist visa applicants in completing the procedure effectively. This book will help you stay informed and ahead of the competition, regardless of whether you’re an ambitious applicant or an H-1B visa holder looking into new chances!

What’s Inside This News Story?

• H-1B Specialty Occupations and Eligibility Criteria: a comprehensive list of occupations that are qualified for the H-1B visa, along with the prerequisites that applicants must fulfill.
• Step-by-Step Guide for H-1B Visa Registration (2025) A thorough tutorial on how to properly register and apply for the H-1B visa beginning on March 7, 2025. Step-by-Step Tutorial for H-1B Visa Registration (2025).
• Recent USCIS Updates: Important revisions for the 2026 visa cycle, modifications to portability regulations, and updates on application processes.
• Employer Changes Under H-1B Portability Rules: An explanation of how the rules permit H-1B holders to switch employers without losing their visa status.
• H-1B Cap Exemptions Details about cap-exempt employers and methods to improve your chances of getting chosen in the H-1B lottery are provided by H-1B Cap Exemptions.

Read Also: US H-1B and H-2 Work Visas – Application Process

Understanding the H-1B Visa

Employers in the United States are permitted to hire foreign professionals in specialized industries under the H-1B visa, which is a nonimmigrant work visa. Three primary categories are covered by it:

1. H-1B Specialty Occupations: These are jobs that need at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in a particular field and extremely specialized knowledge. Professionals from a variety of disciplines, including technology, engineering, medicine, and more, usually hold these roles.
2. H-1B2 DOD Researcher and Development Project Worker: Designed for those who are employed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) on research and development projects. Specialized positions pertaining to defense and security research fall under this category.
3. H-1B3 Fashion Model: Models with national or worldwide recognition are eligible to apply as H-1B3 Fashion Models. Only the best fashion models in the business are eligible for this category.

H-1B Specialty Occupations

The following criteria must be fulfilled for a job to be considered a specialized occupation:

• Theoretical and Practical Application of Specialized Knowledge: The role must call for the use of a highly specialized body of knowledge in a particular sector, frequently requiring expertise and complicated problem-solving.
• Minimum Educational Requirement: As a prerequisite for employment, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree or above (or its equivalent) in a directly connected discipline.
• Labor Condition Application (LCA): The employer is required to submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the Department of Labor (DOL). This guarantees that the H-1B worker receives fair compensation and working circumstances that adhere to the requirements of US labor laws.

Applying for an H-1B Visa for FY 2026 (Starting March 7, 2025)

H-1B Registration Process

Step 1: Employer Registers for the H-1B Lottery (New Announcement!)

• Registration Period: Employers must electronically register between March 7 and March 24, 2025.
• Registration Fee: A $10 registration fee per beneficiary (i.e., for each foreign worker).
• Lottery Process: If the number of applications exceeds the cap (65,000 for regular applications and 20,000 for individuals with a U.S. master’s degree or higher), the USCIS will conduct a lottery to randomly select the applications that will proceed.

Step 2: H-1B Lottery Selection

• Notification: If the employer’s application is selected, USCIS will notify them, and they can proceed with the next step—filing a formal petition.

Step 3: Petition Filing & Labor Condition Application (LCA)

• Form I-129: The employer must file Form I-129, a petition to the USCIS, to start the formal application process.
• Labor Condition Application (LCA): The employer must also submit an LCA to the Department of Labor (DOL). The LCA ensures that the employer will provide fair wages and comply with labor laws to protect the worker.

Step 4: Visa Processing & Approval

• Visa Application: After USCIS approves the petition, the foreign worker can apply for the H-1B visa at a U.S. consulate.
• Work Start Date: If the application is approved, the worker can start working in the U.S. on or after October 1, 2025.

H-1B Visa Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an H-1B visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Requirements: Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field.
• Specialty Occupation: Work in a specialty occupation that requires expert knowledge in the field.
• Employer Sponsorship: The applicant must obtain employment sponsorship from a U.S. employer.
• Labor Condition Application: The employer must file an LCA with the DOL to ensure fair wages and proper working conditions.

H-1B Portability: Changing Employers

An H-1B holder can change employers by transferring their visa. Key points include:

• New Employer Filing: The new employer must file Form I-129 before the worker’s previous employment authorization expires.
• Immediate Start: The employee can begin working for the new employer as soon as the petition is filed.
• Petition Denial: If the new petition is denied, the employee must either stop working or return to the previous employer (if valid).
• 60-Day Grace Period: If the employee loses their job, they have up to 60 days to either find a new employer, change their visa status, or leave the U.S.

H-1B Cap and Exemptions

• Annual Visa Cap: There are strict limits each year for H-1B visas:
  • 65,000 visas under the regular cap.
  • 20,000 visas for individuals with a U.S. master’s degree or higher.
• Cap-Exempt Employers: Certain employers are exempt from the cap, including:
  • U.S. higher education institutions.
  • Nonprofit research organizations.
  • Government research institutions.

H-1B Period of Stay & Extensions

• Initial Stay: The visa is initially granted for 3 years and can be extended up to a maximum of 6 years.
• Extension Beyond 6 Years: Some applicants may be eligible for extensions beyond the 6-year limit if:
  • They have an approved EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3 immigrant petition.
  • They have pending labor certification for at least 365 days.

Family Sponsorship: H-4 Visa

• Spouse and Children: H-1B holders can bring their spouse and unmarried children under 21 to the U.S. on the H-4 visa.
• Employment Authorization for Spouses: Some H-4 visa holders (spouses) may be eligible for employment authorization if the H-1B holder has started the employment-based green card process.

Conclusion:

For foreign experts looking to work in the US, the H-1B visa is an essential route. You can increase your chances of success in the next application cycle by being fully informed on the registration procedure, eligibility requirements, and important developments. To guarantee your place in this extremely competitive procedure, be sure to keep informed and finish your registration within the allotted time.

Frequently Asked Questions