U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2026 H-1B cap. The registration window will open at noon Eastern on March 7 and close at noon Eastern on March 24, 2025.

Registration Process and New Fee

Prospective petitioners and representatives must use a USCIS online account to electronically register each beneficiary for the selection process. This year the H-1B registration fee  increased from $10 to $215 for each beneficiary registration submitted.

Account Creation and Management

Organizational account (formerly registrant account) must be created by – This is the account that a prospective petitioner in order participate in the H-1B registration process, regardless of whether the prospective petitioner will be using an attorney or accredited representative to submit the registration. 

• New H-1B petitioning employers need to create an organizational account.
• Employers with existing H-1B registrant accounts from FY 2021 – FY 2024 that were not used for FY 2025 will have their accounts converted to organizational accounts upon next login.
• First-time registrants can create an account at any time.

Given the system's complexity, it is crucial for new users and their legal counsel to carefully strategize before making any account changes.

Selection Process

For the upcoming H-1B cap registration, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will maintain its beneficiary-centric selection process, introduced in FY 2025. This approach aims to enhance the integrity of the H-1B program and reduce potential misuseIf. When sufficient unique beneficiaries are registered by March 24, USCIS will conduct a random selection and notify users via their online accounts.

Important Dates

1. H-1B Lottery Registration Period: March 7 - March 24, 2025
2. H-1B Lottery Selection Notifications: By March 31, 2025
3. H-1B Petition Filing Window: Typically 90 days starting around April 1, 2025 or until June 30, 2025. 
   

How GC Ungo Can Help

We provide several valuable services to help clients with the lottery registration process:

1. Ensure eligibility: They confirm that clients meet all requirements for the specific lottery program.
2. Guide through the process: we assist in navigating the complex application system, helping to avoid errors that could lead to rejection.
3. Document preparation: we help gather and prepare all necessary documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
4. Timely submission: our office will ensure all lottery registrations are submitted within the required timeframe.
5. Stay updated on changes: our office will keep informed of frequent changes in immigration laws and lottery processes.

Please contact our office if you require assistance with the H-1B Lottery registration process.