The first results for the H-1B visa for fiscal year 2026 are announced
Only 16.6% of registrations were selected in the first round of the H-1B visa for 2026. The process comes with key changes that are reshaping the rules for professionals and employers.
USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) has already released the initial results of the H-1B visa lottery for fiscal year 2026: only 16.6% of more than 470,000 registrations were selected. This acceptance rate confirms that the H-1B visa remains one of the most coveted — and at the same time, most difficult — routes to legally work in the United States.
Below, we explain the most relevant updates, the impact of recent changes, what steps to follow if you were selected, and what alternatives to consider if you were not.
Applications decrease, but competition remains strong
Between March 7 and March 24, 2025, USCIS received 470,342 electronic registrations, representing a 38.6% reduction compared to the previous cycle, which set a record of more than 758,000 applications.
This drop is primarily due to a key structural change: the new beneficiary-based selection process.
Under this new system, each individual can only be registered once, regardless of how many employers attempt to sponsor them. This update aims to prevent fraud and ensure greater fairness in the process.
Changes in application fees
One of the most discussed changes was the increase in the electronic registration fee from $10 to $215 per beneficiary, a rise of over 2000%. This measure aims to deter multiple or baseless registrations and to cover the administrative costs of the system.
Additionally, USCIS has proposed increasing the formal H-1B petition fee (Form I-129) from $460 to $780. While this may not affect large corporations, it could pose a challenge for startups and small businesses that rely on foreign talent to grow.
What should selected applicants do?
If your status shows “Selected” in your USCIS account, it’s time to prepare the complete petition, which must be submitted starting April 1, 2025. The required documentation includes:
- Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker)
- Evidence proving your eligibility (university degree, job offer, etc.)
- Payment of all applicable fees
Important: If the cap of approved petitions is not reached, USCIS may conduct a second or third round of selection later in the year.
Not selected? Explore these alternatives
If you weren’t selected in the first round, not all hope is lost. There are other U.S. work visas that might fit your professional profile:
- O-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
- L-1 Visa: For intracompany transfers between international offices of the same company.
- F-1 + OPT or STEM OPT Visa: For students looking to extend their work stay after graduation.
- EB-5 (Green Card through investment): A pathway for those who wish to settle permanently through a qualified investment in the U.S.
To learn more about the available paths, we recommend reading our Complete H-1B Visa Guide 2025: Requirements, Process, and Alternatives, where we dive deeper into the program’s full context and the smartest strategies to move forward.
The U.S. continues to demand global talent
Despite immigration hurdles, the United States remains one of the countries with the highest demand for international professionals, especially in fields such as:
- Technology (software, AI, cybersecurity)
- Engineering (civil, industrial, electrical)
- Healthcare (physicians, nurses, technicians)
- Finance and data analysis
The H-1B visa continues to be a crucial tool for accessing these opportunities. However, now more than ever, it’s essential to have a well-planned immigration strategy adapted to the new context.
Frequently Asked Questions about the H-1B Visa 2026
When will the second round of selection for the H-1B 2026 take place?
There is no confirmed date yet, but if USCIS does not receive enough approved petitions in the first phase, a second round may be announced between July and August 2025.
Can I apply again if I wasn’t selected?
Not in this cycle. You will need to wait for the next H-1B process, unless you qualify for another visa type such as O-1, L-1, or a student visa.
Is the $215 fee already official?
Yes, this fee has been in effect since the registration period for FY 2026 and is mandatory per beneficiary.
Can I switch employers after obtaining the H-1B?
Yes, but your new employer must file a new petition with USCIS before you can begin working with them.
The H-1B 2026 Process Marks a New Chapter in Employment-Based Immigration to the United States
The H-1B lottery for fiscal year 2026 has introduced key changes to the selection process, including a beneficiary-centered approach, significant fee increases, and reinforced measures to prevent fraud.
These adjustments have led to a notable drop in the number of registrations, but they have also improved the transparency and fairness of the system.
Although only 16.6% of applicants were selected, those who advanced now have a unique opportunity to work legally in the United States under a highly sought-after visa.
In this new immigration landscape, being well-informed and having a clear strategy is more important than ever.
If you have questions about the H-1B process or would like professional guidance to move your case forward or explore other visa options, contact us to receive the best possible solution. Our team is ready to help you achieve your goal of living and growing professionally in the United States.
