USA H-1B Visa Process November 2025: Lottery Dates, Eligibility & Step-by-Step Application

The H-1B visa lets U.S. companies bring in skilled workers from other countries for jobs that need special training. In November 2025, the rules for the next fiscal year (FY 2026) are already set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

This year, the cap was filled early, so no more lottery picks are coming. Still, knowing the full process helps employers and workers plan ahead. This guide sticks to facts from official USCIS pages and trusted government sources.

The program covers fields like IT, engineering, medicine, and finance. Each year, only a limited number of new H-1B visas are available. For FY 2026, which starts on October 1, 2025, USCIS finished the random selection in March. If your company missed the cut, look at cap-exempt options or wait for next year.

H-1B Cap and Lottery Details for FY 2026

Every year, Congress sets a limit of 85,000 new H-1B visas. That breaks down to 65,000 regular spots and 20,000 extra for people with a U.S. master’s degree or higher. Some employers—such as universities and nonprofit research groups—do not count toward the cap. They can file anytime.

Also Read: Canada Express Entry Process November 2025: Updated CRS Score & Application Guide

For FY 2026, USCIS used a “beneficiary-centric” system. This means the lottery picks people, not entries. It cuts down on fraud when one person submits many forms. The registration window opened at noon Eastern on March 7, 2025, and closed at noon Eastern on March 24, 2025. Companies paid $215 for each worker they registered.

USCIS got 343,981 valid entries for 339,000 different people. That is about 27% fewer than the year before. On March 31, 2025, the agency said it had picked enough to fill the cap: 118,660 unique workers. Companies saw the results in their online USCIS accounts. Selected firms then had at least 90 days—starting April 1, 2025—to send in full petitions.

No second lottery happened because the cap was met right away. Work under approved visas can start no sooner than October 1, 2025.

Quick facts about the lottery:

• One person, one fair chance—no matter how many companies register them.
• Wrong passport details or fake information leads to denial.
• Bulk payments now allow up to $99,999.99 per day by credit card.

Who Can Get an H-1B Visa?

Both the job and the worker must meet clear rules. The job has to be a “specialty occupation.” That means it normally requires at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field.

Job Rules

A position qualifies if:

• Most people in that role need a bachelor’s or higher.
• Other companies in the same industry ask for the same degree.
• The daily tasks are complex enough to need college-level skills.

Special cases exist for Department of Defense projects and fashion models of high merit.

Worker Rules

The person must show:

• A U.S. bachelor’s degree (or higher) in the right field, or
• A foreign degree that equals a U.S. bachelor’s, or
• Enough work experience—usually 12 years of steady progress—to count as a degree, plus proof of skill.

For the 20,000 master’s cap spots, the degree must come from a U.S. school and be earned before the petition is filed. Some states require a professional license first. Without it, USCIS may ask for more proof.

Every cap-subject case needs a certified Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the Department of Labor. The LCA promises fair pay and good working conditions.

Also Read: Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) Process November 2025: Points & Steps

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply

Only employers can file H-1B petitions. Workers cannot apply on their own. Here is the normal path for cap-subject cases.

1. Get the LCA Ready
   The employer fills out Form ETA-9035/9035E online through the DOL FLAG system. It takes about 7 workdays to certify if everything is correct. No fee.
2. Register Online (Cap Cases Only)
   During the March window, create a USCIS account at my.uscis.gov. Enter the worker’s name, passport number, and basic job info. Pay the $215 fee. USCIS checks for duplicates.
3. File the Full Petition if Selected
   Use Form I-129. Include the LCA, selection notice, degree copies, and job proof. Base fee is $780. Add $2,805 for fast processing if needed. New rule: petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025, for workers outside the U.S. without a current H-1B visa may owe an extra $100,000 fee. Pay it through Pay.gov and attach proof.
4. Visa Stamp (If Abroad)
   After USCIS approves, the worker applies at a U.S. embassy with Form DS-160 and a $205 fee. Bring the approval notice and passport. Enter the U.S. and get an electronic I-94.
5. Keep Status Current
   Report job changes. Extend before the 3-year mark (up to 6 years total). Spouses on H-4 can work if a green card process has started.

Key Dates for FY 2026	Date	Notes
Registration Open	March 7, 2025	Noon ET
Registration Close	March 24, 2025	Noon ET
Selection Notice	By March 31, 2025	Online account
Petition Window	April 1 – June 30, 2025	90 days minimum
Work Start	October 1, 2025	Earliest date

What’s New in November 2025

USCIS updated Form I-129 in January 2025 for clearer sections. A presidential order from September 19, 2025, added the $100,000 fee for certain new cases. It does not affect current H-1B holders or internal moves. The beneficiary-centric lottery stays in place to keep the system fair.

Companies should watch the USCIS website for FY 2027 dates, likely in March 2026. Always double-check passport numbers and payment confirmations to avoid simple rejections.

The H-1B program helps U.S. businesses stay competitive by hiring global talent. With the FY 2026 cap full, focus on approved cases or cap-exempt paths. Speak with an immigration lawyer for your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions