The curtain has risen on the H-1B visa FY 2026 season, and the first act is complete. The initial lottery round is done. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has picked enough unique registrations to meet the H-1B cap, including the H-1B advanced degree exemption 2026.
If you or your employee was part of this year’s registration, now’s the time to act with clarity. This isn’t just paperwork. For many, it marks the start of a career, a leap across continents, or a bold step toward a future in the United States. So let’s strip it down, no legalese, no fluff, just the essentials.
What Happened So Far?
USCIS received more than enough electronic registrations to hit the quota for H-1B visa FY 2026. Then came the lottery. It’s random, but only proper, unique entries were in the draw. Now, selected employers have been notified through their USCIS online accounts.
Want to check if you made it? Look at your USCIS H-1B registration status:
- Selected means you can file.
- Submitted means you’re still in the pool (in case a second round happens).
- Not Selected is self-explanatory.
- Others like “Denied – duplicate registration” or “Invalidated – failed payment” speak to issues with how the registration was done.
Also Read: Visa Types for U.S. Expats
What’s Next: Filing Starts April 1, 2025
If your beneficiary got selected, you can start preparing to file the H-1B cap-subject petition 2026 starting April 1, 2025. You’ll have a 90-day window to get everything in. That may sound like plenty, but don’t wait till the last week. A missing document or error can cost you big.
Here’s what you need:
- A copy of the selection notice
- A valid passport or travel document (same one used during registration)
- A certified Labor Condition Application (LCA)
- Proof that the role qualifies as a specialty occupation
- Educational qualifications of the beneficiary
- The completed Form I-129
Filing can be done online via my.uscis.gov, or at the designated location mentioned in your notice.
Also Read: H-1B Visa Registration 2026
New Costs and Stricter Rules
There’s a shift this year, financial and procedural. The H-1B visa FY 2026 season comes with a steep hike in fees:
- H-1B registration fee: Now $215 (up from $10)
- Petition (Form I-129) fee: $780 for small businesses and nonprofits, $1,385 for larger companies
- Asylum program fee (for large companies): $600
- The $500 fraud prevention fee remains
These hikes are already in effect and apply to all filings this season.
Another change? The system is now beneficiary-centric. Each person could only be entered once into the lottery, even if multiple employers submitted their names. This cuts down on duplicate entries and brings more fairness into the H-1B lottery 2026 results.
Be Ready for a Request for Evidence (RFE)
- Selection doesn’t guarantee approval. It only lets you file. USCIS will review each petition in detail.
- Missing documents? Expect a Request for Evidence (RFE). If you don’t reply right or on time, you risk denial.
- If many petitions are rejected or withdrawn, USCIS may hold a second lottery round later in the year.
India Still Leads the H-1B Race
Once again, Indian nationals dominate H-1B selections. Last year, 73% of approved petitions were for individuals born in India, followed by China at 12%. So, if you’re an Indian professional or company hiring Indian talent, the process is all too familiar, but never routine.
Conclusion
The H-1B visa FY 2026 season is underway, and if you’ve been H-1B cap 2026 selected, don’t delay. Get your documents ready, review every detail, and file correctly. Missing the window or making a mistake could mean starting over next year.
This isn’t just about filing a petition. It’s about people, engineers, scientists, teachers, designers, waiting for a green light to chase what they’ve worked hard for.
Filing begins April 1, 2025. Be ready. Be thorough.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What does it mean to be selected in the H-1B visa FY 2026 lottery?
It means your registration was picked, allowing you to file a petition with USCIS. It’s not a visa approval; your case must still meet all eligibility criteria.
When can I start filing the H-1B cap-subject petition for 2026?
Filing starts on April 1, 2025. USCIS gives at least 90 days to submit your petition with all required documents and fees.
Where do I file the petition if selected?
File your petition at the USCIS service center listed in the selection notice.
What if my petition is not approved after selection?
If it doesn’t meet the criteria, USCIS may deny it. You might get an RFE if something’s missing. Denied or withdrawn cases could open spots for a second lottery later in 2025.
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