H-1B Specialty Occupation and Consular Processing Updates for 2026
The 2026 H-1B specialty occupation requirements maintain the focus on jobs requiring specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s degree or higher. Employers must file petitions with USCIS, and applicants outside the U.S. generally undergo consular processing for visa issuance. This article explains the updated rules affecting Raleigh, NC and Orlando, FL applicants, outlines the legal framework, and provides practical steps for filing and consular processing in 2026.