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. This year introduces significant changes including a new weighted selection process favoring higher-skilled workers and a potential $100,000 additional fee under President Trump’s September 2025 proclamation.
FY 2027 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens March 4
New weighted selection process and potential $100,000 fee under Presidential Proclamation
New Weighted Selection Process for FY 2027
DHS published a final rule implementing a weighted selection process that prioritizes allocating visas to higher-skilled and higher-paid workers to better protect American workers. If registrations exceed the cap, USCIS will conduct weighted selection from unique beneficiaries.
Potential $100,000 Additional Fee
| India | China | ROW | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Apr 01, 2023 ▲31d | Apr 01, 2023 ▲31d | Current |
| EB-2 | Jul 15, 2014 ▲303d | Sep 01, 2021 | Current |
| EB-3 | Nov 15, 2013 | Jun 15, 2021 ▲45d | Jun 01, 2024 ▲244d |
| F-1 | May 01, 2017 ▲174d | May 01, 2017 ▲174d | May 01, 2017 ▲174d |
| F-2A | Feb 01, 2024 | Feb 01, 2024 | Feb 01, 2024 |
Per President Trump’s Sept. 19, 2025 Proclamation “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers“, selected petitioners may need to pay an additional $100,000 fee before filing the H-1B petition as a condition of eligibility. Check USCIS H-1B Specialty Occupations page for details.
📅 FY 2027 H-1B Cap Timeline
Registration Requirements
👔 For Employers (Petitioners)
- Must have a USCIS organizational account
- Create account before March 4 if you don’t have one
- Can add beneficiary info starting March 4 only
- Pay $215 registration fee per beneficiary
- Can only file H-1B petition if registration is selected
⚖️ For Representatives (Attorneys)
- Use attorney/representative account
- Can add company clients to accounts anytime
- Cannot enter beneficiary info until March 4
- Must submit registrations and fees during window
- Coordinate with employers to avoid duplicates
FY 2027 H-1B Fee Structure
$215 registration fee per beneficiary (required). $100,000 additional fee may apply under Presidential Proclamation before filing petition. Check eligibility requirements on USCIS website.
✅ Pre-Registration Checklist
Selection Process
Selections occur after the registration period closes—no need to register on day one. A petitioner may only file an H-1B cap-subject petition if their registration for that beneficiary was selected. This includes petitions for beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap).
H-1B Electronic Registration Process for Weighted Selection
Get the complete breakdown of the new FY 2027 weighted selection process, step-by-step registration instructions, account setup, passport requirements, common mistakes to avoid, and detailed FAQs.
Read Full Guide →📚 Official USCIS Sources
USCIS Announcement (Jan 30, 2026) • H-1B Electronic Registration Process • H-1B Specialty OccupationsDisclaimer: This article summarizes the official USCIS announcement dated January 30, 2026. Immigration policies are subject to change. Always verify current requirements on the official USCIS website and consult with a qualified immigration attorney.
