Friday 7 February 2025

H-1B season has finally arrived for fiscal year 2026. H-1B visas enable foreign workers with at least a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience, to work in the US in specialty occupations. However, with an annual cap of the number of visas available, H-1B visas are limited, which is why it is important to start planning early.

USCIS has announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2026 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on Friday 7 March 2025 and run through noon Eastern on Monday 24 March 2025. The demand for new H-1B visas is expected to be high again this year, requiring a lottery to randomly select which H-1B petitions will be adjudicated.

In some cases, it may be advisable to file an H-1B petition for someone who is currently in the US in another non-immigrant visa status, such as F-1 OPT, E-1, E-2 or L-1 status.

Get in touch

Please contact your LDI attorney or enquiries@lauradevine.com as soon as possible if you are interested in filing an H-1B petition. For further information on other changes to US immigration law, please visit our website.