H1B Registration Deadline 2026

Based on the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) report, 127,600 was the H1B visa selection number in fiscal year 2026, which increased to 188,400 in fiscal year 2026. 

This increase in visa selection number makes it evident that H1B visas are in high demand. If you are also planning to apply for this visa, here’s all you need to know about the H1B registration deadline 2026.

What is H1B Visa

The name of the visa is the H1B Specialty Occupations, DOD Cooperative Research and Development Project Workers, and Fashion Models. This is a specific classification for non-immigrants. 

It is applicable to those who want to work in any specialty occupation/profession. The H1B visa is also for those offering services with top-notch abilities and merit for any DOD (Department of Defense) cooperative research and development project. 

Fashion models with suitable skills and merit may also apply for this visa.

H1B Visa: Highlights 

Here are some of the major highlights of the H1B visa. 

Visa Name	H1B Specialty Occupations, DOD Cooperative Research and Development Project Workers, and Fashion Models (H1B visa)
Provider	US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), under the DHS (Department of Homeland Security)
Applicable In	US
Eligibility	For Specialty Occupations-  Practical and theoretical application of specialized knowledge in the occupation  Bachelor’s or higher qualification in the specialty  The occupation should require such degrees as minimum entry requirements  Unrestricted state registration, license, or certification to authorize the individual to practice the occupation  There are varying requirements for DOD workers and fashion models
Mode of Registration	Electronic registration process
Period of Stay	H1B visa recipients may be admitted for up to 3 years. There are some exceptions, where this time period gets extended to 6 years.
Fees	$10 for each beneficiary

H1B Registration Deadline 2026

The H1B registration deadline 2026 is mentioned in the table below: 

Date	Particulars
28th February, 2026	Registrants and petitioners may start creating accounts at noon Eastern.
6th March, 2026	Registration period opens for H1B visas from noon Eastern.
22nd March, 2026	H1B registration period closes at noon Eastern.
31st March, 2026	Selected registrants will receive notifications from the USCIS within this date.
1st April, 2026	This is the earliest date for filing FY 2026 H1B cap-subject petitions on the basis of chosen registrations in the initial selection period.

H1B Registration Process

Here are the key aspects involved in the registration process: 

1. The H1B petitioners must register online and make a payment of $10 for each H1B worker they want to hire.
2. They must provide all the basic information about themselves and the workers they want to hire.
3. After the registration, it takes a minimum of 14 days to start the selection process.
4. The selection process is done carefully with the duly submitted electronic registrations. Only those with selected registrations become eligible to file H1B cap-subject petitions that are mandatory for further processing.

Selection Process

The selection notification for registration will be notified to applicants through their USCIS online accounts. The account will display any one out of the statuses given below. 

• Selected- Chosen for filing the H1B cap petition. 
• Submitted- Submission of registration which is eligible for selection. 
• Denied- Numerous registrations were provided by/on behalf of one registrant for the same beneficiary. 
• Not Selected- Not eligible for filing H1B cap petitions. 

Invalidated-Failed Payment- Registration was submitted, although the payment method was either declined or disputed. It may have not been reconciled or is deemed to be invalid.

Conclusion

You should note the registration timelines for H1B visas carefully before applying. Be prepared with the application procedures and take proper guidance for this purpose. 

You should make sure that you avoid duplicate entries and register with the right kind of account in order to avoid rejection in the future.

Read More:

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• Post-Study Work Visa in USA
• Difference Between L1 and H1 Visa
• Cost of Studying in USA for Indian Students
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