H-1B Visa Registration for FY 2026 Set to Open Next Month

The H-1B visa is a temporary work permit that enables U.S. companies to hire skilled foreign professionals in specialized fields requiring advanced knowledge and expertise.

According to a federal agency, the registration period for H-1B visas for the 2026 fiscal year will commence on March 7 and conclude on March 24.

Indian nationals remain the primary recipients of H-1B visas, which serve as a gateway for top global talent to enter the U.S. workforce. A significant portion of these visas is awarded to highly skilled professionals from India, with 65,000 allocated annually as mandated by Congress, along with an additional 20,000 reserved for individuals who have earned advanced degrees in the U.S.

Understanding the H-1B Visa

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant work permit that allows U.S. businesses to recruit foreign specialists in fields requiring technical or theoretical expertise.

Many technology firms rely heavily on this visa program to bring in thousands of employees each year, particularly from nations like India and China.

H-1B Visa Registration Fee

The registration fee for the H-1B visa is set at $215.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on Wednesday that the registration process for the highly sought-after H-1B visas for foreign workers will begin at noon Eastern Time (10:30 PM IST) on March 7 and remain open until noon Eastern Time (10:30 PM IST) on March 24.

During this timeframe, employers or their authorized representatives must complete the electronic registration process using a USCIS online account and submit the required registration fee for each applicant.

USCIS further noted that the FY 2026 H-1B visa cap selection process will continue to follow the beneficiary-centric model, first introduced in FY 2025. The U.S. fiscal year starts on October 1.