H-1B Visa Updates and Employer Strategies for 2026

The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. As one of the most utilized employment-based visa categories, it plays a critical role in workforce planning, especially in STEM fields. Recent regulatory updates—including a shift to a beneficiary-centric lottery model, new fee structures, and expanded eligibility for entrepreneurs have reshaped the sponsorship landscape. Understanding these changes is essential for HR professionals and talent acquisition teams seeking to remain compliant, competitive, and proactive in today’s global hiring environment.

In today’s competitive talent market, efficient and compliant H-1B visa sponsorship remains essential for attracting and retaining top global talent. Join our expert-led webinar to explore the latest updates shaping the 2026 H-1B landscape—including the finalized beneficiary-centric lottery model, the new $100,000 visa fee, and proposed wage-level prioritization. Designed for HR professionals and talent acquisition teams, this session offers practical strategies to navigate evolving regulations, support entrepreneurial candidates, and strengthen your organization’s compliance posture. Stay informed, mitigate risk, and make confident hiring decisions in a rapidly shifting immigration environment.

• Explain the core purpose and eligibility criteria of the H-1B visa, including evolving definitions of “specialty occupation”
• Navigate the updated beneficiary-centric lottery process, avoiding duplicate entries and understanding selection trends
• Identify employer responsibilities for compliance, including documentation, SEVIS coordination, and site inspection readiness
• Understand the impact of new 2025 updates, including the $100,000 visa fee and proposed wage-level weighted lottery system
• Evaluate H-1B eligibility for entrepreneurs, including governance structures that meet employer-employee relationship standards

• Human Resources specialists and leaders
• Payroll Specialists
• HR Business Partners
• Talent Acquisition leaders
• Benefits Administrators
• Employee Relations specialists
• Operations Managers

Melveen Stevenson is the CEO and founder of M.S. Elemental, LLC, a human resources and business advisory firm. As a certified HR professional with a background in accounting and finance, she helps companies to navigate the human resources “jungle” of compliance, human capital, and leadership challenges. In doing so, she empowers companies to strengthen their infrastructure from the inside out, specifically through leadership development, operations, training, employee engagement, and executive coaching.

Melveen speaks on key topics to empower companies with the latest research and best practices for increasing engagement, enhancing leadership presence, and optimizing diverse workforce groups.

Over the last 20 years, Melveen has held leadership positions in human resources operations, supply chain, and talent management at international companies in food manufacturing, medical devices, and consumer products. She has spent most of her career in California, and has expertise in the state’s complicated employment regulations.

Melveen is certified through the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM-SCP) and the Human Resources Certification Institute (SPHR).  She is also a faculty member at California State University-Dominguez Hills.