USA Express Entry 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide for Skilled Workers
Do you have a high level of professionalism and would you like to bring your professions to the United States in 2026? Although there are numerous candidates looking to find a system of the USA Express Entry that would resemble that of Canada, the American situation is somehow different as well as equally enriching.
The period 2026 is the one that is going to transform U.S. immigration. The new weighted selection process and the new wage-level priorities are replacing the luck of the draw in the process, which is now being dominated by a merit-based approach that ensures high skilled talent. This is a guide that is subdivided and tells you how exactly you can maneuver in the 2026 landscape in order to ensure that you have your future in the U.S.
The U.S. Pathways Myth Express Entry
Express Entry is normally understood in the U.S. as the expedited treatment of Employment-Based (EB) visas and the H-1B lottery. You need to know the two biggest tracks: to be successful in 2026.
The Permanent Track EB Visas (Green Cards)
- EB-1 Visa: It is granted to extraordinary ability of a person, great researchers or multinational executives, also known as the Priority workers.
- EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver): A fast-track solution to professionals holding advanced degrees whose employment serves the national interest of the U.S. This will enable you to avoid the time consuming (Labor certification (PERM) process.
- EB-3 Visa: This visa is intended for skilled workers who have gained the required experience in the field or possess a Bachelor of Degree.
The Temp to Permanent Visa H-1B
H-1B is the most popular in terms of entry in tech and specialty jobs. But in 2026, there is a tremendous change: the Weighted Selection Process.
2026 Major Updates What Has changed?
And, in case you have applied in the past years, forget about the old rules. New Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations cover the FY 2027 H-1B Cap season (starting March 2026).
The New Weighted Selection System
As of February 27, 2026, the H-1B lottery will no longer be that random. Wage Levels now weigh-up the selection:
- Level IV (Highest): 4 entries in the pool (approximately 61 percent selection probability).
- Level III: 3 entries in the pool (about 45% choice prospective).
- Level II: 2 pool entries (loosely 30% chance of selection)
- Level I (Entry-Level): 1 pool entry (about 15% chance of making an entry).
USCIS Organizational Accounts
Every employer is now obligated to enroll the beneficiaries in the USCIS Organizational Accounts. The system is intended to avoid lottery gambling, and represents a Passport-Centric Selection, each unique beneficiary being counted once, no matter the number of employers to which it is registered.
How to apply USA Express Entry 2026 Step-by-Step
Obtaining a U.S. Job Offer and Specialty Occupation
The occupation must be a Specialty Occupation, and most often it is necessary to be at least a Bachelor of degree holder. Apply SOC Codes (Standard Occupational Classification) in order to match your job title to the standards of USCIS.
Credential Evaluation (ECA)
The first step before applying is to secure a Credential Evaluation by the agencies such as WES or ECE to demonstrate that your foreign degree is similar to one issued in the U.S.
The H-1B Registration (March 4 -March 19, 2026)
This is a critical submission period by your employer in terms of your details. Make them include the proper Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) in order to give yourself the best opportunity in the new weighted system.
PERM Labor Certification (To EB-2/EB-3)
When you are directly proceeding to a Green Card, then your employer has to fill in the PERM Labor Certification to show that there is not a qualified worker in the United States to perform the job.
Filing Form I-140 & Form I-485
After being picked or approved, you submit Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition). Should you be already in the U.S. then you could also file Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) at the same time as the Visa bulletin demonstrates your Priority Date as Current.
FAQs
-
Can I use the EB-2 NIW when I do not have an employer?
Yes! The National Interest Waiver is self-petitionable, so it is as close to an actual Express Entry as it could be to a highly talented person.
-
What is the H-1B registration fee in 2026?
FY 2027 cap season fee has been modified to $215 per beneficiary.
-
What is the impact of Visa Bulletin on me?
Department of State Visa Bulletin is updated every month and it is this that defines when you finally get your Green Card depending on the country you were born in and the type of visa you were given.
Final Thoughts
The American immigration picture in the year 2026 will favor higher wages and skills. In case you are an expert in STEM, healthcare, or AI, you have the best bet at getting accessible through Express Entry. Keep in mind that it is better to be ready early, that is, at least 6 months before the March, lottery, and guarantee that all your credentials and wage determinations are ready.
Disclosure
This paper is informational and educational. It is recommended that the readers must ensure that they get information on reliable sites to make decisions, like the official websites of the USCIS or the Department of State.