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Your Golden Chance for H-1B Lottery Registration - March 2026

Client Alert
February 16, 2026

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will open initial H-1B registration at noon Eastern time on March 4, 2026, and will remain open through March 19, 2026.

$100,000 Fee Not Applicable to Change of Status H-1B Petitions:

If you already reside in the U.S. in a valid nonimmigrant status (F-1, F-2, H-4, J-1, O-1, O-2, TN, etc.), and your employer files an H-1B change of status petition, you will not be subject to the proposed $100,000 fee. This fee is intended to discourage certain overseas registrations/filings and is cost-prohibitive for employers to sponsor workers who do not reside in the U.S.

Further, the new H-1B rule of implementing a weighted selection process will generally favor the allocation of H-1B visas to higher-skilled and higher-paid employees, while maintaining the opportunity for employers to secure H-1B workers at all wage levels. This rule benefits physicians, engineers, and other skilled workers paid in Wage Levels 3 or 4 by increasing their chances of being selected in the H-1B lottery, in addition to advanced U.S. degree selections.

Why This is Significant for U.S.-Based Foreign Nonimmigrants:

If you are currently in the U.S. on F-1 OPT/STEM OPT or another valid nonimmigrant status, this year may offer:

  • Reduced financial barriers for employers sponsoring you.
  • Potentially higher selection probability (especially if you qualify for advanced degree or higher wage levels).

In short, if you legally reside in the U.S., this year is your golden chance of being selected in the H-1B lottery.

If you wish to submit employee names in the H-1B lottery, please contact BMD Member Duriya Dhinojwala at dd@bmdllc.com to discuss your options.  

ImmigrationImmigration LawH-1B
Client Alert

Medicare Updates: Prior Authorizations and Physician Fee Schedule

September 8, 2025The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced two key updates effective January 1, 2026: a six-state prior authorization pilot program targeting high-risk services under the WISeR Model, and proposed revisions to the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) that include increased payment rates, expanded telehealth coverage, and updated policies for chronic care, behavioral health, and rural providers.Client Alert

USCIS Policy Updates: Implications for Business Immigration

August 20, 2025In August 2025, USCIS issued three key policy updates enhancing vetting, good moral character (GMC) evaluations, and scrutiny of "anti-American" conduct in immigration adjudications. These policy memos will impact employers sponsoring foreign workers, including H-1B, L-1, EB visas, adjustments, and naturalization.Client Alert

Ohio Passes Antidiscrimination Provision for CRNA Reimbursement

August 14, 2025Ohio has passed House Bill 96, introducing a provider nondiscrimination provision that requires health plans to reimburse certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) at the same rate as physicians for the same services. The law aims to improve patient access to care by eliminating payment discrimination against CRNAs and will take effect on September 30, 2025.Client Alert

Ohio Board of Pharmacy | Administrative Code Rule Changes

July 16, 2025The Ohio Board of Pharmacy (“BOP”) recently posted notices of Ohio Administrative Code rule changes related to record keeping and the sale and distribution of certain ephedrine-containing products.Client Alert

A Shift in Coverage: HHS Reinterprets “Federal Public Benefit” Under PRWORA

July 16, 2025The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services rescinded a 1998 interpretation of “federal public benefit” used in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) on July 10, 2025. This notice removes "outdating exclusions" and includes additional programs under “federal public benefit."
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