Employers should start planning for the Fiscal Year 2026 H-1B cap season as significant changes are on the horizon. The annual H-1B lottery allocates 65,000 visas under the regular cap and an additional 20,000 for individuals with U.S. master’s degrees, with 6,800 visas reserved for the H-1B1 program for Chile and Singapore.
One key change for FY 2026 is the increase in the electronic registration fee, which will rise from $10 to $215 per individual registration starting with the March 2025 registration period. Per USCIS, the increase aims to discourage fraudulent or duplicative submissions and may lead employers to be more selective in choosing candidates for the lottery.
To prepare, employers should begin reviewing their records for eligible candidates, including F-1 visa holders on OPT or STEM OPT, certain L-1 intracompany transferees, and individuals in H-4, L-2, E-2, E-3, or H-1B1 status. Identifying and gathering information on potential candidates early will help employers navigate the updated process and maximize their chances in the lottery.
With the registration period just a few months away, advanced planning and thorough preparation will be essential for employers aiming to secure H-1B visas for Fiscal Year 2026.
