The H-1B visa registration schedule has been released with hefty fees… a staggering $100,000! Registrations begin on March 4th. A new ‘weightage’ system will be used in the lottery… those selected will receive notices on March 31st.
BUREAU CHIEF
RAJA PENTAPATI AMARAVATI
FEBRUARY 3 BHARAT NEWSThe United States has implemented significant changes to the H-1B visa process for foreign professionals seeking employment in the country. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the visa registration deadline for the 2027 fiscal year. However, this time, the rules have become much stricter than before.
New ‘Weightage’ System: This time, a ‘weightage’ system has been introduced instead of the previous random lottery system. This means that those who are offered higher salaries will have a greater chance of getting a visa. Officials say that this change is aimed at prioritizing highly skilled individuals.
According to the new rules introduced by the Trump administration in September 2025, those selected for certain high-skilled positions will have to pay an additional fee of $100,000 (approximately ₹83 lakhs). This burden is unavoidable, especially for those applying for a visa from outside the United States. This will become a huge financial burden for companies. The basic registration fee has also been increased from $10 to $215.
Recruiting organizations must first create an account on the USCIS website and register their employees’ details. Only those selected in the lottery are eligible to file full visa petitions starting April 1st. Registration begins: March 4, Last date: March 19, 2026, Results: March 31, 2026
