H‑1B Visa Registration Opens 4 March Amid New Fees and Market Uncertainty

The H‑1B visa registration period will open on 4 March, amid concerns over new financial requirements and an unstable job market. 

Employers must submit details of each prospective beneficiary and pay a $215 registration fee by 19 March. The results of the initial selection will be announced by 31 March.

A major point of concern is the new $100,000 fee for candidates residing outside the United States. While some employers are proceeding with registrations, others are waiting to see if ongoing legal challenges might block the fee. If the fee remains, there is a possibility that some companies may not submit final petitions, which could trigger a second lottery to fill any unused visa slots.

This year's process also introduces changes to the traditional random lottery system. For the first time, priority will be given to higher-skilled and higher-paid workers. 

The updated registration form, while still asking for details like degree level and beneficiary information, now also requires employers to indicate the wage level of the position and the area of employment. However, the form does not request salary figures, job titles, or SOC codes, creating some uncertainty about how this data will be used.