H-1B visa registration closes: What candidates should know

With the H-1B registration window closing on March 19, 2026, the process has moved to the selection stage handled by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Lottery results are expected by March 31.

Candidates selected in the lottery will move to the petition phase. Their employers are required to file H-1B petitions between April 1 and June 30, 2026.

If your name has been picked in the H-1B lottery, you have crossed only the first stage. Selection does not mean approval—it only allows your employer to move ahead with the application.

The next step is the most critical.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services will now examine your case in detail once your employer files the full H-1B petition. The filing window runs from April 1 to June 30, and this period will determine your outcome.

Your application can be approved, delayed through a Request for Evidence (RFE), or rejected. If approved, you can begin working from October 1.

Key change this year

For the first time, the lottery is not purely random. Selection is linked to wage levels, giving higher-paying roles an advantage. Employers are also facing significantly higher costs, with fees reported to be as high as $100,000 per candidate.

Why this stage is crucial

Authorities are now scrutinising applications more closely. The focus is on whether the job genuinely requires specialised knowledge and a specific degree.

Generic job roles are a major risk. Applications that fail to clearly explain the nature of the work are more likely to face delays or rejection.

What candidates must do immediately

Stay in constant touch with your employer. While the company files the petition, your response time and clarity matter.

Keep all documents ready, including academic certificates, experience letters and an updated CV. Any delay can impact filing timelines.

Understand your role in detail. You should be able to clearly explain your daily responsibilities, how your work is performed and why it requires specialised knowledge.

Be prepared for additional queries. If an RFE is issued, quick and precise responses are critical.

If you are already in the US, ensure your current visa status remains valid until October.

What can weaken your case

Experts warn that vague descriptions such as “analyse data” or “develop solutions” are not enough. These do not show the complexity of the job.

Similarly, broad degree requirements like “computer science or related field” may raise doubts about whether the role truly needs specialised expertise.

Every part of the application must clearly connect your education, your job role and the company’s requirement.