U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the registration dates for the FY 2027 H-1B cap season, along with some important updates to how the lottery may work this year. While the online registration process remains the same, new policy changes could affect how employers plan their H-1B filings.
FY 2027 H-1B Registration Window
The H-1B electronic registration period will open at noon (Eastern Time) on March 4, 2026, and close at noon (Eastern Time) on March 19, 2026.
During this period
- Employers and their attorneys must submit each H-1B registration online through a USCIS account.
- A $215 registration fee is required for every beneficiary.
- Only registrations submitted within these dates will be considered for the first lottery round.
USCIS expects to send selection notifications by March 31, 2026, through users’ online accounts.
USCIS Online Account Requirements
USCIS continues to require all H-1B registrations to be filed electronically.
- Employers without an account must create an organizational USCIS account before the registration period begins.
- Attorneys and representatives can add company clients to their accounts anytime.
- However, beneficiary details and fee payments can only be entered starting March 4.
Only employers whose registrations are selected in the lottery will be allowed to file a full H-1B petition, including those applying under the advanced degree exemption.
New for FY 2027: Weighted Lottery Selection
A major change this year is the introduction of a weighted selection system, based on a final rule from the Department of Homeland Security.
What this means
- If registrations exceed the annual cap, USCIS may prioritize higher-skilled and higher-paid beneficiaries instead of running a purely random lottery.
- The stated goal is to protect wages and job opportunities for U.S. workers.
- If registrations do not exceed the cap, all properly submitted registrations will be selected.
This is a significant shift from the traditional random lottery and could influence how employers structure job roles and compensation.
Possible Additional $100,000 Fee for Some Employers
Employers should also be aware of a Presidential Proclamation issued in September 2025 titled “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers.” This proclamation does not change the registration process itself, but it may introduce an additional cost.
Some employers whose registrations are selected may need to pay an extra $100,000 fee before filing the H-1B petition. USCIS has advised petitioners to review official guidance on the H-1B Specialty Occupations page as more details are released.
What This Means for Employers and Law Firms
The FY 2027 H-1B season may require more planning than previous years. Employers and immigration attorneys should prepare for:
- Earlier document collection and internal approvals
- Reviewing job roles and salary structures
- Budget planning in case additional fees apply
- Making sure USCIS online accounts are set up and ready before March 4
Starting preparations early can help avoid last-minute issues and missed deadlines.
Next Steps
USCIS has said it will publish more details on the H-1B Electronic Registration Process page before the registration period opens. Employers and attorneys should keep an eye on updates and ensure all information and accounts are ready in advance.
For immigration law firms, this season highlights the importance of organized intake, early employer coordination, and using structured systems to handle high volumes efficiently.
Keep track of Imagility’s blog for more key updates on the FY 2027 H-1B lottery.
Frequently Asked Questions – FY 2027 H-1B Lottery
When does the FY 2027 H-1B registration open?
The registration period opens at noon Eastern Time on March 4, 2026, and closes at noon Eastern Time on March 19, 2026.
How much is the H-1B registration fee for FY 2027?
USCIS requires a $215 fee per beneficiary at the time of electronic registration.
Is the H-1B lottery still random in 2027?
Not entirely. USCIS has introduced a weighted selection system that may prioritize higher-paid and higher-skilled roles if registrations exceed the annual cap.
Do employers need a USCIS online account to register?
Yes. Employers must create an organizational USCIS online account to submit H-1B registrations. Attorneys can manage multiple client accounts.
Can attorneys register on behalf of employers?
Yes. Attorneys and legal representatives can submit registrations through their USCIS representative accounts once they are linked to employer clients.
When will H-1B lottery results be announced?
USCIS expects to send selection notifications by March 31, 2026, through online accounts.
What happens after an H-1B registration is selected?
Only selected employers can proceed to file the full H-1B petition within the filing window announced by USCIS.
What is the advanced degree exemption?
It is an additional selection category for beneficiaries with a U.S. master’s degree or higher, giving them another chance in the selection process.
Is there an additional $100,000 H-1B fee?
Some employers may be subject to an additional $100,000 fee based on the Presidential Proclamation issued in 2025. Not all employers will be affected, but budget planning is recommended.
Can multiple employers register the same candidate?
Yes, different employers can submit registrations for the same beneficiary, but duplicate registrations from the same employer are not allowed.
