The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially closed the initial registration period for H-1B visas for the fiscal year 2026, marking a critical moment for many foreign professionals seeking employment in the United States. As of noon on March 24, 2025, employers who wish to hire skilled workers under the H-1B visa classification had to ensure their registrations were submitted by that deadline. Each registration costs $215, following a mandatory process that includes obtaining a certified Labour Condition Application (LCA) from the Department of Labor (DOL).
The H-1B visa is highly desired among foreign nationals, particularly those in specialized fields such as information technology, engineering, and healthcare. According to recent data, this visa allows foreign workers to stay in the United States for an initial period of three years, which can be extended to a maximum of six years.
In the past fiscal year, a multitude of companies have relied on the H-1B visa to fill critical positions within their organizations. Notably, Amazon led the pack with a staggering 9,265 approved applications, while Cognizant Technology Solutions and Google followed closely with 6,321 and 5,364 approvals, respectively. Meta and Microsoft also secured significant numbers with 4,844 and 4,725 approvals, while Apple garnered 3,873 approvals.
“The H-1B visa program supports employers seeking to hire non-immigrant aliens as workers in specialty occupations,” a spokesperson from USCIS affirmed. Companies such as HCL America, IBM, and Walmart have similarly maximized the opportunities provided by the H-1B visa, with 2,953, 2,906, and 2,904 approvals, respectively. The list extends to other major corporations like Capgemini, Intel, Deloitte, and Cisco.
The appeal of the H-1B program is particularly pronounced among Indian nationals, who constituted approximately 78% of all H-1B visas issued for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023. This trend reflects the demand for highly skilled professionals in sectors such as software engineering and IT services. With this visa, applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, and the positions must involve theoretical and practical knowledge.
As the current registration period closes, eligible applicants who successfully secure a spot will be able to submit their H-1B petitions starting from March 31, 2025. Selected candidates will have a window of 90 days to file their petitions following the initial notification from USCIS.
Looking towards the future, the next application window for the H-1B visa is expected to open in March 2026. However, given the possibility of policy changes under the new Donald Trump administration, exact dates and procedures may vary. Employers and potential applicants are urged to monitor the USCIS website for any updates or modifications. Previous patterns suggest that this registration typically spans 14 days each March, necessitating timely preparation.
It is noteworthy that while this visa path is highly competitive due to the annual cap of 65,000 H-1B visas, there are additional allocations for individuals with advanced degrees from U.S. institutions. These candidates are granted a further 20,000 visas annually, enhancing their probabilities of securing employment in the American job market.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding policy adjustments, the H-1B program demonstrates its significance as an essential pathway for foreign professionals seeking to contribute to U.S. businesses and innovation. As the global economy adapts and evolves, the upcoming changes and challenges in immigration policy will undoubtedly impact the landscape of skilled labor in the country.
As the dust settles from the initial registration closure, the focus now shifts to the petitions that will follow, as well as the potential future shifts in the visa structure. For many, the H-1B visa represents not only an employment opportunity but also a vital step towards building a new life in the United States.
