U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the opening of the FY 2027 H-1B cap initial registration period, marking the first step for employers seeking to sponsor foreign workers under the H-1B program for the upcoming fiscal year.
The registration period will open at noon Eastern Time on March 4, 2026, and will close at noon Eastern Time on March 19, 2026. Employers and their representatives must complete electronic registrations through a USCIS online account during this window.
Key Dates for FY 2027 H-1B Registration
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Registration Opens: March 4, 2026 (12:00 p.m. ET)
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Registration Closes: March 19, 2026 (12:00 p.m. ET)
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Registration Fee: $215 per beneficiary
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Selection Notifications: By March 31, 2026
Only employers with selected registrations will be eligible to file H-1B cap-subject petitions.
Who Must Register and How the Process Works
Prospective H-1B petitioners and attorneys must use a USCIS online account to submit registrations.
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Employers without an existing account must create an organizational account.
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Attorneys and representatives may add company clients at any time.
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Beneficiary information and registration submissions cannot be entered until March 4, 2026.
Each registration requires payment of the $215 registration fee, submitted electronically at the time of filing.
Once the registration period closes, USCIS will conduct the selection process and notify selected registrants through their online accounts.
Filing an H-1B Petition After Selection
An employer may only file an H-1B cap-subject petition if:
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The beneficiary’s registration was selected, and
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The petition is filed during the designated filing window announced by USCIS
This requirement applies to both:
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Regular cap H-1B cases, and
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Advanced degree (master’s cap) exemption cases
What’s New for the FY 2027 H-1B Cap Season
Weighted Selection Process Introduced
For FY 2027, USCIS will implement a new weighted selection system under recently finalized Department of Homeland Security regulations.
If registrations exceed the annual cap:
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USCIS will conduct a weighted selection among unique beneficiaries, prioritizing higher-skilled and higher-paid workers.
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The goal is to better protect U.S. wages, working conditions, and job opportunities.
If USCIS does not receive enough registrations to reach the cap:
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All properly submitted registrations will be selected.
This marks a significant shift from prior lottery-based selection methods.
Impact of the Presidential Proclamation on H-1B Workers
While the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation titled “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers” does not affect the registration process itself, it may affect employers later in the process.
If a registration is selected and the employer proceeds to file an H-1B petition:
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The employer may be required to pay an additional $100,000 supplemental fee as a condition of eligibility, depending on the worker’s circumstances.
Employers should factor this potential cost into early planning and budgeting decisions.
Planning Ahead: What Employers Should Do Now
With the registration window approaching, employers should:
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Identify potential H-1B candidates early
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Ensure USCIS online accounts are properly set up
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Coordinate with legal counsel on eligibility and wage strategy
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Budget for registration fees and potential supplemental costs
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Prepare for the possibility of a weighted selection outcome
Early preparation is especially important given the regulatory changes affecting selection criteria.
Final Thoughts
The FY 2027 H-1B cap season introduces notable changes, including a higher registration fee, a new weighted selection process, and potential supplemental costs tied to recent policy developments. Employers considering H-1B sponsorship should begin planning now to ensure timely and compliant registration.
If you have questions about H-1B eligibility, registration strategy, or how the new rules may affect your organization, consulting with an experienced immigration attorney can help you navigate the process with confidence.
Sources:
- USCIS – H-1B Electronic Registration Process
- USCIS – H-1B Update
- Federal Register – DHS Final Rule on Weighted H-1B Selection
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
We Can Help!
If you have questions regarding H-1B Visas, we invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Please read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
REBECCA KROLL is an Associate Attorney at Richards and Jurusik who practices exclusively in U.S. immigration law, focusing on both business and family-based immigration. She assists clients with employment-based visas, marriage and family cases, and the U.S. citizenship process. (Full Bio)
