US immigration announces H-1B registration period for fiscal year 2026 

This program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialized fields.

Prospective applicants must ensure their employers complete the electronic registration through a USCIS online account and submit the required registration fee during this period, DAAD Scholarship informs.

Failure to register within this timeframe will necessitate waiting until the next cycle.

The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specific occupations. To qualify, the job must require specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. Employers must also file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor to ensure fair wages and working conditions.

The registration process for the fiscal year 2026 H-1B visa program involves several steps:

1. Employer registration: Employers must electronically register between March 7th and March 24th, 2025, through a USCIS online account. A $10 registration fee per beneficiary is required. If applications exceed the 65,000 regular limit and 20,000 master’s limit, USCIS will conduct a lottery.

2. Lottery selection: USCIS will notify selected employers who can proceed with filing a formal petition.

3. Petition filing and LCA: The employer must file Form I-129 along with a DOL-certified LCA. The LCA ensures fair wages and compliance with labor laws.

4. Visa processing and approval: If approved, the foreign worker can apply for an H-1B visa at a U.S. consulate. Approved candidates can start working on or after October 1, 2025.

To be eligible for the H-1B visa, applicants must:

Foreign professionals can transfer their H-1B sponsorship from one employer to another. Key points include:

Each year, there are strict limits on H-1B visas: 

However, cap-exempt employers include: 

The H-1B visa is initially granted for 3 years, extendable up to 6 years. Some applicants may be eligible for extensions beyond six years if:

H-1B holders can bring their spouse and unmarried children under 21 to the U.S. under the H-4 visa category. Some H-4 spouses are eligible for employment authorization if:

H-1B holders can bring their spouse and unmarried children under 21 to the U.S. under the H-4 visa category. Some H-4 spouses are eligible for employment authorization if:

The H-1B holder has started the employment-based green card process.

For more detailed information, applicants are encouraged to consult the official USCIS website or seek legal counsel.