Key Takeaways
- The FY 2027 H-1B registration period runs from March 4 to March 19, 2026, with selection notifications expected by March 31, 2026.
- A new weighted selection process replaces the random lottery, giving higher-paid workers (Wage Level IV) four entries versus one entry for entry-level positions (Wage Level I).
- Employers may face a $100,000 supplemental fee under the September 2025 Presidential Proclamation for certain H-1B petitions requiring consular processing.
- Proper planning, early wage-level analysis, and adherence to the new registration requirements are critical for a successful FY 2027 H-1B petition process.
The H-1B visa process is a highly structured and time-sensitive pathway for skilled workers seeking to work in the United States. For fiscal year 2027 (FY 2027), USCIS has introduced significant changes that make early preparation more important than ever. The new weighted selection process, increased registration fees, and the potential $100,000 supplemental fee under the Presidential Proclamation all demand careful attention from both employers and applicants. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of every critical date, fee, and requirement for the FY 2027 H-1B cap season.
H-1B Visa: Key Dates, Deadlines & Timelines for FY 2027
Every critical date from registration through employment start — including the new weighted selection process, $100,000 supplemental fee, and month-by-month preparation checklist.
New for FY 2027: Weighted Selection Process
Starting with FY 2027, USCIS replaces the random lottery with a wage-based weighted selection. Higher-paid workers receive more entries in the selection pool: Wage Level IV gets 4 entries, Level III gets 3, Level II gets 2, and Level I gets 1. This rule took effect February 27, 2026.
Potential $100,000 Supplemental Fee
Per President Trump’s September 19, 2025 Proclamation, selected petitioners may need to pay an additional $100,000 before filing their H-1B petition. This fee applies to new petitions for beneficiaries outside the U.S. without a valid H-1B visa. Change-of-status petitions (e.g., F-1 to H-1B) filed in the U.S. are generally exempt.
FY 2027 H-1B Registration Period: Key Dates to Remember
USCIS has officially announced that the FY 2027 H-1B cap initial registration period will open at noon Eastern on March 4, 2026, and close at noon Eastern on March 19, 2026. During this window, prospective petitioners and their representatives must register each beneficiary electronically and pay the $215 registration fee through a USCIS online account. Unlike previous years where the process was a simple random lottery, the FY 2027 cycle introduces the weighted selection system that fundamentally changes how selections are made.
📅 Complete FY 2027 H-1B Cap Timeline
Important Timing Note
Selections take place after the registration period closes — there is no advantage to registering on the first day. All properly submitted registrations during the 15-day window are included in the weighted selection process. However, completing registration early helps avoid last-minute technical issues.
Process & Timeline Table: FY 2027 H-1B Key Stages
The FY 2027 H-1B cap season follows a structured multi-stage process. Each stage has firm deadlines that employers and applicants must meet. Missing any single deadline can disqualify an application entirely.
| Stage | Key Dates | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Weighted Rule Effective | Feb 27, 2026 | New wage-based weighted selection process officially takes effect for FY 2027 registrations |
| USCIS Account Setup | Before Mar 4, 2026 | Employers create Organizational Accounts; attorneys use Attorney/Representative Accounts. Can be set up anytime before registration opens |
| Registration Period | Mar 4–19, 2026 | Registration opens March 4 at noon ET and closes March 19 at noon ET. Submit registrations with $215 fee per beneficiary |
| Weighted Selection | By Mar 31, 2026 | USCIS conducts weighted selection based on wage levels and notifies selected registrants via online accounts |
| Petition Filing Window | Apr 1–Jun 30, 2026 | Selected registrants must submit complete H-1B petitions (Form I-129) during this 90-day window with all required fees |
| Petition Processing | Apr 1, 2026 onward | Standard processing: 3–5 months. Premium processing ($2,965): 15 calendar days for qualifying action |
| Second Lottery | Jul–Aug 2026 | USCIS may conduct additional selection rounds if initial quota is not filled from filed petitions |
| Visa Stamping | Jul 1, 2026 onward | Applicants outside U.S. schedule appointments at embassies/consulates. May require $100,000 fee payment |
| H-1B Start Date | Oct 1, 2026 | Start of FY 2027. Earliest date for H-1B employment under this cap season |
New Weighted Selection Process Explained
The most significant change for FY 2027 is the replacement of the random lottery with a wage-based weighted selection system. Published on December 29, 2025, and effective February 27, 2026, this final rule gives higher-paid positions a greater probability of being selected. The weighting is based on the Department of Labor’s four-tier Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) wage levels, tied to the specific occupation and geographic area of employment.
📊 Wage-Level Weighted Selection — Lottery Entries by Level
🔑 Key Rules for Weighted Selection
• Wage level is determined by the OEWS data for the specific SOC code and area of employment
• If a salary range is offered, registrants must use the lowest number in the range
• For multiple worksites, USCIS uses the lowest wage level across all locations
• If multiple employers register the same beneficiary, the lowest wage level among all registrations is used
• Beneficiary-centric selection continues — each person counted only once toward the annual cap
📝 New Registration Inputs Required
• OEWS wage level corresponding to the offered salary
• Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code for the position
• Area(s) of intended employment used for wage level determination
• Offered wage for the position
• All existing registration requirements (passport info, beneficiary details, etc.) remain in effect
Integrity Warning
USCIS can deny or revoke petitions if it determines the employer misstated the wage level to increase selection odds, or attempted to reduce the wage level after selection without legitimate basis. Ensure wage-level documentation is accurate and defensible before registration.
H-1B Electronic Registration Process for Weighted Selection
Get the full breakdown of the new weighted selection process, step-by-step registration instructions, account setup, passport requirements, common mistakes to avoid, and detailed FAQs.
Read Full Guide →Fee Structure: FY 2027 H-1B Application and Processing Fees
The FY 2027 H-1B cap season carries significantly higher costs than prior years due to the increased registration fee, updated premium processing rates, and the potential $100,000 supplemental fee under the Presidential Proclamation. Employers should budget carefully and factor in all applicable fees before committing to sponsorship.
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) | Payment Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| H-1B Registration Fee | $215 | Non-refundable, paid online per beneficiary during registration. Credit card daily limit: $99,999.99 |
| Base Filing Fee (I-129) | $780 | Standard employers. Reduced to $460 for small employers (≤25 employees) and nonprofits |
| ACWIA Training Fee | $750 – $1,500 | $750 for ≤25 employees; $1,500 for 26+ employees. Exempt: universities, nonprofits, gov research orgs |
| Fraud Prevention Fee | $500 | Required for initial H-1B petitions and change-of-employer petitions |
| Asylum Program Fee | $300 – $600 | $600 standard; $300 for small employers; $0 for nonprofits |
| Public Law 114-113 Fee | $4,000 | Only for companies with 50+ employees where >50% are on H-1B or L-1 status |
| Premium Processing (I-907) | $2,965 | Optional. Qualifying action within 15 calendar days. Effective March 1, 2026 (increased from $2,805) |
| Proclamation Fee | $100,000 | May apply to new petitions for beneficiaries outside U.S. without valid H-1B visa. Paid via pay.gov before filing |
H-1B Registration Fee Per Beneficiary
Non-refundable fee required for each beneficiary registered. Payments must be made online via credit card (daily limit: $99,999.99) or ACH from a U.S. bank. Failed payments invalidate the registration. This fee increased from $10 to $215 starting with FY 2026.
💰 Example: Small Company (≤25 Employees)
💰 Example: Large Company (26+ Employees)
The $100,000 Proclamation Fee: Who Pays and Who Is Exempt
On September 19, 2025, President Trump signed a presidential proclamation titled “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers,” imposing an additional $100,000 fee on certain new H-1B petitions. This fee is separate from all standard USCIS filing fees and must be paid through pay.gov before the petition is filed. Understanding who must pay and who is exempt is critical for FY 2027 planning.
🚨 Fee Required ($100,000)
• New H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025 for beneficiaries outside the U.S. without a valid H-1B visa
• Petitions requesting consular notification, port-of-entry notification, or preflight inspection
• Change-of-status petitions where USCIS rejects the change of status (e.g., beneficiary left the U.S. or failed to maintain status)
✅ Fee Exempt
• Petitions filed before September 21, 2025
• H-1B extensions with the same employer for persons already in H-1B status
• Change-of-status petitions (e.g., F-1 to H-1B) that are approved while the beneficiary is in the U.S.
• Beneficiaries who already hold a valid H-1B visa
Good News for F-1 Students
Based on current USCIS guidance, FY 2027 cap lottery submissions will likely not be subject to the $100,000 fee, provided the employer files an H-1B petition for a change of status while the beneficiary remains in the U.S. and USCIS approves the change of status. This is especially relevant for F-1 OPT/STEM OPT workers already employed in the United States.
H-1B Quota Limits & Eligibility Requirements
The annual H-1B cap numbers remain unchanged for FY 2027. However, the new weighted selection process significantly changes who gets selected within these limits. Employers must ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before registering candidates.
🎯 FY 2027 H-1B Visa Cap Numbers
📋 Selection Process (FY 2027)
| Eligibility Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Role | Must qualify as a specialty occupation, requiring theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge in fields such as IT, engineering, finance, science, medicine, or law |
| Minimum Qualifications | Bachelor’s degree or higher in a directly related specific specialty, or its equivalent. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency |
| Employer Obligations | Must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the U.S. Department of Labor demonstrating that wages and conditions meet H-1B standards |
| Prevailing Wage | Employer must offer the higher of the prevailing wage or the actual wage for the job and location. Wage level now directly impacts selection odds |
| OEWS Wage Level | New for FY 2027: Must determine the appropriate OEWS wage level (I–IV) based on offered salary, SOC code, and area of employment at registration |
| Valid Passport | Beneficiary must have a valid passport or travel document at registration. Same document must be used for all registrations submitted on their behalf |
Month-by-Month Preparation Checklist for FY 2027
Given the new weighted selection process, employers need to begin preparation earlier than ever. The wage-level and SOC-code determinations that previously could wait until the petition stage must now be finalized before the March registration window. Here is a comprehensive monthly timeline to ensure readiness.
| Month | Key Activities |
|---|---|
| Oct–Nov 2025 | Identify H-1B sponsorship candidates. Begin reviewing positions for specialty occupation requirements. Audit current workforce for expiring work authorizations (OPT, STEM OPT) |
| Dec 2025 | Begin foreign degree evaluations. Review the new weighted selection rule published December 29. Start preliminary wage-level analysis for each candidate position |
| Jan 2026 | Finalize job descriptions, offered salaries, and worksite locations. Begin mapping SOC codes and OEWS wage levels for each position. Prepare prevailing wage determination requests |
| Feb 2026 | Create or verify USCIS Organizational Account (employers) and Attorney Account (representatives). Gather valid passport information for all beneficiaries. Verify payment methods work |
| Mar 2026 | Registration period: March 4–19. Submit registrations with $215 fee. Review weighted selection criteria. Await selection notification by March 31 |
| Apr–Jun 2026 | Complete and file H-1B petitions (Form I-129) for selected registrations. File LCAs, submit all required fees. Pay $100,000 proclamation fee if applicable. Consider premium processing |
| Jul–Sep 2026 | Schedule visa stamping appointments for applicants outside U.S. Prepare for second lottery if applicable. Monitor petition processing and respond to any RFEs |
| Oct 1, 2026 | FY 2027 begins. Approved H-1B workers can begin employment. Verify all candidates are eligible and ready to start |
✅ Pre-Registration Checklist (Complete Before March 4, 2026)
FY 2027 H-1B Registration Opens March 4
Read the full details of the USCIS announcement including registration requirements, the potential $100,000 fee, and what to expect for the FY 2027 H-1B cap season.
Read Announcement →Document Requirements for H-1B Petition Filing
Once a registration is selected, employers must prepare a comprehensive petition package. Incomplete submissions or missing documents are a common reason for rejections, and in a 90-day filing window, time to correct errors is limited. The following documents should be prepared in advance so that filing can begin immediately after selection notification.
| Document | Details | Validity / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Labor Condition Application (LCA) | Filed by employer with the Department of Labor. Establishes wage and working conditions for the H-1B position | Must be certified before H-1B petition is filed. Wage level on LCA should align with registration inputs |
| Form I-129 (Petition) | Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. Includes H Classification Supplement with Beneficiary Confirmation Number from registration | Must include employment start date of October 1, 2026 or later. USCIS rejects “ASAP” start dates |
| Job Offer Letter | Details job title, salary, duties, worksite location, and employment terms | Must align with LCA details and registration wage-level inputs |
| Educational Credentials | Degree certificates, transcripts, and credential evaluations for foreign degrees | Foreign degree evaluations recommended by January to avoid delays. Master’s cap requires U.S. advanced degree |
| Passport Copy | Valid passport or travel document for the beneficiary. Must match registration data | If passport expired since registration, provide new passport data on Page 3, Part 3 of I-129 with explanation |
| Employer Support Documents | Tax returns, organizational chart, business registration, and financial evidence showing ability to pay the offered wage | USCIS may issue RFE for additional evidence if initial package is insufficient |
| Proclamation Fee Evidence | Proof of $100,000 payment from pay.gov, OR evidence of exception from DHS Secretary | New for FY 2027 (if applicable). Petitions subject to fee that lack payment evidence will be denied |
Essential Calculations and Considerations
Navigating the H-1B process requires understanding several key rules and timing requirements. These calculations govern when you can file, how long processing takes, and what happens if things go wrong. Being aware of these guardrails will help employers and applicants avoid costly mistakes.
⏱️ Critical Timing Rules
📌 Key Rules to Remember
• H-1B petitions cannot be submitted more than 6 months before the start date
• Start date must be October 1, 2026 or later — USCIS rejects “ASAP” dates
• Missing the 90-day window means automatic disqualification
• Rejected petitions can be re-filed within the 90-day window
• Wage level at registration must be supported by documentation at petition filing
FY 2026 Historical Context: What Changed
Understanding FY 2026 results provides important context for what employers can expect in FY 2027. The beneficiary-centric selection process introduced in FY 2025 dramatically reduced fraud, and FY 2026 saw continued improvements. With the weighted selection process added on top for FY 2027, the landscape is shifting further toward higher-skilled workers.
📊 FY 2026 Selection Statistics
📉 FY 2026 vs FY 2025 Changes
Anti-Fraud Measures Working
The beneficiary-centric selection process has been remarkably effective. Multiple registrations dropped from 408,891 in FY 2024 to just 7,828 in FY 2026 — a 98% reduction. This means each beneficiary now has approximately one registration on their behalf, making the process significantly fairer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Under the old random system, each beneficiary had an equal ~29.59% chance of selection regardless of wage level. Under the new weighted system, higher-wage positions receive more entries in the selection pool. Wage Level IV positions receive 4 entries, Level III receives 3, Level II receives 2, and Level I receives 1. This means higher-paid workers have a significantly higher probability of being selected, while entry-level positions have reduced odds.
No. Selections take place after the registration period closes on March 19. All registrations submitted during the 15-day window are treated equally in the weighted selection process. There is no advantage to submitting on day one. However, registering earlier helps avoid last-minute technical issues or internet disruptions that could prevent timely submission.
Yes. A petitioner can refile a rejected petition if they do so within the designated 90-day filing window (April 1 – June 30, 2026). You must file at the correct location and include all required fees and supporting evidence. If you suspect a delivery issue, you may file a second petition with an explanation requesting withdrawal of the first.
No. Based on current USCIS guidance, the $100,000 Proclamation fee generally does not apply to petitions filed as a change of status (e.g., F-1 to H-1B) for beneficiaries already present in the U.S. in valid status. It primarily applies to new petitions for beneficiaries outside the U.S. who need consular processing. However, the Proclamation is subject to ongoing legal challenges and guidance may change.
At registration, you must select the highest OEWS wage level that the offered salary equals or exceeds for the specific SOC code and geographic area of employment. If offering a salary range, use the lowest number in the range. For multiple worksites, use the lowest equivalent wage level across all locations. The SOC code should accurately reflect the duties of the position — choosing an inappropriate SOC code to manipulate wage level can lead to denial or revocation.
The passport must be valid at the time of registration. If it expires before filing, enter the new passport data on Page 3, Part 3 of Form I-129. Include documentation for both passports and an explanation for the change. Using a different passport for registration than what appears on the petition will not automatically cause rejection, but the petitioner must establish the connection between the two documents.
You must indicate a start date of October 1, 2026 or later, and the date must be within 6 months of the petition receipt date. USCIS will reject or deny petitions with inappropriate start dates, including those that say “As Soon As Possible” or “ASAP.”
Yes, if the companies are unrelated. USCIS would not consider registrations from different, unrelated employers as duplicates. However, an important caveat under the weighted system: if multiple registrations exist for the same beneficiary at different wage levels, USCIS assigns the lowest wage level among all registrations for that beneficiary for selection weighting. Coordination between employers is therefore critical.
Employers (prospective petitioners) must create an Organizational Account. Attorneys and accredited representatives need an Attorney/Representative Account. Do NOT create an “Applicant/Petitioner” account — it cannot be used for H-1B registrations. Both the employer and attorney need separate accounts, and both can be created before the registration period opens.
Premium processing (Form I-907) costs $2,965 (effective March 1, 2026) and guarantees USCIS will take a qualifying action — approval, denial, RFE, or NOID — within 15 calendar days. It does not guarantee approval and does not speed up consular visa processing. It is recommended for employers who need certainty about petition status before October 1 or who need to plan employee start dates. The fee is refunded only if USCIS fails to act within 15 days.
📚 Official Sources
- USCIS: FY 2027 H-1B Cap Registration Opens March 4 (Jan 30, 2026)
- USCIS: H-1B Electronic Registration Process
- USCIS: H-1B Cap Season
- USCIS: DHS Changes H-1B Selection Process (Dec 23, 2025)
- USCIS: Presidential Proclamation – $100,000 H-1B Fee
- USCIS: H and L Filing Fees for Form I-129
- USCIS: Fee Schedule, Form G-1055
- Federal Register: Premium Processing Fee Adjustment (Effective Mar 1, 2026)
Final Thought
The FY 2027 H-1B cap season represents the most significant procedural shift in the program’s recent history. The transition from a random lottery to a wage-weighted selection system, combined with the potential $100,000 supplemental fee and continued beneficiary-centric approach, means that preparation and strategic planning matter more than ever. Employers who begin early — mapping wage levels, finalizing SOC codes, and understanding fee implications — will be best positioned for a successful outcome.
Navigating the FY 2027 H-1B visa process requires precision at every step. From the March registration window to the October 1 start date, both employers and applicants must track each milestone carefully. The new weighted selection system rewards higher-paid positions, making wage-level analysis a critical pre-registration task that cannot be deferred to the petition stage.
Why it matters:
The H-1B visa is a cornerstone of U.S. work-based immigration, facilitating the entry of highly skilled foreign workers into specialty occupations. With only 85,000 visas available annually and a new system that shifts odds based on compensation, missing critical dates or failing to prepare proper wage documentation can derail an employer’s ability to secure essential talent.
The big picture:
The FY 2027 H-1B cap season operates under an entirely new regulatory framework. For the first time, the selection process considers the wage level of the offered position rather than treating all registrations equally. Combined with the beneficiary-centric approach that eliminated widespread duplicate registration fraud, and the $100,000 Presidential Proclamation fee for certain petitions, the landscape has fundamentally changed from even two years ago.
By the numbers:
– March 4–19, 2026: Registration window for FY 2027 H-1B visas (15 days).
– $215: Non-refundable registration fee per beneficiary.
– 85,000: Total H-1B visas available (65,000 regular + 20,000 master’s cap).
– $100,000: Potential supplemental fee for consular processing petitions.
– $2,965: Premium processing fee (effective March 1, 2026).
– October 1, 2026: Earliest employment start date for FY 2027.
The bottom line:
The FY 2027 H-1B visa process is more complex and higher-stakes than ever before. With the weighted selection system favoring higher-paid positions, the $100,000 fee impacting consular processing cases, and a tight 15-day registration window, employers must begin preparation months in advance. Early wage-level mapping, SOC code analysis, and coordination with immigration counsel are no longer optional — they are prerequisites for a competitive registration. Starting early and ensuring compliance with every new requirement is the best strategy for a successful FY 2027 outcome.
Learn Today
H-1B Visa: A U.S. work visa for skilled foreign professionals in specialty occupations, typically requiring higher education or specialized expertise in a directly related field.
USCIS: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the government agency managing immigration benefits, including H-1B visa processing and the electronic registration system.
Weighted Selection Process: The new FY 2027 system where H-1B registrations receive multiple lottery entries (1–4) based on the OEWS wage level of the offered position, replacing the prior random selection.
OEWS Wage Level: The four-tier wage classification system from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey, used to determine the weighted entries for each H-1B registration.
Labor Condition Application (LCA): A document employers file with the U.S. Department of Labor certifying fair wages and working conditions for H-1B workers before filing the I-129 petition.
Premium Processing: An optional service ($2,965 effective March 1, 2026) providing a USCIS qualifying action within 15 calendar days of filing.
Presidential Proclamation Fee: A $100,000 supplemental payment required under the September 2025 Proclamation for certain new H-1B petitions involving consular processing.
This Article in a Nutshell
The FY 2027 H-1B cap season brings transformative changes that demand earlier and more strategic preparation than ever before. With the weighted selection process favoring higher-paid roles, a 15-day registration window in March, the potential $100,000 supplemental fee, and employment starting October 1, 2026, success depends on meticulous planning. Employers must finalize wage levels, SOC codes, and salary offers before registration opens — not after selection. Proactive preparation transforms this complex, high-stakes process into a navigable path toward securing top global talent.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• H-1B Electronic Registration Process for Weighted Selection
• FY 2027 H-1B Registration Opens March 4
• Important Dates for F-1 Students on OPT in the U.S.
• USCIS Updates EB-2 National Interest Waiver Guidance
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws, USCIS policies, and fee requirements are subject to change, and the Presidential Proclamation fee is subject to ongoing legal challenges. Always verify current requirements on the official USCIS website and consult with a qualified immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Does a master’s degree obtained from a university outside the United States make me eligible for the Master’s Cap/Advanced Degree Exemption under the H1B visa program?
Hi Dr. Imran! Unfortunately, a master’s degree obtained from a university outside the U.S. does not qualify you for the Master’s Cap/Advanced Degree Exemption under the H-1B program. To be eligible, your degree must be earned from an accredited U.S. institution. However, you can still qualify under the regular H-1B cap. Best of luck with your application!