H-1B Visa Registration Closes March 24: Key Dates, Selection Process, and Future Timeline

Washington: The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will close the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2025 H-1B cap at noon (ET) on Monday, March 24. This marks the end of the 14-day window, during which prospective petitioners and representatives have been able to register for the highly sought-after work visa.

Once the registration period ends, USCIS will notify applicants with at least one registration in their account. The notification process will be completed by March 31.

What’s Next for Selected Beneficiaries?

After the initial registration closes, selected beneficiaries can proceed with filing their H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2026. USCIS has set the petition filing window at a minimum of 90 days. This step is crucial for applicants as it moves them closer to securing the H-1B work visa, which allows highly skilled foreign workers to be employed in the United States.

When Will the Next H-1B Window Open?

The exact date for the FY 2027 H-1B registration period remains uncertain. However, based on past trends, it is expected to take place in March 2026. USCIS recommends checking their official website regularly for updates on registration dates and procedures.

For the FY 2026 H-1B cap season, each registration costs $215 per beneficiary. Applicants and their representatives must use the USCIS online system to electronically submit their registrations during the selection process.

H-1B Registration Trends: FY 2021 to FY 2025

Over the years, the H-1B registration process has seen a significant increase in applications, reflecting growing demand for the visa. Here’s a look at the registration and selection numbers from fiscal years 2021 to 2025:

Fiscal Year 2021:

Total Registrations: 274,237

Eligible Registrations: 269,424

Eligible Registrations (Single Entry): 241,299

Eligible Registrations (Multiple Entries): 28,125

Selected Registrations: 124,415

Fiscal Year 2022:

Total Registrations: 308,613

Eligible Registrations: 301,447

Eligible Registrations (Single Entry): 211,304

Eligible Registrations (Multiple Entries): 90,143

Selected Registrations: 131,924

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Fiscal Year 2023:

Total Registrations: 483,927

Eligible Registrations: 474,421

Eligible Registrations (Single Entry): 309,241

Eligible Registrations (Multiple Entries): 165,180

Selected Registrations: 127,600

Fiscal Year 2024:

Total Registrations: 780,884

Eligible Registrations: 758,994

Eligible Registrations (Single Entry): 350,103

Eligible Registrations (Multiple Entries): 408,891

Selected Registrations: 188,400

Note: The selection number for FY 2024 was lower due to increased petition filings and higher approvals for H-1B1 visas.

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Fiscal Year 2025:

Total Registrations: 479,953

Eligible Registrations: 470,342

Eligible Registrations (Single Entry): 423,028

Eligible Registrations (Multiple Entries): 47,314

Selected Registrations: 135,137

Note: The selection number for FY 2025 was impacted by the introduction of a new beneficiary-centric selection process and adjustments to filing projections.

A Competitive Visa Process

The H-1B visa program remains one of the most competitive employment-based visa categories in the U.S., attracting highly skilled workers from around the world. With changes in selection procedures and increasing demand, applicants must stay informed and prepared for upcoming registration periods.

For more updates, applicants are advised to monitor USCIS announcements and ensure compliance with all filing deadlines.