USCIS Announces FY2026 H-1B New Policy

The H-1B season is here again and electronic registration for the FY2026 cap will open at noon ET on March 7 and run through March 24, 2025. We want to remind you to get prepared if you plan to sponsor any H-1B candidates this year.

If USCIS receives enough registrations by March 24, it will randomly select registrations and send selection notifications via myUSCIS online accounts. If not enough registrations are received, all registrations that were properly submitted in the initial registration period will be selected. USCIS will notify account holders by March 31.

USCIS announced on December 18, 2024, a final rule aimed at strengthening the integrity of the H-1B program, a move that is set to transform the landscape of technology, labor, and immigration in the United States. Here are the highlights of the USCIS Announcement：

• New I-129 Form: The revised Form I-129, used for H-1B petitions, will be mandatory starting January 17, 2025. If you submit an older version (prior to April 1, 2024), it will be rejected. 

• Increased H-1B Registration Fee: Starting January 6, 2025, the H-1B registration fee has increased to $215 per beneficiary. Additional fees may apply based on different criteria.

• Revised H-1B “Specialty Occupation” Criteria: USCIS has updated the definition of "specialty occupation," now requiring employers to provide more detailed proof that the job requires a degree in a specific field and which is directly related to the job duties. 

• H-1B Cap Petition Filing: USCIS will begin accepting H-1B cap petitions and Form I-907 (for premium processing) on April 1, 2025, for those selected in the lottery.

As always, we at DeHeng Law Offices are committed to providing you with the latest information and guidance on these new developments. For more details on the H-1B Cap Season and the full range of immigration services we offer, or if you need assistance with the registration process, our team is here to help.