H-1B Limit 2026: Enrollment Opens March 7 (Fees, Procedure And Deadlines)

The H-1B visa program lets U.S. employers hire skilled workers from other countries for jobs in technology, engineering, healthcare, and similar fields. It helps businesses find experts for important roles. Since there is a yearly limit, employers must apply on time to be considered.

For Fiscal Year 2026, USCIS will open H-1B cap enrollment on March 7, 2025, at noon Eastern Time. The registration period will close on March 24, 2025, at noon Eastern Time. Employers and representatives must submit applications online through the USCIS system to be considered.

Knowing these changes and preparing early will help employers handle the enrollment process easily. Keeping up with deadlines, requirements, and updates is vital to securing H-1B sponsorship for qualified candidates.

H-1B Enrollment Details

As mentioned earlier, H-1B cap enrollment for Fiscal Year 2026 will open on March 7, 2025, at noon Eastern Time and close on March 24, 2025, at noon Eastern Time. During this time, U.S. employers and their legal representatives must register online for each foreign worker they want to sponsor.

Who Must Enroll?

Only U.S. employers or their legal representatives can submit H-1B registrations. Foreign workers cannot apply on their own. If a worker has multiple job offers, each employer must register them separately.

USCIS Online Account Requirement

Employers and legal representatives must use a USCIS online account to submit H-1B registrations. New employers need to create an account while returning users must update theirs if needed. All registrations must be submitted online, and each entry requires a non-refundable $215 fee per worker.

Selection Process

H-1B selection is not based on who applies first. Employers don’t get an advantage by registering on the first day. If registrations exceed the annual cap, USCIS will run a random lottery after the deadline. This ensures fairness and prevents a last-minute rush.

H-1B Enrollment Fees

For Fiscal Year 2026 H-1B cap enrollment, employers must pay a non-refundable $215 fee per worker when registering. This fee applies to each applicant and must be paid online through the USCIS system. Employers and legal representatives can complete payments using:

• Credit or debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
• Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers (direct bank withdrawals)

All payments must be processed at the time of registration. Failure to complete the payment will result in an invalid submission, disqualifying the registration from the selection process.

Temporary Increase in Credit Card Transaction Limits

To allow bulk payments for large registrations, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has temporarily raised the daily credit card limit. Employers can now pay more than the previous $24,999.99 daily cap. However, larger payments must be made through ACH transfers, which may need prior bank approval.

The H-1B  Enrollment Process

The H-1B enrollment process for Fiscal Year 2026 is fully online. Employers and legal representatives must create or update their USCIS accounts to register. Below are the steps for new and returning users.

For New Employers: Creating a USCIS Institutional Account

Employers enrolling for the first time must create a USCIS institutional account before submitting registrations. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the USCIS website and go to the H-1B registration portal.
2. Select “Create an Account” and choose the Institutional Account option.
3. Enter business details, including company name, address, and Employer Identification Number (EIN).
4. Verify the account through email authentication.
5. Set up authorized users who will manage H-1B registrations on behalf of the company.

Once the account is created, employers can begin the registration process when the enrollment period opens on March 7, 2025.

For Returning Employers: Account Updates and Transitions

Employers who previously registered for H-1B caps must transition their existing accounts to the new USCIS institutional system:

1. Log in to the USCIS account used in prior H-1B registrations.
2. Follow on-screen prompts to upgrade the account to an Institutional Account if required.
3. Review and update company details to ensure accuracy.
4. Confirm authorized users and account permissions.

Returning employers must complete these updates before the registration period begins to avoid delays.

For Legal Representatives: Managing Multiple Clients and Submitting Applications

Legal representatives handling multiple employer accounts must:

1. Log in or create a USCIS legal representative account.
2. Add employer clients to the account by linking their institutional profiles.
3. Verify employer authorizations before submitting registrations.
4. Use the bulk registration feature to submit multiple beneficiary entries efficiently.

Legal representatives cannot access individual beneficiary information but can manage and submit employer registrations.

Completing the Enrollment Form and Submitting Required Information

To submit an H-1B registration, employers and legal representatives must:

1. Log in to the USCIS institutional account.
2. Select “Start a New H-1B Registration.”
3. Enter beneficiary details, including full name, date of birth, passport number, and country of citizenship.
4. Upload any required supporting documentation (if applicable).
5. Review and confirm all information for accuracy.
6. Pay the $215 registration fee per beneficiary using an accepted payment method.
7. Submit the registration and save the confirmation receipt.

Once submitted, registrations cannot be changed. Employers should double-check all details before finalizing. After the enrollment period ends, USCIS will conduct the selection process, and chosen applicants will be notified by March 31, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Will I Know if my Beneficiary is Selected?

USCIS plans to notify selected employers by March 31, 2025, via their online accounts.

What Happens if the H-1B cap is Not Reached?

USCIS will select all valid registrations and may reopen enrollment if necessary.

Can I Edit a Registration After Submission?

No. Employers must review all details carefully before submitting.

Conclusion

Employers should prepare early by setting up or updating their USCIS accounts, checking payment options, and confirming all registration details. Planning helps avoid delays and ensures a smooth application process.

To stay informed, employers and legal representatives should regularly check the USCIS website and official announcements. Adapting to these updates and meeting all requirements on time will help ensure a successful H-1B registration.