Introduction

The H-1B visa remains one of the most sought-after work visas for skilled professionals, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence, software development, and other STEM disciplines. With the FY 2026 H-1B registration process set to open on March 7, 2025, prospective applicants must be prepared to navigate the application process efficiently.

Key Dates for H-1B Registration 2025

~ Registration Start Date: March 7, 2025, 10:30 PM IST

~ Registration Close Date: March 24, 2025, 10:30 PM IST

~ Registration Fee: $215

~ Visa Cap: 85,000 total (65,000 general + 20,000 for advanced degree holders from US institutions)

~ Work Start Date: October 1, 2026

How to Apply for an H-1B Visa in 2026

1. Find a Sponsor: Secure a job offer from a US employer willing to file an H-1B petition on your behalf.

2. Employer Files the Petition: Your employer must submit Form I-129 with USCIS within the official filing window.

3. Enter the Lottery: Due to high demand, most applications go through a randomized lottery selection.

4. Approval & Start Date: If selected and approved, employment can begin as early as October 1, 2026.

Top Companies Sponsoring H-1B Visas in 2024

Many multinational companies sponsor thousands of H-1B visas annually, with the tech sector leading the charge. Below is a table of the top employers sponsoring H-1B visas:

These companies, among others, continue to drive employment opportunities for global talent, particularly from India, which consistently accounts for over 70% of H-1B visa approvals.

Changes in the H-1B Selection Process

For FY 2026, USCIS is maintaining the beneficiary-centric selection process introduced in 2025. Under this system, registrations will be selected based on unique beneficiaries rather than individual applications. This aims to reduce fraudulent multiple entries by the same applicant.

USCIS has clarified:

~ If the number of unique registrations exceeds the cap, a random selection process will determine the lottery winners.

~ If the total registrations are fewer than required, all properly submitted applications will be selected.

Who Benefits the Most?

Indian professionals remain the primary beneficiaries of the H-1B visa. Between October 2022 and September 2023, Indian nationals accounted for 72.3% of all issued H-1B visas. In FY 2023 alone, nearly 78% of the 265,777 H-1B visas issued went to Indian professionals.

Why is India a Key Talent Pool for the US?

India produces a vast pool of STEM graduates every year:

~ 1.5 million engineers graduate annually

~ 2.5 million STEM graduates in 2022-2023

~ The US engineering job market is expected to grow by 8-10%, increasing demand for skilled labor

India’s expertise in software development, data science, and AI makes it a prime source for tech talent in the US.

Conclusion

With H-1B registrations opening on March 7, 2025, applicants should act swiftly by securing employer sponsorship and preparing for the lottery process. With major tech firms continuing to hire globally, this remains an excellent pathway for skilled professionals looking to work in the US.