H‑1B Application Deadline 2026

Planning for the H‑1B cap season starts earlier than most people expect. For fiscal year 2026, critical steps like lottery registration and employer preparation take place well before the actual work start date. Missing a single deadline can remove you from consideration for the entire year.

This guide is written for foreign nationals, founders, HR teams, and people operations leaders who need clear answers. You will find the FY 2026 timeline, how the lottery works, filing fees, realistic selection odds, and practical next steps if you are selected or not selected.

By the end, you should know exactly when to act, who is responsible at each stage, and how to plan beyond the lottery.

What is the H‑1B visa and how does the cap work?

The H‑1B visa is a nonimmigrant worker classification that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign nationals in a specialty occupation. A specialty occupation requires at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a specific field such as engineering, computer science, finance, or healthcare.

Each fiscal year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services allocates a limited number of new H‑1B cap‑subject visas. This annual allocation is known as the H‑1B cap and is divided into two parts:

• Regular cap: 65,000 visas available to qualified beneficiaries.
• Advanced degree exemption (master's cap): 20,000 additional visas reserved for beneficiaries with a U.S. master's degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education.

The fiscal year naming causes confusion. Fiscal year 2026 begins on October 1, 2025, which means the H‑1B registration and filing process happens mostly during calendar year 2025. The lottery is simply the selection mechanism. It is only the first step in a longer H‑1B visa application process that includes petition filing, adjudication, and approval.

Registration volume directly affects lottery odds. In recent fiscal years, USCIS received hundreds of thousands of registrations annually, far exceeding the 85,000 available cap slots. Last year, the number of registrations declined from its peak but still greatly outpaced supply. Early indicators suggest FY 2026 demand remains high, though reforms to the selection process may reduce inflated registration counts. Higher volume lowers H‑1B lottery 2026 chances, especially under the regular cap. Realistically, employers should expect continued competition and plan contingency strategies early.

H‑1B application deadline 2026: Key dates and timeline

Timing controls the entire FY 2026 H‑1B process. Each stage builds on the one before it, so delays early on affect everything that follows.

FY 2026 H‑1B timeline overview

The standard cap season timeline follows a predictable pattern:

• March 2025: Electronic registration period opens and closes.
• Late March 2025: USCIS issues lottery selection notifications.
• April through June 2025: Petition filing window for selected registrations.
• October 1, 2025: Earliest employment start date for approved petitions.

Each phase has its own deadline and requirements, which are detailed below.

H‑1B registration period for FY 2026

USCIS runs the H‑1B registration period through its online registration system. For FY 2026, the registration window is expected to open in early March 2025 and remain open for approximately 14 calendar days.

During this period:

• The employer creates or uses an existing organizational account in the USCIS online system.
• Basic information about the employer and each beneficiary is submitted.
• The employer pays the H‑1B registration fee for each registration.

Only employers can submit registrations. Candidates cannot self‑register. Once the registration window closes, USCIS conducts the lottery.

H‑1B lottery results timeline

USCIS typically posts selection notices in employer online accounts by the end of March. Each registration will show one of three statuses:

• Selected: The registration was chosen in the lottery and may proceed to petition filing.
• Submitted: The registration remains eligible if USCIS runs a second selection round.
• Not selected: The registration was not chosen and is no longer eligible for FY 2026.

These notifications drive the next deadline, which is the petition filing period.

Petition filing window after selection

For each selected registration, USCIS opens a specific filing window, usually lasting 90 days. During this period, the employer must file a complete Form I‑129 petition with all required supporting documents and filing fees.

Filing outside the designated window leads to automatic rejection, even if the registration was selected.

Employment start date for FY 2026 H‑1B

Approved H‑1B cap‑subject petitions carry a standard start date of October 1, 2025. Work cannot begin earlier, even if USCIS approves the petition before that date. This transition point connects the registration process to actual H‑1B status.

H‑1B registration 2026: How the lottery system works

The electronic registration process is designed to simplify intake while limiting duplicate filings. Understanding how USCIS enforces the rules helps avoid preventable disqualification. These are the steps:

Step 1: The employer sets up a USCIS online account or uses an existing organizational account.

Step 2: The employer enters required information for each beneficiary, including name, passport details, and eligibility under the regular cap or master’s cap.

Step 3: The employer submits the registration and pays the required registration fee.

Step 4: USCIS conducts the lottery after the registration period closes and posts notifications.

This process replaces the older paper‑based filing scramble that existed before electronic registration.

One beneficiary, one registration rule

USCIS enforces a strict rule: each employer may submit only one registration per beneficiary per fiscal year. Submitting multiple registrations for the same beneficiary by the same employer results in the denial of all related registrations.

USCIS now uses system checks and post‑selection audits to identify duplicate or coordinated filings.

Recent changes to reduce duplicate registrations

Following a final rule issued by USCIS, selection is now based on unique beneficiaries rather than the total number of registrations submitted. This change reduces manipulation and restores fairness to the selection process.

What affects your lottery odds

Lottery odds depend on eligibility category and compliance, not subjective factors. Key factors that matter:

• Master's degree advantage: U.S. advanced degree holders get two chances, first under the master's cap, then under the regular cap.
• Cap‑exempt employment: Certain employers bypass the lottery entirely.
• Accurate registration: Errors remove registrations from consideration.

Employer versus candidate responsibilities

Employers handle registration submission, fee payment, and petition filing. Candidates provide accurate personal information, travel documents, and supporting credentials. Errors on either side can invalidate the entire case.

Common registration mistakes

Mistakes that frequently lead to rejection include mismatched passport numbers, incorrect cap classification, and missed registration deadlines. Careful review before submission remains essential.

H‑1B lottery 2026 results and second round possibilities

Many candidates ask whether additional selection rounds are possible. The answer depends on how many selected petitions are actually filed and approved.

Are H‑1B 2026 results out, and how can I check it?

Initial results are posted in the employer USCIS online accounts by late March. Candidates must rely on their employer or immigration attorney for confirmation, since only employers receive direct notifications.

How does USCIS decide on a second lottery?

If USCIS does not receive enough filed or approvable petitions to meet the H‑1B cap, it may conduct a second registration selection from the remaining submitted registrations.

Second round timing expectations

In recent years, second lotteries occurred between July and October. The H‑1B lottery 2026 second round date, if any, would likely follow a similar pattern.

H‑1B visa fees for 2026

Understanding costs helps avoid last‑minute confusion. This is the full cost breakdown.

• Registration fee: The FY 2026 H‑1B registration fee is paid at registration submission and must be paid by the employer.
• Petition filing fees: Once selected, employers pay mandatory USCIS filing fees tied to Form I‑129, including base fees, training fees, fraud prevention fees, and any applicable surcharges.
• Who pays and why: By law, employers must pay most government filing fees associated with the H‑1B petition. Shifting these costs to the beneficiary can violate labor regulations.
• The $100,000 fee misconception: No such fee exists. This rumor often confuses proposed legislation with actual USCIS filing fees.

H‑1B visa application process after selection

The electronic registration process is designed to simplify intake while limiting duplicate filings. Understanding how USCIS enforces the rules helps avoid preventable disqualification. These are the steps:

Step 1: The employer files a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor.

Step 2: After LCA certification, the employer prepares and files Form I‑129 with USCIS.

Step 3: USCIS reviews the petition and may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE).

Step 4: USCIS approves, denies, or requests withdrawal.

Supporting documentation requirements

Your employer must submit a comprehensive evidence package with Form I-129 to demonstrate that you qualify for H-1B status and that the position meets specialty occupation requirements. Supporting documents typically include your educational credentials (degrees, transcripts, and credential evaluations if you studied outside the U.S.), detailed job descriptions explaining the role's responsibilities and complexity, evidence that the position requires specialized knowledge, wage documentation showing compliance with prevailing wage requirements, and proof of your qualifications to perform the work.

Premium processing availability and timelines

Premium processing is an optional service that guarantees USCIS will adjudicate your petition within 15 calendar days of receipt. Employers pay an additional fee beyond standard filing costs to access this expedited timeline. USCIS will either approve the petition, issue a denial, or send a Request for Evidence within the 15-day window. Premium processing doesn't guarantee approval. It only speeds up the decision.

USCIS adjudication outcomes and next steps

After reviewing your petition, USCIS issues one of three outcomes. Approval means your petition is granted, and you can begin H-1B employment on October 1, 2025, or change status if you're already in the United States. Denial means USCIS determined you don't meet the requirements, ending the FY 2026 process unless your employer can address the issues and refile under a cap-exempt pathway. A Request for Evidence means that USCIS needs additional documentation or clarification before making a final decision. Your employer must respond within the specified timeframe, typically 30 to 90 days, or the petition will be denied. Understanding these possible outcomes helps you and your employer prepare appropriate responses and backup plans.

H‑1B cap exemptions and alternative filing options

Some employers and roles fall outside the cap entirely.

Cap‑exempt employers include universities, nonprofit research organizations, and entities affiliated with higher education. These employers may file H‑1B petitions year‑round without lottery participation.

For candidates, cap‑exempt roles offer a strategic pathway to H‑1B status with reduced timing risk.

If you are not selected: What to do next

Not being selected does not end all options.

Candidates may monitor for a second lottery, explore cap‑exempt roles, or consider alternative visa options such as the L‑1 visa or categories based on extraordinary ability.

Timing matters for maintaining work authorization, especially for students and employees nearing status expiration. Early planning supports future cap seasons.

Choosing the right support partner

The H‑1B process requires coordination across USCIS, the Department of Labor, and sometimes the Department of State. Each stage involves strict timelines, detailed documentation, and compliance risk tied to wages, job duties, and filing accuracy.

Lighthouse supports employers and candidates through eligibility diagnostics, registration accuracy checks, and end‑to‑end petition preparation. Our teams combine legal review, case management, and technology to track deadlines, filings, and dependent coordination throughout the H‑1B cap season.

Start your H‑1B planning with clarity.

Frequently asked questions about H‑1B 2026

When should I file for H‑1B 2026?

You should prepare well before March 2025 so your employer can complete registration during the H‑1B registration period. Petition filing happens only after selection, typically between April and June 2025. Early preparation gives your employer time to gather documentation, verify your credentials, and ensure accurate registration submission before the window closes.

Is there a second lottery for H‑1B 2026?

A second lottery may occur if USCIS does not receive enough approvable petitions to meet the 85,000 cap. This decision depends on filing and approval rates after the first round. In recent years, second selections have occurred between July and October, but USCIS does not guarantee additional rounds. If your registration remains in "submitted" status after the initial lottery, you stay eligible for any subsequent selection.

How many people are getting H‑1B in 2025?

Each year, USCIS allocates 85,000 new cap‑subject H‑1B visas, split between the regular cap (65,000) and master's cap (20,000). This number represents approved petitions that allow beneficiaries to begin H‑1B employment on October 1 of the fiscal year. The allocation has remained consistent for years, even as demand continues to far exceed supply.

How much is the H‑1B fee for 2026?

Fees include the registration fee and multiple petition filing fees paid by the employer. The registration fee is charged per beneficiary when submitting during the March lottery period. After selection, employers pay Form I‑129 filing fees, fraud prevention fees, training fees, and potentially additional fees based on company size. Total costs vary based on company size and processing choices, with premium processing adding an optional expedited service fee.

When do I apply for the U.S. lottery 2026?

Employers submit registrations during the March 2025 registration window for FY 2026. USCIS typically opens the electronic registration system in early March and keeps it open for approximately 14 calendar days. Only employers can register beneficiaries through their USCIS organizational accounts. Candidates cannot self‑register and must work with their sponsoring employer to complete the process before the deadline.

How many H‑1Bs are filed every year?

USCIS receives far more registrations than available visas, often several hundred thousand registrations competing for 85,000 slots. Registration volume fluctuates year to year based on economic conditions, employer demand, and regulatory changes. Recent fiscal years have seen hundreds of thousands of registrations, making the lottery highly competitive. USCIS publishes final registration counts after each cap season, providing transparency into selection odds.