The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented mandatory changes to the H-1B visa process, effective April 1, 2026. The modifications include a new version of Form I-129 and a shift to a wage-weighted selection system. This means that the USCIS will no longer accept the previous version of the I-129 form, and petitioners must submit the new version from this month itself.
While the previous version of the form would not be considered, an exception has been made for people who have filled it before 31st March. The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that permits US based companies to hire foreign workers on a temporary or non-immigrant basis. The workers are usually hired for specialised roles requiring high-level skills and a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, particularly in fields such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and information technology.
What Has Changed From April 1?
The new version of I-129 form requires more detailed information on job roles, education, salaries offered, work locations, employment arrangement, and field of study. It is also now mandatory for petitioners to disclose their immigration history. Applicants are expected to undergo stricter scrutiny this year.
All paper-based form of petitions are to be filed at specific USCIS lockbox locations, rather than service centers. Moreover, with the 2026 registration season for FY 2027, the USCIS is moving to a wage-weighted system that prioritises higher salaries (Levels 2-4) over Level 1 (entry-level) roles. The H-1B electronic registration fee has also been increased from USD 10 to USD 215 per beneficiary.
Which Categories Are Impacted?
According to the USCIS alert, petitioners can use this form to file on behalf of a nonimmigrant worker to come to the US temporarily as an H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, L-1, O-1, O-2, P-1, P-1S, P-2, P-2S, P-3, P-3S, Q-1 or R-1 nonimmigrant worker. This form can also be used to request an extension of stay in or change of status to E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B1 or TN.
“On Feb. 27, 2026, USCIS published a new edition of Form I-129 (edition date 02/27/26). Starting April 1, 2026, we will accept only the 02/27/26 edition. Until then, you can also use the 01/20/25 edition. The edition date is at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions. If you file Form I-129 please note that we will: Accept the 01/20/25 edition of Form I-129 if it is received on or before March 31, 2026; and Reject the 01/20/25 edition of Form I-129 if it is received on or after April 1, 2026,” the notification by the department read.
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