The H-1B Visa Lottery selection process for Fiscal Year 2026 is complete. 65,000 visas will be awarded, with an additional 20,000 reserved for degree holders. Applicants should check their USCIS accounts.
H-1B Visa: The initial selection process for H-1B visas for Fiscal Year 2026 has concluded. The annual cap of 85,000 has been filled as of March 31st, with 65,000 visas allocated to general applicants and 20,000 to students with U.S. college degrees.
An Overview of the Importance of the H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa, crucial for securing employment with U.S. companies, attracts millions of applicants annually. This visa serves as essential legal documentation for employment, particularly for those seeking to work in the United States as foreign employees.
Next Steps for Selected Applicants
Those who applied for the H-1B lottery can now check their USCIS accounts to see if they have been selected. Selected applicants will now have the opportunity to file an H-1B cap-subject petition. To file, candidates must register through their online USCIS account and pay a fee of $215 (approximately ₹18,731).
Changes in the H-1B Registration Process
USCIS has increased the H-1B registration fee to $215 per beneficiary from $10. Applicants must first provide their personal information. Only after this registration are they eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition.
Important Information to Note:
- Only applicants whose registrations were selected can file a petition.
- This selection process is based on electronic registration via the USCIS online account.
