Migration Overseas
The most sought-after US work visa for skilled professionals. Work in Silicon Valley, Wall Street, and America's top companies. Path to Green Card and American Dream.
Understanding the cap and lottery system for H1B visa allocation.
A $100,000 payment is now required for new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. This applies to FY 2026 lottery selections and beyond. Exemptions include routine extensions with same employer.
Starting February 2026, the random lottery will be replaced with a wage-based weighted system. Higher wage levels get higher selection odds: Level 4 wages = 61% selection rate, Level 3 = 46%.
US Master's degree holders get two lottery chances - first in the 20,000 Master's cap, then in the regular 65,000 cap. Higher selection odds.
Universities, research organizations, and non-profits are exempt from the annual cap. No lottery required - apply anytime.
Each unique employer-employee combination can submit one registration. Multiple employers can file for the same candidate.
Key requirements for H1B specialty occupation visa.
Most common specialty occupations for H1B visa holders.
Understanding the costs and processing times for H1B visa.
| Fee Component | Who Pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| NEW: Executive Order Fee (Sep 2025) | Employer | $100,000 |
| Registration Fee | Employer | $215 |
| Base Filing Fee (I-129) | Employer | $780 |
| ACWIA Fee (25+ employees) | Employer | $1,500 |
| ACWIA Fee (<25 employees) | Employer | $750 |
| Fraud Prevention Fee | Employer | $500 |
| Public Law Fee (50+ employees) | Employer | $4,000 |
| Premium Processing (Optional) | Employer/Employee | $2,805 |
| Visa Stamping (MRV) | Employee | $205 |
Key dates for the H1B cap season
Electronic registration period begins
USCIS conducts random selection
Selected employers file full petitions
USCIS processes and approves petitions
H1B status becomes active
H1B holders can bring their spouse and unmarried children under 21 years on H4 dependent visa. Family members can live and study in the US.
Immediate family can accompany H1B holder
H4 holders can study at any level
Spouses can work if H1B has approved I-140
H4 validity matches H1B principal
Complete guide to the H1B visa application process.
Secure job offer from US employer willing to sponsor H1B. Employer must have a specialty occupation position available.
Before MarchEmployer submits electronic registration during March registration period. Pays $215 registration fee per beneficiary.
March (2 weeks)USCIS conducts random lottery selection. Selected registrations receive notification to file full petition.
Late MarchEmployer files Labor Condition Application (LCA) and Form I-129 petition with supporting documents.
April - JuneUSCIS reviews petition. May issue RFE (Request for Evidence). Premium processing available for faster decision.
3-6 months (Regular) / 15 days (Premium)If outside US, attend visa interview at US Embassy. Bring approval notice, passport, and supporting documents.
Before October 1Find answers to the most common questions about this visa category.
The annual H1B cap is 85,000 visas - 65,000 for regular cap and 20,000 additional visas for applicants with US Master's degrees or higher. Cap-exempt employers like universities and research institutions are not subject to this limit.
Starting September 21, 2025, a $100,000 fee is required for new H-1B petitions. This applies to FY 2026 lottery selections and beyond. Routine extensions with the same employer are exempt from this fee.
Employers register during the March registration period for each beneficiary they wish to sponsor. USCIS conducts a random lottery selection. Starting FY 2027, this will change to a wage-based weighted system where higher wage levels get better selection odds.
Yes, H1B portability allows you to change employers. Your new employer must file a new H1B petition, and you can start working for them as soon as the petition is filed, without waiting for approval.
H1B visa is initially valid for 3 years and can be extended for another 3 years, totaling 6 years. Extensions beyond 6 years are possible if you have an approved I-140 or have been waiting for Green Card for over a year.
H4 spouses can work if the H1B holder has an approved I-140 petition. They need to apply for H4 EAD (Employment Authorization Document) to get work authorization.
A specialty occupation requires theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Common fields include IT, engineering, finance, healthcare, and research.
No, H1B requires employer sponsorship. You must have a job offer from a US employer willing to sponsor your H1B petition. The employer files the petition on your behalf.
If not selected, you can try again next year through a different or same employer. Alternatively, consider other visa options like L-1, O-1, or pursue opportunities with cap-exempt employers like universities.
Regular processing takes 3-6 months. Premium processing, available for an additional $2,805 fee, guarantees a response within 15 business days.
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