Key Takeaways
- The H-1B visa process involves strict deadlines, including registration, lottery, petition filing, and employment starting October 1, 2025.
- Key 2025 dates include registration in March, petition filing from April to June, and visa stamping after July.
- Proper planning, early document preparation, and adherence to USCIS requirements ensure a smooth, timely H-1B application process.
The H-1B visa process is a highly structured and time-sensitive pathway for skilled workers seeking to work in the U.S. With multiple deadlines and important phases involved, understanding key dates and timelines is essential for both employers and applicants. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the critical dates and calculations for the fiscal year 2026 (FY 2026), including necessary preparations to ensure a smooth application process.
Update: USCIS has announced the FY2026 H-1B cap registration period, which will run from March 7, 2025, at noon Eastern Time through March 24, 2025, at noon Eastern Time. A significant change this year is the substantial increase in the registration fee from $10 to $215 per beneficiary registration. This non-refundable fee must be paid before submitting each registration, and USCIS has temporarily increased the daily credit card transaction limit to $99,999.99 to accommodate the higher fees.
The registration process will continue to use the beneficiary-centric selection approach introduced in FY2025, where registrations are selected by unique beneficiary rather than by registration. USCIS plans to notify selected registrants by March 31, 2025. Selected employers will then be eligible to file H-1B petitions during the filing period from April 1, 2025, through June 30, 2025, for employment beginning on or after October 1, 2025. The H-1B cap numbers remain unchanged at 65,000 for the regular cap and an additional 20,000 for U.S. advanced degree holders.
Prospective petitioners must use a USCIS online account for registration, with first-time registrants able to create accounts at any time. However, beneficiary information submission and fee payment cannot begin until March 7, 2025. Registrations not initially selected will remain in the system as “Submitted” and may be considered in subsequent selection rounds if additional H-1B visa slots become available.
H-1B Registration Period: Key Dates to Remember
The H-1B visa process begins with the registration period, a short but critical window for submitting registrations. For the FY 2026 applications, the key dates include:
- February 28, 2025: This marks the first day when employers or petitioners can create H-1B registrant accounts starting at noon Eastern Time.
- March 1, 2025: USCIS is expected to officially open the H-1B registration platform for FY 2026 candidates.
- March 6, 2025: Registration formally starts at noon Eastern Time.
- March 17, 2025: The last day for submission of H-1B registrations is expected to be by this date.
- March 25, 2025: Registration officially closes at noon Eastern Time.
It is vital to complete entries early in the registration window. USCIS warns about last-minute errors or internet issues that can disrupt timely submissions.
Process & Timeline Table: H-1B Visa FY 2026 Key Stages
| Stage | Key Dates | Description |
|---|---|---|
| USCIS Account Setup | February 28, 2025 | Employers or petitioners can create H-1B registrant accounts starting at noon Eastern Time |
| Registration Period | March 7-24, 2025 | Registration opens March 7 at noon ET and closes March 24 at noon ET |
| Lottery Selection | By March 31, 2025 | USCIS conducts electronic lottery and notifies selected applicants via online accounts |
| Petition Filing Window | April 1–June 30, 2025 | Selected registrants must submit complete H-1B petitions during this 90-day window |
| Petition Processing | April 1, 2025, onward | Standard processing times 3–5 months; premium processing available |
| Second Lottery (if applicable) | July–August 2025 | USCIS may conduct second lottery if initial quota not filled |
| Visa Stamping | July 1, 2025, onward | Selected applicants schedule appointments at U.S. embassies/consulates |
| H-1B Start Date | October 1, 2025 | Start of employment under H-1B visa for FY 2026 |
Fee Structure Table: H-1B Application and Processing Fees
| Fee Type | Amount (in USD) | Payment Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $215 | Non-refundable, paid online during registration |
| Base Filing Fee | $460 | Paid by employer during petition filing |
| Fraud Prevention Fee | $500 | Applicable for initial petition only |
| ACWIA Fee | $750–$1,500 | Smaller companies (<25 employees): $750; Larger companies: $1,500 |
| Optional Premium Processing | $2,500 | Expedited service for decision within 15 calendar days |
Month-by-Month Timeline: Preparation Checklist
| Month | Key Activities |
|---|---|
| December 2024–January 2025 | Begin document preparation, perform foreign degree evaluations, confirm job descriptions |
| February 2025 | Obtain prevailing wage determination and set up USCIS registrant accounts |
| March 2025 | Submit registrations during March 7-24 registration period and await lottery results |
| April–June 2025 | Complete and submit petitions for selected registrations, including LCAs and fees |
| July–September 2025 | Schedule visa stamping appointments and prepare for employment start dates |
| October 1, 2025 | Begin employment under H-1B visa |
Quota Limits Table: H-1B Visa Cap Numbers
| Category | Number of Visas |
|---|---|
| Regular Cap | 65,000 |
| U.S. Advanced Degree Exemption | 20,000 |
| Total Available | 85,000 |
Eligibility Requirement Table: H-1B Visa Criteria
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Role | Must qualify as a specialty occupation, requiring theoretical and practical application of knowledge in fields like IT, engineering, finance, etc. |
| Minimum Qualifications | Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field; foreign degrees must be evaluated for equivalency. |
| Employer Obligations | Employer must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the U.S. Department of Labor demonstrating that wages and conditions meet H-1B standards. |
| Prevailing Wage | Employer must offer wages meeting the prevailing wage for the job and location. |
| Quota Limit | FY 2026 cap includes 65,000 regular slots and 20,000 for advanced degree holders (master’s or higher) from U.S. institutions. |
Document Requirement Table: H-1B Visa Application
| Document Name | Details | Validity/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Labor Condition Application (LCA) | Filed by employer with the Department of Labor to establish wage and working conditions. | Approved before H-1B petition submission. |
| Job Offer Letter | Details job title, salary, and duties of the applicant. | Must align with LCA details. |
| Educational Credentials | Copies of degree certificates, transcripts, and credential evaluations for foreign degrees. | Evaluation recommended by January to avoid delays. |
| Passport | Copy of a valid passport for the duration of H-1B status. | Ensure passport validity extends beyond October 1 start date. |
| Form I-129 | Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, filed by the employer. | Includes H Supplement and fee sections. |
The H-1B Lottery: Selection Process
Once the registration period concludes, a lottery process determines which applicants proceed to the next step. For FY 2026, key lottery-related dates are:
- Last Week of March 2025: USCIS is expected to conduct the electronic H-1B lottery to randomly select applicants from the pool of registrations.
- March 31, 2025: This is the target date by which USCIS will notify selected registrants through their online accounts.
Selected applicants must act promptly, as they will be invited to proceed to the next stage of submitting a complete H-1B petition.
H-1B Petition Filing Window: From Registration to Petition
For candidates selected through the lottery, employers must file the official H-1B petition, which includes supporting documents and fees:
- April 1, 2025: The earliest date that selected registrants can file their petitions for cap-subject H-1B visas for FY 2026.
- June 30, 2025: The final day of the 90-day petition filing window.
Employers need to ensure they have collected all required documents, including the Labor Condition Application (LCA), during this phase. Any delays or incomplete submissions could result in denial.
Petition Processing by USCIS
Once the petitions are submitted, USCIS begins its review and decision-making process:
- April 1, 2025, Onward: USCIS starts officially processing cases. Processing times vary widely, with standard processing often taking between 3 to 5 months.
Applicants should expect updates from USCIS regarding the progress of their case. Visibility into the case status can be accessed via USCIS online tracking tools.
What Happens If the Quota Is Not Filled?
In recent years, there have been situations where the initial lottery did not result in filling the annual H-1B visa cap. In those cases, USCIS has conducted a second round of lottery selections:
- July – August 2025: If required, USCIS may conduct a second lottery round during this period to fill any remaining gaps in the annual H-1B quota.
Applicants should remain vigilant during this time, as a second lottery could provide another opportunity to advance in the process.
Visa Stamping and Final Steps
Applicants residing outside the U.S. will need to undergo the visa stamping process before traveling and beginning work:
- July 1, 2025, Onward: Selected applicants can start scheduling appointments at U.S. embassies or consulates for visa stamping.
This step requires documents like the approved H-1B petition, valid passport, and specific forms requested by the U.S. consulate.
October 1 Start Date: H-1B Employment Begins
The fiscal year 2026 officially starts on October 1, 2025, which is the day when approved H-1B visa holders can legally begin working under the H-1B program. Employers must confirm that all selected candidates are eligible and ready to start their roles by this date.
Essential Calculations and Considerations
To stay organized and prepared, applicants and employers should keep the following timelines and calculations in mind:
- Six-Month Filing Rule: H-1B petitions cannot be submitted more than six months before the intended start date. This aligns with the April 1 petition filing window opening for an October 1 start date.
- 90-Day Submission Window: Selected registrants have a 90-day window (April 1 to June 30) to submit their full petitions. Missing this deadline means automatic disqualification.
- Processing Times: Standard H-1B processing ranges from 3 to 5 months. Employers needing a quicker decision can opt for premium processing, which generally delivers a decision within 15 days, albeit at an additional cost.
- Early Credential Evaluations: Applicants with foreign degrees should begin evaluating their credentials early, ideally by January, to avoid last-minute delays.
- Prevailing Wage Determination: Employers need to get a prevailing wage determination from the U.S. Department of Labor, ensuring wages meet requirements for the intended job location.
Month-by-Month Timeline for Employers and Applicants
Here is a simplified monthly summary of H-1B preparations:
- January & February 2025: Begin gathering documents, evaluating foreign credentials, confirming job descriptions, and determining the prevailing wage.
- March 2025: Participate in the H-1B registration period and await lottery outcomes.
- April – June 2025: Submit complete H-1B petitions for selected candidates.
- July – September 2025: Obtain visas via consular processing and prepare for employment start dates.
- October 1, 2025: Start of U.S. employment under H-1B status.
How Notifications Work
Throughout the H-1B process, regular updates are conveyed through the USCIS online portal. Applicants should familiarize themselves with different status updates, such as “Selected,” “Not Selected,” and “Submitted.” Frequent checks ensure that no notifications are missed, particularly during crucial phases like petition filing.
Both VisaVerge.com and official government resources have outlined the complexities of navigating deadlines and lottery selections. As per VisaVerge.com’s analysis, staying ahead of the dates and ensuring compliance with USCIS requirements minimizes risks of rejection or delays.
For detailed and official guidance, employers and applicants should refer to the USCIS H-1B Cap Season web page.
Final Thought
The H-1B visa application is a months-long process with built-in deadlines that require excellent planning. From the initial registration period to the October 1 work authorization date, staying organized is key. By adhering to the outlined steps, both employers and applicants have a clearer path to navigate the comprehensive H-1B process. Remaining proactive and informed will increase the likelihood of submitting a successful petition and securing an H-1B visa.
Navigating the H-1B visa process requires careful attention to key timelines and deadlines. From registration openings in March to the October 1 start date, both employers and applicants need to stay proactive to ensure compliance and increase success chances.
Why it matters:
The H-1B visa is a cornerstone of U.S. work-based immigration, facilitating the entry of highly skilled foreign workers. Missing critical dates can derail an applicant’s chance to secure a visa under the annual cap.
The big picture:
The annual H-1B lottery process is competitive and time-sensitive. Each fiscal year, USCIS allocates a limited number of visas (85,000, including 20,000 set aside for advanced degree holders) under strict deadlines.
Key stages include:
– Online registration
– Lottery selection
– Petition filing and processing
By the numbers:
– March 1–17, 2025: Registration window for FY 2026 H-1B visas.
– April 1–June 30, 2025: Filing window for selected applicants.
– October 1, 2025: Start date for work authorization under approved petitions.
State of play:
For FY 2026, the following timeline is critical:
- December 2024–January 2025: Employers should begin sourcing required documents and validating foreign credentials.
- February 28, 2025: USCIS account setup begins.
- March 2025: Registration through lottery phase completed.
- April–June 2025: Selected registrations must file petitions within a 90-day window.
What they’re saying:
“The H-1B process is unforgiving in missing even a single deadline. Employers must start early and remain vigilant,” says immigration attorney Maria Lopez.
Between the lines:
While the lottery selection is random, proper preparation of supporting documentation—like Labor Condition Applications (LCAs)—impacts the petition’s eventual approval. Year-over-year trends suggest preparation beginning at least 6 months in advance dramatically helps smooth the process.
Yes, but:
H-1B processing time remains a challenge. Regular processing takes 3–5 months, though premium processing (15 days at an additional cost) speeds things up. Temporary backlogs at USCIS may still delay approvals despite efforts to address inefficiencies.
The bottom line:
The H-1B visa process is complex and time-intensive, requiring early preparation to meet critical deadlines. Employers must track each phase—registration, submission, lottery selection, and petition filing—while adhering to USCIS guidelines. Starting early and ensuring compliance is the best way to boost success rates.
Learn Today
H-1B Visa: A U.S. work visa for skilled foreign professionals in specialty occupations, typically requiring higher education or expertise.
USCIS: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the government agency managing immigration benefits, including H-1B visa processing.
Labor Condition Application (LCA): Document employers file with the U.S. Department of Labor, ensuring fair wages and conditions for H-1B workers.
Prevailing Wage Determination: The process of setting the minimum wage required for a specific job location under H-1B visa rules.
Premium Processing: An optional service allowing expedited processing of visa petitions, typically providing decisions within 15 calendar days.
This Article in a Nutshell
Navigating the H-1B visa process demands precision and preparation. With strict timelines, including the March 2025 registration period and October work start, success hinges on early action. Employers and applicants must prioritize documentation, avoid last-minute errors, and track updates. Proactive planning transforms this complex journey into a clear path toward opportunity.
— By VisaVerge.com
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