USCIS Announces New H-1B Registration Process for March 2026

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that it will accept new H-1B registrations from noon EST on March 4, 2026, until noon EST on March 19, 2026. This registration period is crucial for employers looking to hire foreign nationals who have not previously held H-1B status. The initiative marks the only opportunity this year for employers to submit their registrations under the annual H-1B cap.

Since 2020, USCIS has implemented an electronic registration system, which allows employers to secure slots subject to the H-1B limit. Employers must collaborate with their legal representatives to complete and submit registrations through this online platform. The current fee for each registration stands at $215.

New Registration Pools and Selection Process

The H-1B registration process will feature two distinct pools: a general pool and one specifically for applicants holding an advanced degree from a U.S. institution. All registrations will initially enter the general pool, while those involving advanced degree holders will also be placed in the additional pool. This structure increases the chances of selection for those with advanced degrees. USCIS expects to announce the selected applications by March 31, 2026.

Employers chosen in the initial selection round will have until June 30, 2026, to file their H-1B cases. Depending on demand, USCIS may conduct a second selection round, likely in mid to late summer.

Enhanced Information Requirements and Wage Levels

In a significant update to the registration process, USCIS will require employers to provide additional information under penalty of perjury. This includes the wage level according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) wage survey, the Standard Occupation Code (SOC) for the offered position, the intended employment area, and a declaration that the job offer is genuine.

This new emphasis on wage levels will influence how frequently an employer’s registration is entered into one or both pools. The DOL categorizes wage data into four levels, with Level 1 being entry-level and Level 4 the highest. If an employer offers a salary that meets or exceeds Level 4, USCIS will enter that registration into the general pool four times. If the registration includes a foreign national with an advanced degree, it will be entered into the advanced pool four additional times, totaling eight entries.

For salaries meeting Level 2, the registration will appear in both pools twice each, resulting in a total of four entries. When multiple worksites are involved, USCIS will determine entries based on the lowest wage level among those locations.

Fraud Deterrents and Increased Compliance Audits

To discourage fraudulent practices, USCIS has introduced various safeguards. After a registration is selected, employers must submit evidence supporting their stated wage level, which may include the DOL prevailing wage data sheet for the occupation, the rationale for worksite assignments, and internal salary analyses.

Additionally, a new version of the H-1B petition will be mandatory starting on April 1, 2026. This petition will require detailed information about the foreign national’s qualifications, including education and work experience. USCIS will closely scrutinize employers who file H-1B cases only to seek amendments that lower salary offers or change worksite locations to areas with lower wages.

In tandem with USCIS efforts, the DOL is ramping up investigations into H-1B compliance through its initiative, Project Firewall. This program aims to ensure that employers adhere to their H-1B obligations related to pay and other requirements. As a result, employers should expect increased scrutiny and a higher likelihood of site visits from both USCIS and DOL in the coming years.

With these new procedures and the heightened risk of compliance investigations, businesses seeking H-1B authorization must navigate this process with diligence to avoid discrepancies in their registrations and subsequent filings.