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H-1B Visa 2027: Registration Timeline, Revised Lottery Process, and Increased Fees

February 4, 2026 4:49 am

H-1B Visa 2027: Registration Timeline, Revised Lottery Process, and Increased Fees

The U.S. has unveiled crucial information regarding the FY 2027 H-1B visa program. Significant changes in registration processes and selection criteria will affect both employers and skilled workers. Here’s a concise overview of what to anticipate and how to prepare for the upcoming application season.

H-1B Registration Timeline for FY 2027

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has set important dates for the FY 2027 H-1B visa registration:

Opening Date: Registration will commence on March 4, 2026, at noon Eastern Time.
Closing Date: The registration period will end on March 19, 2026, at noon Eastern Time.

During this 16-day window, employers must register each employee they wish to sponsor via a USCIS online account. Each registration incurs a fee of $215 per worker. Notably, paper applications will not be accepted; all processes will be conducted online.

Requirements for USCIS Online Account

Employers intending to file H-1B petitions need a USCIS organizational account. Those without an existing account must create one prior to submitting worker registrations. Immigration attorneys can add employer clients to their accounts at any time. However, they can only input worker details and submit registrations starting March 4.

Post-Registration Process

Following the registration deadline, USCIS will initiate its selection process. Employers whose registrations are chosen will receive notifications by March 31, 2026. These notifications will be accessible through their USCIS online accounts. Only those employers with selected registrations can file complete H-1B petitions, which apply to eligible workers benefiting from the U.S. master’s degree exemption.

Major Changes in Selection Criteria

This year introduces a pivotal change in how USCIS selects applicants. For FY 2027, a weighted selection system will determine outcomes when demand surpasses the available visa cap. Registrations for higher-paid and more skilled positions will gain priority. This adjustment aims to protect U.S. wages and employment opportunities. If fewer unique workers register than the annual cap, USCIS will accept all properly completed applications.

New Potential Fee for Certain Employers

A noteworthy development emerged from a presidential proclamation signed in September 2025. This order may impose an additional $100,000 fee on some H-1B employers. While this fee does not apply during the registration phase, selected employers may have to pay it when filing full H-1B petitions, depending on compliance with the proclamation’s requirements. Specific information regarding this fee is still limited, so employers should thoroughly review official guidance.

Implications for H-1B Applicants

This registration season is poised to be exceptionally competitive. The emphasis on salary levels and job roles significantly impacts selection beyond the petition stage. Employers should prioritize early planning, including account setup, wage strategy, and legal reviews, well in advance of March.

In summary, the FY 2027 H-1B visa application process will undergo significant transformations. Employers and applicants must stay informed and prepared, as updates may arise before registration opens. Regularly check official announcements to navigate these changes effectively.