US H-1B Visa lottery results are out! What’s new for 2026?

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has commenced releasing the H-1B visa lottery results for the fiscal year 2026. This year introduces significant changes, including a substantial increase in registration fees and modifications to the lottery selection process.
The registration period for the FY 2026 H-1B visa lottery opened on March 7 and closed on March 24, 2025. During this time, U.S. employers submitted electronic registrations for potential employees working in specialized fields such as technology, healthcare, and engineering. This year, USCIS made a critical change by increasing the registration fee from $10 to $215 per beneficiary—a staggering 2050% hike. This increase aims to cover administrative costs and reduce the number of frivolous or duplicate applications, making the process more streamlined.

The agency has revamped its selection process to focus on benefiting applicants. Previously, employers could submit multiple registrations for the same individual, which gave certain applications an unfair advantage. Under the new system, each person is entered into the lottery only once, regardless of how many employers submit their names. This change aims to prevent fraudulent applications and ensure fairer opportunities for all applicants.
See more: US H-1B lottery 2026: What next for selected and non-selected applicants
The number of registrations has significantly decreased as a result of the change to a beneficiary-centric lottery method. USCIS received a record 758,994 registrations for FY 2025. But this year, the figure fell to about 470,342, a decrease of about 38.6%. Only roughly 16.6% of applicants are chosen in the first round, indicating that competition is still intense even with fewer registrations.
Applicants who are selected in the lottery will see their status updated to “Selected” in their USCIS online accounts. Once selected, employers must file complete H-1B petitions, including necessary documentation and supporting evidence, within the designated filing period. Those not selected in the first round will have to wait to see if additional selection rounds are conducted later in the year.
USCIS may conduct multiple selection rounds if the initial filing rate is lower than expected. Selected applicants must ensure all paperwork is accurately completed to avoid processing delays.
Although the higher registration fee is a hot topic, USCIS has also suggested raising fees for other visa categories. The proposed increase in the application price for an H-1B petition from $460 to $780 will put further financial strain on applicants and employers. Despite being intended to pay administrative expenses, these changes can make it more difficult for startups and small enterprises to find qualified foreign workers.

Some immigration experts contend that higher costs might discourage employers from sponsoring H-1B workers, potentially affecting industries heavily dependent on foreign talent, such as technology. However, USCIS defends the changes as essential for improving efficiency, minimising fraud, and maintaining the integrity of the H-1B program.
Applicants can check their lottery selection status by logging into their USCIS online accounts. If selected, the next step involves submitting a full H-1B visa petition along with supporting documents. If the status remains unchanged after April 1, it likely means that the applicant was not selected in this round.
Employers are encouraged to promptly complete and submit required petitions, as delays can result in lost opportunities for selected applicants. Furthermore, USCIS has indicated that it may conduct additional selection rounds if there are unused visa slots after the initial filing period.

For those selected, the next challenge is filing a strong petition, ensuring all paperwork is accurate, and preparing for potential requests for additional evidence from USCIS. For those not selected, alternative visa options, such as the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary abilities or the L-1 visa for intracompany transfers, may be worth exploring.
Despite the challenges posed by fee increases and procedural changes, the H-1B visa remains a crucial pathway for skilled professionals seeking employment in the U.S. As USCIS continues refining the system, applicants and employers alike must stay informed and adapt to these evolving regulations to maximize their chances of success.