The Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) H-1B cap season is fast approaching. It is high time for U.S. employers and prospective H-1B beneficiaries to understand the H-1B electronic registration process, key dates, and compliance requirements. Here are answers to frequently asked questions regarding the FY26 H-1B cap and the electronic registration system.
- What is the H-1B Cap?
The H-1B cap is the limit the U.S. government sets on the number of new H-1B visas issued every year to foreign workers in specialty occupations. For this year, i.e. FY26, the cap is set at 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 visas for individuals holding a U.S. master’s degree or higher.
- When is the registration period for FY26?
The registration period for the FY26 H-1B cap starts on March 7, 2025, at noon Eastern Time and ends on March 24, at noon Eastern Time. During this time, employers must submit electronic registrations for each beneficiary they wish to sponsor for an H-1B visa.
- How does the electronic registration process work?
To file an H-1B cap-subject petition, an employer must complete an electronic registration process. They must provide basic details about themselves and each beneficiary they wish to sponsor. The registration period lasts for a minimum of 14 calendar days each fiscal year.
After the registration period ends, USCIS will run a lottery (if registrations exceed the cap) to randomly select candidates. If selected, the employer will be invited to file a full H-1B petition for that worker.
- What information is required for H-1B registration?
During registration, employers must provide
- The employer’s name, Employer Identification Number (EIN), and mailing address.
- The authorized representative’s name, job title, and contact information.
- The beneficiary’s full name, date of birth, country of birth, country of citizenship, passport number, and whether the beneficiary holds a U.S. master’s degree or higher.
- What is the fee for H-1B registration?
There is a $215.00 registration fee for each beneficiary. This fee must be paid online at the time of registration.
- What happens after H-1B registration?
After the registration period, USCIS will conduct a random lottery if the number of registrations received exceeds the cap. If selected in the lottery, the employer can submit a full H-1B petition for the worker within the given time. If they are not selected, the worker cannot apply for an H-1B visa for that fiscal year unless another lottery round is conducted. Nevertheless, being selected in the lottery does not guarantee an H-1B visa. The employer still needs to file a complete petition and get approval from USCIS.
- Can employers register the same beneficiary multiple times?
No. Each employer can submit only one registration per worker per fiscal year. If the same employer submits multiple registrations for the same worker, all registrations will be invalidated.
- What are the consequences of non-compliance with H-1B regulations?
Non-compliance with H-1B regulations can lead to severe penalties, including petition denials, fines, and potential bar from future filings. Employers must provide correct information and follow all deadlines to avoid these risks.
- How can employers prepare for the FY26 H-1B cap season?
It is crucial to regularly check the USCIS website for updates on the H-1B cap and registration process. They will need to collect all required information and documents for both the employer and prospective beneficiaries ahead of the registration period. If they believe they need help, they can consider seeking advice from immigration attorneys to navigate the complexities of the H-1B process effectively.
By understanding the H-1B cap and electronic registration system, employers can better navigate the process and improve their chances of successfully sponsoring foreign talent.
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