U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially announced that the initial registration period for the FY 2027 H-1B cap will open at noon (Eastern Time) on March 4, 2026, and will remain open until noon (ET) on March 19, 2026. This marks the registration stage of the H-1B process, where employers must prepare and submit entries for the lottery.
This registration window is the mandatory first step for employers seeking to sponsor foreign professionals under the H-1B cap for the upcoming fiscal year. The registration process requires employers to complete a registration form for each potential candidate they wish to sponsor. Employers should begin identifying potential candidates for sponsorship during this stage.
Key Dates for the FY 2027 H-1B Cap Season
- Registration Opens: March 4, 2026 (12:00 PM ET)
- Registration Closes: March 19, 2026 (12:00 PM ET)
- Selection Notifications Expected: By March 31, 2026. Lottery results will be determined based on the number of lottery entries each beneficiary has in the selection pool, as assigned by the new weighted system.
- Petition Filing Window: Only for selected registrations
Selections will be communicated through USCIS online accounts to petitioners and authorized representatives.
H-1B Registration Requirements and Fee
During the registration period:
- Employers must register each beneficiary electronically; the new rules require employers to provide additional information about each beneficiary, including wage level and job classification
- A $215 registration fee per beneficiary is required; this is one of several filing fees that may apply throughout the H-1B process
- Registrations must be submitted through a USCIS online account
USCIS Online Accounts
- Employers without an account must create an organizational account
- Attorneys and representatives may add employer clients at any time
- Beneficiary information and payments can only be submitted starting March 4
Submitting multiple registrations for the same beneficiary is not permitted and may affect the validity of any petitions filed.
A petitioner may file an H-1B cap-subject petition only if the beneficiary’s registration is selected in the lottery process.
Major Change for FY 2027: Weighted H-1B Selection Process
For FY 2027, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented a new weighted selection system through a final rule amending H-1B regulations. This new weighted lottery system replaces the previous random selection lottery system and fundamentally changes how the H-1B lottery is conducted. Under the wage weighted selection process, the lottery system now assigns more entries to registrations with a higher offered wage or offered salary, favoring higher wage and higher skilled positions. The new system is designed to prioritize applicants in higher wage levels, increasing their chances of selection in the H-1B lottery, while entry level and entry level roles—typically associated with lower offered wage and offered salary—may face reduced odds of being selected. In prior years, a random selection process was used, but now, the weighted lottery system is used if there are enough petitions to meet the cap.
To ensure compliance, petitioners seeking to file H-1B petitions must accurately report the prevailing wage, geographic area, intended employment, and standard occupational classification (SOC) code in the registration, as these factors determine the correct wage level and impact the odds in the new system. Petitioners must also ensure that petitions filed for the same beneficiary adhere to the new rules. The new system impacts both employers and foreign nationals seeking H-1B status, requiring careful planning and attention to detail throughout the registration and petition process.
What’s New?
- USCIS will conduct a weighted selection among unique beneficiaries, where each beneficiary receives a number of lottery entries in the selection pool based on their wage level.
- Higher-skilled and higher-paid workers are prioritized, as those in higher wage tiers receive more lottery entries, increasing their chances of selection.
- Entry level candidates and those in entry level roles may have fewer lottery entries, resulting in reduced odds of being selected in the FY 2027 H-1B cap registration process.
- The goal is to: Protect U.S. wages; Improve job opportunities for U.S. workers; and Reduce misuse of the H-1B program
If the number of unique beneficiaries exceeds the annual cap, USCIS will run the weighted selection. If registrations do not exceed the cap, all properly submitted registrations will be selected.
This represents a significant shift from the traditional random lottery model.
Presidential Proclamation and the $100,000 H-1B Fee
On September 19, 2025, Donald Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation titled Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers.
Note that the proclamation does not affect registration or selection. However, after selection, certain petitioners may be required to pay an additional $100,000 fee. Payment of this fee may be a condition of eligibility to file the H-1B petition. Certain petitions, such as those involving change of status (from F-1 to H-1B) or qualifying for a national interest exception, may be exempt from the $100,000 fee. Ongoing litigation continues to challenge the legality and implementation of the $100,000 fee.
Why Early Planning Is Critical for FY 2027
Given the new weighted selection process, increased registration and compliance costs, potential $100,000 proclamation fee, and Continued scrutiny of H-1B filings, employers should:
- Begin candidate selection early. Employers should review the educational credentials of potential candidates, including whether they hold at least a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or a higher degree. Candidates with higher education, such as a U.S. master’s degree, may qualify for the master’s cap or advanced degree exemption, which can improve their chances in the lottery.
- Coordinate wage level and job classification strategy
- Ensure USCIS accounts and attorney access are ready before March 4
Conclusion
The FY 2027 H-1B cap season introduces major procedural and financial changes. Employers should understand that Registration is no longer a formality—it is a strategic step. As such, early preparation can make the difference
Reach out to HSD Immigration Lawyer for assist with:
- Registration strategy under the weighted selection system
- Wage level and job classification analysis
- Compliance planning for new DHS and Presidential requirements
Key Takeaways:
- Review and adapt to new FY 2027 H-1B cap registration procedures.
- Prepare registration materials early to maximize selection chances.
- Analyze wage levels and job classifications for compliance.
- Stay updated on DHS and Presidential policy changes affecting H-1B.
- Consult our office to ensure a successful registration process.