USCIS to Open Registration for FY 2027 H-1B Visas on March 4, 2026

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is expected to begin accepting registrations for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 H-1B cap on March 4, 2026, with the registration period closing at noon Eastern Time on March 19, 2026. Given the limited registration window, proactive preparation is crucial for potential applicants.

Registration and Fees

Registration for the H-1B cap is completed online through the myUSCIS.gov platform. Employers must submit one electronic registration for each employee they wish to enter into the lottery. A nonrefundable fee of $215 per employee is required and must be paid online through pay.gov. This registration fee is separate from the government filing fees that may be due later if the employee is selected and a petition is filed.

Employers planning to utilize immigration counsel should establish their accounts and internal approval/payment processes in advance to facilitate a swift response once registration opens.

Information to Gather Now

To ensure a smooth registration process, gather the following information for each potential candidate:

• Company name, Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), and address
• Company contact information (and attorney information, if applicable)
• Employee’s full name, date of birth, country of birth, country of citizenship, gender, and passport number
• Confirmation of whether the employee holds a U.S. Master’s degree (for consideration under the master’s cap)
• Wage level for the offered position (Levels I–IV). Consulting with an immigration attorney, such as those at Fennemore, can help determine the appropriate wage level.

Changes to the Lottery Selection Process

USCIS has announced plans to adjust the H-1B lottery selection process.

• Wage-Based Selection: Registrations with higher wage levels (Level IV) will receive increased selection odds compared to lower wage levels (Level I). This shift aims to reduce the purely random nature of the selection process.
• One Entry Per Person: USCIS utilizes a beneficiary-based selection system, meaning each employee will only be counted once in the lottery, even if multiple employers submit registrations on their behalf. If multiple employers submit registrations for the same beneficiary, the entry will be based on the lowest weighted Occupational Employment Statistics (OEWS) level submitted among those registrations.

Practical Reminders

• Accuracy is Paramount: Incorrect information or issues with fee payment can create significant problems later in the process.
• Start Dates: If selected, petitions can request an employment start date on or after October 1st, provided the requested start date is within six months of filing.

Next Steps

Identify potential H-1B candidates now, confirm passport details, verify job titles and worksite locations, and review wage levels. Legal counsel can assist with candidate assessment, registration preparation, and planning alternative options if an employee is not selected.

Please note a separate $100,000 fee applies to certain H-1B petitions. Further details can be found here.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.