As the H-1B registration period for this season came to an end on March 19, 2026, the second phase of the process begins. The USCIS will conduct the selection process, with lottery notifications expected by March 31, 2026. The selected employers can file H-1B petitions from April 1 to June 30, 2026. For those selected in the lottery, the window between April 1 and June 30 will determine whether a case is approved, delayed through Requests for Evidence (RFEs), or denied outright.
The earliest employment start date for approved petitions is October 1. This is the first time that lottery will not be held randomly and will be based on wage. For each selected candidate, the companies will have to pay $100,000 fee.
