The H-1B visa program has undergone several updates for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, affecting eligibility, fees, and regulations. Here's an overview of the key changes:

1. Electronic Registration Period:

The mandatory electronic registration for H-1B cap-subject petitions opened on March 7, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) and will close on March 24, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET. During this period, U.S. employers must register each prospective H-1B employee to enter the selection process.

2. Registration Fee Increase:

The registration fee has increased from $10 to $215 per beneficiary for this year's H-1B lottery. citeturn0search7 This fee is non-refundable and must be paid by the employer for each employee they wish to sponsor.

3. Beneficiary-Centric Selection Process:

USCIS continues to implement the beneficiary-centric selection process introduced in FY 2025. Under this system, registrations are selected based on unique beneficiaries rather than multiple registrations for the same individual, reducing the potential for duplicate entries and fraud. citeturn0search0

4. Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for an H-1B visa, the position must be a specialty occupation requiring specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a specific field related to the job duties. The beneficiary must possess the necessary qualifications and credentials for the role. citeturn0search1

5. Filing Fees for Selected Registrations:

If a registration is selected, the employer must file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, on behalf of the beneficiary. The basic filing fee for Form I-129 is $780 for petitions filed on or after April 1, 2024. Additional fees may apply based on the size of the employer and other factors. citeturn0search4

6. Cap and Selection Notifications:

The H-1B visa cap is set at 65,000 for the regular category, with an additional 20,000 visas for individuals holding advanced degrees from U.S. institutions. USCIS intends to notify employers and their representatives of selection results via their online accounts by March 31, 2025. citeturn0search0

7. Compliance and Enforcement:

USCIS has strengthened compliance measures, including more frequent worksite inspections, to ensure adherence to H-1B program requirements and to prevent fraud. citeturn0search1

Employers and prospective H-1B beneficiaries should carefully review these updates to ensure compliance with the latest requirements and deadlines.