U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the initial registration period for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 H-1B cap will open on March 4, 2026, and run through March 19, 2026. Prospective petitioners and their representatives will be able to register beneficiaries electronically through a USCIS online account and pay the $215 registration fee. A key change for the FY 2027 H-1B cap season is the implementation of a new, weighted selection process. This new process, part of a final rule published by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), will prioritize the selection of H-1B registrations for higher-skilled and higher-paid foreign workers. This is a significant departure from the previous random lottery system. Additionally, a Presidential Proclamation may require some petitioners to pay an additional $100,000 fee before filing their H-1B petition. USCIS expects to announce the selection results by March 31, 2026. Only those with selected registrations will be eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition.
H-1B Season for FY 2027: Registration Opens March 4 with New Rules
The H-1B registration period for FY 2027 will run from March 4-19, 2026, with a new weighted selection process prioritizing higher-skilled and higher-paid workers.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1: The H-1B registration period for FY 2027 is from March 4-19, 2026. A new weighted selection process will favor higher-skilled and higher-paid workers.
- Who Should Be Concerned: U.S. employers and foreign professionals seeking H-1B visas, particularly those in entry-level or lower-paying positions.
- Timeline for Action: Employers and prospective employees should prepare for the registration period opening on March 4, 2026. Selection results are expected by March 31, 2026.
- Next Steps: Employers should review their compensation structures for H-1B positions and consult with an immigration attorney to navigate the new weighted selection system and the potential for a new $100,000 fee.
Source: Uscis.gov