Schedule A Consultation NOW! 425-250-8110

World One Immigration Law Blog

What You Need to Know About the H-1B Lottery for 2026

Posted by Karol Brown | Feb 07, 2025 | 0 Comments

H1B Lottery for 2025

Are you planning to apply for the H-1B visa lottery for the 2026 fiscal year? If you are an American employer wanting to hire a foreign national with at least a bachelor's degree, now is the time to register for this visa lottery program. If you are a foreign student on F1 OPT (Optional Practical Training), now is the time to request that your employer add you to their H-1B lottery registration.

The H-1B lottery process remains competitive. There are only 65,000 H-1B regular cap and 20,000 masters cap visas for the United States for the entire year. The USCIS selects people who will get these scarce visas in March 2025 for visas available starting October 1, 2025.

Staying informed about key updates can improve your chances of securing a spot. The registration window is set to open on March 7 through March 24, 2025. Now is the time to prepare. Here's what you need to know about the upcoming H-1B lottery season.

What is the H-1B Visa and the Lottery?

The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialized fields such as technology, engineering, and healthcare. Each year, there are 85,000 available H-1B visas, with 20,000 reserved for applicants with advanced degrees from U.S. institutions.

Due to high demand, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) uses a random lottery system to select applicants who can proceed with their full H-1B visa application. The selection process is unpredictable, but understanding the latest trends can help you plan effectively.

Key Updates for the 2026 H-1B Lottery

  • Registration Period: The initial registration period for the FY 2026 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 7, 2025, and close at noon Eastern on March 24, 2025.

  • New Registration Fee: The registration fee has increased from $10 to $215 per beneficiary, starting in the 2026 lottery. Employers should factor this into their budgets.

  • USCIS Online Account Requirement: Prospective petitioners and representatives must register each beneficiary electronically using a USCIS online account and pay the associated fee.

H-1B Lottery Trends

In recent years, the number of applicants has increased significantly, making the lottery highly competitive:

  • 2021: 274,237 applicants, 124,415 selected

  • 2022: 308,613 applicants, 131,924 selected

  • 2023: 483,927 applicants, 127,600 selected

  • 2024: 780,884 applicants, 110,791 selected

  • 2025 (estimate): ~479,953 applicants, 135,137 selected

For 2026, USCIS has not yet released official projections, but applicants should expect continued high demand.

How to Improve Your Chances in the H-1B Lottery

While the lottery is random, there are ways to ensure your application is prepared correctly:

  • Submit Complete and Accurate Documentation: Ensure all required information is correct before submitting your application. Errors or missing documents can lead to disqualification.

  • Consult an Immigration Expert: Working with an immigration attorney can help ensure your petition is complete and compliant with USCIS regulations.

  • Consider Alternative Visa Options: If you're not selected, explore other work visa options such as the L-1, O-1, or TN visas, depending on your qualifications.

  • Stay Updated with USCIS Announcements: Immigration policies change frequently, so regularly check USCIS updates for any last-minute changes to the process.

Why Apply for the H-1B Visa?

Despite its challenges, the H-1B visa remains one of the best opportunities for foreign nationals to work in the U.S. It provides employment authorization for up to six years. This visa can also be a stepping stone to permanent residency (through employment-based Green Card sponsorship).

Get Ready for the 2026 H-1B Lottery

The H-1B lottery for 2026 is just around the corner. With the registration period confirmed and new fee changes in place, now is the time to start preparing. World One Law Group is here to guide you through every step, from registration to petition filing.

Need help with your H-1B application? Contact us today to get expert legal assistance and improve your chances of success!

About the Author

Karol Brown

Managing Attorney

Comments

There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.

Leave a Comment

Contact Us Today

World One Law Group is committed to answering your questions about immigration law issues. We offer consultations and we'll gladly discuss your case with you at your convenience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

World One Law Group
Mon: 10:00am - 06:00pm
Tue: 10:00am - 06:00pm
Wed: 10:00am - 06:00pm
Thu: 10:00am - 06:00pm
Fri: 10:00am - 06:00pm

Menu