The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has declared that the preliminary registration phase for the fiscal year 2026 H-1B cap will commence on March 7 and continue until March 24, 2025. This advancement is important for H-1B visa applicants, as it signals the start of the procedure to acquire a desirable H-1B visa.
The H-1B non-immigrant visa scheme permits the temporary hiring of foreign employees in specialized fields that necessitate expert knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree. To engage in the H-1B cap season, potential petitioners and their representatives need to utilize a USCIS online account to register every beneficiary electronically and submit the related $215 registration fee.
Here are 10 key things to know about the initial registration period:
1. Registration Fee: A $215 registration fee is required for each beneficiary, payable by credit card or Automated Clearing House (ACH).
2. USCIS Online Account: Prospective petitioners and representatives must create a USCIS online account to register beneficiaries and pay the registration fee.
3. Account Creation: First-time registrants can create an account at any time, while representatives can add clients to their accounts at any time.
4. Beneficiary-Centric Selection Process: The FY 2026 H-1B cap will use a beneficiary-centric selection process, where registrations are selected by unique beneficiaries rather than by registration.
5. Electronic Registration Process: The electronic registration process requires basic information about the prospective petitioner and each requested worker.
6. Increased Credit Card Transaction Limit: The U.S. Department of Treasury has approved a temporary increase in the daily credit card transaction limit from $24,999.99 to $99,999.99 per day.
7. H-1B Cap-Subject Petitions: Only petitioners whose registrations for the beneficiary named in the H-1B petition were selected in the H-1B registration process can file an H-1B cap-subject petition.
8. Enhancements for Organizational and Representative Accounts: USCIS has made multiple enhancements for organizational and representative accounts, including the ability for paralegals to work with more than one legal representative.
9. Selection Notifications: USCIS intends to notify prospective petitioners and representatives whose accounts have at least one registration selected by March 31.
10. Final Rule to Increase Integrity: USCIS issued a final rule on January 30, 2024, to increase integrity and limit the possibility of fraud in the H-1B registration process.
The initial registration phase is an essential stage in the H-1B visa application procedure. Potential petitioners and their representatives should make sure they comprehend the requirements and timelines to enhance their likelihood of success.
With the start of the H-1B cap season, it is crucial for stakeholders to remain updated on the most recent changes and information. The USCIS website offers comprehensive details regarding the H-1B registration procedure, and it is recommended that potential petitioners and their representatives examine the guidelines thoroughly.
The H-1B visa program is essential for drawing skilled individuals from across the globe to the United States. With the start of the initial registration period, a new chapter begins for H-1B visa applicants and their potential employers.
