<div class="vt" data-vt-cat="work-visas" data-vt-code="H-1B"> <div class="vt-crumbs"><nav class="vt-wrap" aria-label="Breadcrumb"><a href="/">Home</a><span>›</span><a href="/work-visas">Work & business</a><span>›</span><span>H-1B</span></nav></div> <section class="vt-dhead"><div class="vt-wrap"> <div class="vt-badges"><span>Nonimmigrant</span><span>Employment-based</span><span>Dual intent</span><span>Annual cap</span><span>Form I-129</span></div> <h1><span>H-1B</span> Specialty Occupation Worker</h1> <p class="vt-lede">For professionals in jobs that require at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field. A U.S. employer files the petition, and most first-time workers must win the annual cap selection.</p> <div class="vt-dmeta"><span>Last reviewed <strong>Oct 1, 2026</strong></span><span>Sources: USCIS</span><a href="/corrections?page=/visa/h-1b">Report an error</a></div> </div></section> <section class="vt-dbody"> <nav class="vt-jump" aria-label="On this page"><a href="#overview">Overview</a><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a><a href="#duration">Duration</a><a href="#fees">Fees</a><a href="#processing">Processing</a><a href="#steps">Steps</a><a href="#documents">Documents</a><a href="#dependents">Dependents</a><a href="#greencard">Green card</a><a href="#related">Related</a><a href="#faq">FAQ</a><a href="#sources">Sources</a><a href="#changes">Changes</a></nav> <nav class="vt-toc" aria-label="On this page"><div class="h">On this page</div><ul><li><a href="#overview">Overview</a></li><li><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a></li><li><a href="#duration">Duration & extensions</a></li><li><a href="#fees">Fees</a></li><li><a href="#processing">Processing time</a></li><li><a href="#steps">Application steps</a></li><li><a href="#documents">Required documents</a></li><li><a href="#dependents">Dependents & family</a></li><li><a href="#greencard">Path to a green card</a></li><li><a href="#related">Related visas</a></li><li><a href="#faq">Common questions</a></li><li><a href="#sources">Official sources</a></li><li><a href="#changes">Recent changes</a></li></ul></nav> <article class="vt-art"> <div class="vt-glance"><h2>At a glance</h2><dl><div><dt>Initial period of stay</dt><dd>Up to 3 years</dd></div><div><dt>Maximum stay</dt><dd>6 years, longer in some green card cases</dd></div><div><dt>Annual cap</dt><dd>65,000 + 20,000 for U.S. master’s or higher</dd></div><div><dt>Registration fee</dt><dd>$215 per beneficiary</dd></div><div><dt>Base petition fee</dt><dd>$780 paper / $730 online</dd></div><div><dt>Premium processing</dt><dd>$2,965 · 15 business days</dd></div></dl></div> <div class="vt-callout"><strong>$100,000 payment: renewed, but not being collected.</strong> A <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/restriction-on-entry-of-certain-nonimmigrant-workers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sept. 19, 2025 proclamation</a> required a $100,000 payment for certain new H-1B petitions for workers outside the U.S. On June 8, 2026 a federal court in Massachusetts vacated USCIS’s guidance implementing it (<em>State of California v. Mullin</em>), and on July 24, 2026 the First Circuit refused to pause that order. DHS <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/presidential-proclamation-on-restriction-on-entry-of-certain-nonimmigrant-workers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">says it will comply with the order</a> but plans to collect the payment if the order is lifted. A <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/09/restriction-on-entry-of-certain-nonimmigrant-workers-faad/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sept. 18, 2026 proclamation</a> renewed the requirement for 12 more months from Sept. 21, 2026. As of Oct. 1, 2026, USCIS has not published guidance on the renewal; its pages still state that it is complying with the court order. Separately, DHS <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/25/2026-17324/fee-for-certain-h-1b-petitions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">proposed on Aug. 25, 2026</a> a $103,265 fee on every cap-subject H-1B petition; that rule is not final.</div> <h2 id="overview" class="s">Overview</h2> <p class="b">The H-1B classification lets a U.S. employer hire a foreign worker temporarily in a “specialty occupation” — a job that requires the theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, in a directly related field. Typical roles include engineering, IT, finance, architecture, medicine and teaching. Before filing, the employer must get a <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/programs/h-1b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Labor Condition Application (LCA)</a> certified by the Department of Labor, promising to pay at least the required wage.</p> <p class="b">Most new H-1B workers count against an <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">annual cap of 65,000</a>, plus 20,000 extra numbers for people with a U.S. master’s degree or higher. Employers enter workers in an electronic registration each March. Starting with the fiscal year 2027 season, USCIS uses a <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations/h-1b-cap-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener">weighted selection</a> that gives better odds to higher wage levels. Universities and their affiliated nonprofits, nonprofit research organizations and government research organizations are exempt from the cap and can file at any time.</p> <p class="b">H-1B is a dual-intent classification: under <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title8/html/USCODE-2023-title8-chap12-subchapII-partII-sec1184.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">INA §214(h)</a>, seeking a green card does not by itself break H-1B status. Workers can generally change employers once the new employer files a petition, and spouses and children come as H-4 dependents.</p> <h2 id="qualify" class="s">Who qualifies</h2> <h3 class="s">The job must be a specialty occupation</h3> <ul class="b"><li>The position normally requires at least a bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, in a specific specialty directly related to the duties (since <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jan. 17, 2025</a>, “directly related” means a logical connection between the degree and the duties).</li><li>The employer has a bona fide job available as of the requested start date.</li><li>The employer has a certified LCA from the Department of Labor and pays at least the higher of the actual wage or the prevailing wage.</li></ul> <h3 class="s">The worker must hold one of these</h3> <ul class="b"><li>A U.S. bachelor’s or higher degree in the specialty, or a foreign degree equivalent to it.</li><li>An unrestricted state license, registration or certification needed to practice the occupation in the state of employment, where required.</li><li>Education, training and/or progressively responsible experience equivalent to the degree, plus recognition of expertise in the specialty.</li></ul> <h3 class="s">For a cap-subject petition</h3> <ul class="b"><li>The worker must have been selected in the H-1B electronic registration for that fiscal year (one registration per beneficiary per employer).</li><li>Cap-exempt employers (higher-education institutions and affiliated nonprofits, nonprofit or government research organizations) skip registration.</li></ul> <h2 id="duration" class="s">Duration & extensions</h2> <table class="vt-kv"><tbody><tr><th scope="row">Initial period</th><td>Up to <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3 years</a>, tied to the LCA validity</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Extension</th><td>Up to 3 more years, for a <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title8/html/USCODE-2023-title8-chap12-subchapII-partII-sec1184.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">total of 6 years</a></td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Beyond 6 years</th><td>In <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">up to 3-year increments</a> with an approved EB-1/EB-2/EB-3 petition waiting only on visa availability, or <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1-year increments</a> if a labor certification or I-140 was filed at least 365 days earlier</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">After job loss</th><td>Up to a 60-day grace period (or until I-94 expiry, if sooner) to find a new sponsor, change status or leave; DHS <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/11/2026-18631/eliminating-the-discretionary-60-day-grace-period" target="_blank" rel="noopener">proposed removing it</a> on Sept. 11, 2026 (not final)</td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="fees" class="s">Fees</h2> <p class="vt-feesintro">The employer pays the petition fees. Amounts are from the <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS fee schedule (Form G-1055, edition 10/01/26)</a> unless noted.</p> <div class="vt-scroll"><table class="vt-fees"><thead><tr><th>Fee</th><th class="amt">Amount</th><th>Who pays</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody> <tr><td>H-1B registration (cap cases)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations/h-1b-electronic-registration-process" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$215</a></td><td>Employer</td><td>Per beneficiary, paid when registering in March.</td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-129 filing fee</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$780</a></td><td>Employer</td><td>$730 if filed online; $460 for small employers (25 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees) and nonprofits.</td></tr> <tr><td>Asylum Program Fee</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$600</a></td><td>Employer</td><td>$300 for small employers; $0 for nonprofits.</td></tr> <tr><td>ACWIA training fee</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$1,500 or $750</a></td><td>Employer</td><td>$750 if the employer has 25 or fewer full-time-equivalent U.S. employees. Not owed by employers exempt under Section 2 of the H-1B Data Collection and Filing Fee Exemption Supplement.</td></tr> <tr><td>Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$500</a></td><td>Employer</td><td>For an initial H-1B petition or a change of employer. Cannot be waived.</td></tr> <tr><td>9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee (Pub. L. 114-113)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$4,000</a></td><td>Employer</td><td>Only employers with 50 or more U.S. employees, more than half in H-1B or L status, on petitions filed through Sept. 30, 2027. Since <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sept. 9, 2026</a> it applies to all such petitions, including extensions with the same employer, except amendments that do not extend the worker’s stay.</td></tr> <tr><td>Proclamation payment</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/09/restriction-on-entry-of-certain-nonimmigrant-workers-faad/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$100,000</a></td><td>Employer</td><td>Only for certain new petitions for workers outside the U.S. Not currently collected: the implementing guidance was vacated by court order (June 8, 2026).</td></tr> <tr><td>Premium processing (Form I-907)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-increase-premium-processing-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$2,965</a></td><td>Employer</td><td>Optional; only the petitioner can request it. USCIS acts within 15 business days.</td></tr> <tr><td>Visa application (MRV) fee</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$205</a></td><td>Worker</td><td>For consular processing abroad; dependents pay it too. A reciprocity issuance fee may also apply depending on nationality.</td></tr> </tbody></table></div> <p class="vt-foot">H-4 family members in the U.S. file Form I-539 ($470 paper, $420 online) and, if eligible for an H-4 EAD, Form I-765 ($520 paper, $470 online). <a href="https://www.congress.gov/119/plaws/publ21/PLAW-119publ21.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Public Law 119-21</a> (July 4, 2025) also created a Visa Integrity Fee of at least $250 on nonimmigrant visa issuance, but as of Oct. 1, 2026 it does not appear on the State Department’s <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">visa fees page</a>.</p> <h2 id="processing" class="s">Processing time</h2> <dl class="vt-cards"><div><dt>Premium processing</dt><dd>15 business days</dd><dd class="n">Optional, for <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$2,965</a>.</dd></div><div><dt>LCA review (DOL)</dt><dd>7 working days</dd><dd class="n"><a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/programs/h-1b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DOL reviews</a> LCAs for completeness and obvious errors.</dd></div><div><dt>Earliest filing</dt><dd>6 months before start</dd><dd class="n">A petition and the LCA cannot be filed more than 6 months before the start date.</dd></div></dl> <h3 class="s">Key dates</h3><div class="vt-cal"><div><b>March</b>Electronic registration (FY 2027 window: <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/fy-2027-h-1b-cap-initial-registration-period-opens-on-march-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">March 4–19, 2026</a>)</div><div><b>By March 31</b>Selection notices (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/fy-2027-h-1b-initial-registration-selection-process-completed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FY 2027 selection completed March 31, 2026</a>)</div><div><b>April 1 onward</b>At least a 90-day window to file cap petitions</div><div><b>October 1</b>Earliest start date for cap-subject employment</div></div> <p class="b">Regular processing times vary by form and service center; check <a href="https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS processing times</a>. Nationals of the 19 countries under full restrictions in the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/12/restricting-and-limiting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dec. 16, 2025 travel proclamation</a> (effective Jan. 1, 2026) cannot currently be issued nonimmigrant visas, including this one, unless an exception applies.</p> <h2 id="steps" class="s">Application steps</h2> <ol class="vt-steps"><li><span class="num">1</span><div><div class="tt">Confirm the job qualifies</div><div class="tx">Check that the role requires a related bachelor’s degree, decide the wage level, and confirm whether the employer is cap-subject or cap-exempt.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">2</span><div><div class="tt">Register (cap cases only)</div><div class="tx">In March the employer submits an online registration for each worker and pays $215. USCIS runs a wage-weighted selection if registrations exceed the cap.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">3</span><div><div class="tt">Get the LCA certified</div><div class="tx">The employer files Form ETA-9035/9035E with the Department of Labor no more than 6 months before the start date.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">4</span><div><div class="tt">File Form I-129</div><div class="tx">Within the filing window, the employer files the petition with the certified LCA, evidence of the specialty occupation and the worker’s degree, and the fees.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">5</span><div><div class="tt">Visa or change of status</div><div class="tx">If approved, a worker abroad applies for an H-1B visa at a U.S. consulate; a worker already in the U.S. in another status can usually change status directly.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">6</span><div><div class="tt">Start work</div><div class="tx">Cap-subject employment starts no earlier than Oct. 1. Eligible F-1 students may be covered by <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations/faqs-for-individuals-in-h-1b-nonimmigrant-status" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cap-gap</a> until then.</div></div></li></ol> <h2 id="documents" class="s">Required documents</h2> <div class="vt-docs"><div><h3>From the employer</h3><ul><li><span>Certified Labor Condition Application</span></li><li><span>Form I-129 with the H-1B Data Collection and Filing Fee Exemption Supplement</span></li><li><span>Job description showing the degree requirement</span></li><li><span>Registration selection notice (cap cases)</span></li><li><span>Proof of the $100,000 payment or an exception, if DHS resumes collecting it</span></li></ul></div><div><h3>From the worker</h3><ul><li><span>Degree diplomas and transcripts, or a credential evaluation</span></li><li><span>Experience letters if relying on equivalency</span></li><li><span>Required state license, if any</span></li><li><span>Passport and current immigration documents (if in the U.S.)</span></li></ul></div></div> <h2 id="dependents" class="s">Dependents & family</h2> <p class="b">Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may be admitted in <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">H-4 status</a>.</p> <p class="b">H-4 spouses cannot work unless they hold an employment authorization document (EAD). An H-4 spouse may apply on Form I-765 if the H-1B spouse <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations/employment-authorization-for-certain-h-4-dependent-spouses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">is the beneficiary of an approved Form I-140</a> or has been granted H-1B time beyond 6 years based on a labor certification or immigrant petition filed at least 365 days earlier.</p> <p class="b">Since <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-ends-automatic-extension-of-employment-authorization" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oct. 30, 2025</a>, renewal EAD applications no longer receive an automatic extension while pending, so H-4 spouses should file renewals early (up to 180 days before expiry).</p> <h2 id="greencard" class="s">Path to a green card</h2> <p class="b">Because H-1B allows dual intent, many workers move to permanent residence through employer sponsorship while working in H-1B status.</p> <div class="vt-gsteps"><div><div class="k">Step 1</div><div class="tt">PERM labor certification</div><div class="tx">For most EB-2 and EB-3 cases, the employer tests the U.S. labor market and gets a Department of Labor certification.</div></div><div><div class="k">Step 2</div><div class="tt">Form I-140</div><div class="tx">The employer files the immigrant petition; an approved I-140 can support H-1B extensions beyond 6 years and H-4 EAD eligibility.</div></div><div><div class="k">Step 3</div><div class="tt">Adjustment or consular processing</div><div class="tx">When the priority date is current, the worker files Form I-485 in the U.S. or completes an immigrant visa abroad.</div></div></div> <p class="b">Self-petition routes such as EB-1A or the EB-2 national interest waiver are also open to qualifying H-1B workers.</p> <h2 id="related" class="s">Related visas</h2> <div class="vt-rel"><a href="/visa/l-1a"><div class="c">L-1A / L-1B</div><div class="n">Intracompany transferee</div><div class="tx">For employees moving within a multinational company; no annual cap.</div></a><a href="/visa/o-1a"><div class="c">O-1A</div><div class="n">Extraordinary ability</div><div class="tx">For top-of-field professionals; no cap or lottery.</div></a><a href="/visa/h-1b1"><div class="c">H-1B1</div><div class="n">Chile and Singapore professionals</div><div class="tx">Treaty version of H-1B with its own quota.</div></a><a href="/visa/e-3"><div class="c">E-3</div><div class="n">Australian specialty workers</div><div class="tx">Similar degree-level standard for Australians, 10,500 a year.</div></a><a href="/visa/tn"><div class="c">TN</div><div class="n">USMCA professionals</div><div class="tx">For Canadian and Mexican citizens in listed professions.</div></a><a href="/visa/eb-2"><div class="c">EB-2</div><div class="n">Advanced degree green card</div><div class="tx">A common next step for H-1B workers.</div></a></div> <h2 id="faq" class="s">Common questions</h2> <div class="vt-faq"><details><summary>Do employers have to pay the $100,000 H-1B fee right now?</summary><p>Not as of Oct. 1, 2026. A court vacated USCIS’s implementing guidance on June 8, 2026, the First Circuit declined to stay that order on July 24, 2026, and DHS says it is complying while the appeal continues. A Sept. 18, 2026 proclamation renewed the requirement through Sept. 21, 2027, so the situation could change if the court order is lifted. As written, it covers new petitions for workers outside the U.S. (or petitions requesting consular or port-of-entry notification); it does not change fees for H-1B extensions.</p></details><details><summary>How does the weighted H-1B selection work?</summary><p>Each registration states the highest OEWS wage level the offered wage equals or exceeds, and each unique beneficiary is entered at the lowest level among their registrations. Level IV beneficiaries are entered 4 times, level III 3 times, level II twice and level I once, so higher-paid offers have better odds. It applied for the first time to the FY 2027 registration in March 2026.</p></details><details><summary>Can my H-4 spouse work?</summary><p>Only with an H-4 EAD. The spouse qualifies if the H-1B worker has an approved Form I-140 or has been extended beyond 6 years based on a green card case filed at least 365 days earlier. Renewals no longer get an automatic extension, so file early.</p></details><details><summary>Can I change employers on an H-1B?</summary><p>Yes. A new employer files its own H-1B petition, and you can usually start working for it once the petition is properly filed or on its requested start date, whichever is later.</p></details><details><summary>How long can I stay?</summary><p>Up to 3 years at first and 6 years in total, with extensions past 6 years available in certain green card situations.</p></details></div> <h2 id="sources" class="s">Official sources</h2> <ul class="vt-src"><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · H-1B Specialty Occupations</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/presidential-proclamation-on-restriction-on-entry-of-certain-nonimmigrant-workers" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Presidential Proclamation on Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations/h-1b-cap-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · H-1B Cap Season</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Fee Schedule (Form G-1055)</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/09/restriction-on-entry-of-certain-nonimmigrant-workers-faad/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>White House</strong> · Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers (Sept. 18, 2026)</span><span>whitehouse.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-12-29/html/2025-23853.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>Federal Register</strong> · Weighted Selection Process for Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions (90 FR 60864)</span><span>govinfo.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/programs/h-1b" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>DOL</strong> · H-1B, H-1B1 and E-3 Specialty (Professional) Workers</span><span>dol.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations/faqs-for-individuals-in-h-1b-nonimmigrant-status" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · FAQs for Individuals in H-1B Nonimmigrant Status</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li></ul> <h2 id="changes" class="s">Recent changes</h2> <ul class="vt-chg"><li><span class="d">Sep 18, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>$100,000 H-1B payment renewed for 12 months.</strong> Renews the entry restriction and $100,000 payment for certain H-1B petitions, effective 12:01 a.m. EDT Sept. 21, 2026 and expiring Sept. 21, 2027 absent extension. Collection remains blocked by the June 8, 2026 court order as of Oct. 1, 2026. <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/09/restriction-on-entry-of-certain-nonimmigrant-workers-faad/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Sep 18, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Executive order on H-1B program integrity.</strong> Directs State, Labor and DHS to consider employers’ recent or planned layoffs of similarly situated U.S. workers when reviewing H-1B cases. <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2026/09/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-further-enhances-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-h-1b-visa-program/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Sep 11, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Proposal to end the 60-day grace period.</strong> Proposed rule to remove 8 CFR 214.1(l)(2), the up-to-60-day grace period after employment ends for H-1B and certain other workers. Comments close Nov. 10, 2026; the grace period still applies until a final rule takes effect. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/11/2026-18631/eliminating-the-discretionary-60-day-grace-period" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Aug 25, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Proposed $103,265 fee for cap-subject petitions.</strong> Proposed rule to add a $103,265 fee, payable at filing, to every H-1B cap-subject petition, including master’s cap cases, on top of all other fees. Comments closed Sept. 24, 2026; not in effect. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/25/2026-17324/fee-for-certain-h-1b-petitions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Aug 10, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>9-11 Biometric Fee extended to all extension petitions.</strong> Covered employers (50+ U.S. employees, over half in H-1B or L status) must pay the $4,000 fee on H-1B extensions, including with the same employer. Effective Sept. 9, 2026. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jul 24, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>First Circuit denies stay in $100,000 case.</strong> The appeals court refused to pause the order vacating the $100,000 guidance; DHS says it will comply while it considers next steps. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/presidential-proclamation-on-restriction-on-entry-of-certain-nonimmigrant-workers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jun 8, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Court vacates $100,000 payment guidance.</strong> The U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts vacated the agency guidance implementing the payment (State of California v. Mullin, 1:25-cv-13829). <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Mar 31, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>FY 2027 cap reached in first weighted selection.</strong> USCIS received enough registrations in the March 4–19 window to reach the regular cap and the master’s cap; petitions could be filed from April 1, 2026. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/fy-2027-h-1b-initial-registration-selection-process-completed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Mar 27, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Proposed higher prevailing wage levels.</strong> Proposed rule to recompute the four OEWS wage levels used for LCAs (H-1B, H-1B1, E-3) and PERM. Comments closed May 26, 2026; not yet final. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/27/2026-06017/improving-wage-protections-for-the-temporary-and-permanent-employment-of-certain-foreign-nationals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Mar 1, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Premium processing fee rises to $2,965.</strong> Inflation adjustment from $2,805 for Form I-129 H-1B petitions. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-increase-premium-processing-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Dec 29, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Weighted H-1B selection final rule.</strong> Replaces the random lottery with a selection weighted by OEWS wage level (level IV entered 4 times, level I once). Effective Feb. 27, 2026, first used for FY 2027. <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-12-29/html/2025-23853.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Oct 30, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Automatic EAD extensions end.</strong> Renewal EAD applications filed on or after this date, including H-4 EADs, no longer get an automatic extension while pending. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-ends-automatic-extension-of-employment-authorization" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Sep 19, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>$100,000 payment for certain new H-1B petitions.</strong> Restricted entry of H-1B workers unless the petition is accompanied by a $100,000 payment, for petitions filed at or after 12:01 a.m. EDT Sept. 21, 2025. <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/restriction-on-entry-of-certain-nonimmigrant-workers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jan 17, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>H-1B Modernization rule takes effect.</strong> Clarifies “specialty occupation,” extends F-1 cap-gap to April 1, allows beneficiary-owners, codifies site visits and deference to prior approvals. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-strengthens-h-1b-program-allowing-us-employers-to-more-quickly-fill-critical-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li></ul> <div class="vt-disc">This page is general reference material compiled from the official sources above and is not legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual facts; rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you file. VisaTypes.com is not affiliated with USCIS, the Department of State or any government agency. Spotted an error? <a href="/corrections?page=/visa/h-1b">Tell us</a>.</div> </article></section></div> <script type="application/ld+json">[{"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [{"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://visatypes.com/"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Work & business", "item": "https://visatypes.com/work-visas"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "H-1B", "item": "https://visatypes.com/visa/h-1b"}]}, {"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Do employers have to pay the $100,000 H-1B fee right now?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "Not as of Oct. 1, 2026. 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