FY 2027 H-1B Cap: Wage-Weighted Registration Opens March 4, 2026

 

USCIS just announced that the FY 2027 H-1B cap registration will open on March 4, 2026.  For this season, USCIS introduces a significant shift to a wage-weighted selection process. Below is a summary of the key dates for the current cap filing season: 

FY 2027 H-1B Cap Key Dates (Current Season)

Milestone	Specific Date / Window
Job Offers Made. Collection and Review of Case Documents	January – March 18, 2026
Organizational Account Creation	Ongoing / Open Now. Employers should create accounts early.
Registration Period Opens	March 4, 2026 (12:00 p.m. ET).
Registration Period Closes	March 19, 2026 (12:00 p.m. ET).
Announcement of Results	By March 31, 2026.
Petition Filing Period	April 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026 (expected 90-day window).
Earliest Employment Start Date	October 1, 2026.

Historically, the registration window has consistently opened in early March, but specific dates vary slightly each year. 

The Key Requirements for FY 2027 include the following: 

• Weighted Selection: The new system favors higher-skilled and higher-paid individuals. Beneficiaries offered a Level 4 wage receive four entries in the lottery, while those at Level 1 receive only one.

• Fees: Employers must pay a non-refundable $215 registration fee per beneficiary during the March window.

• Proclamation Fee: A new $100,000 fee may apply to certain petitions selected in the lottery if they are subject to the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation. This generally does not apply foreign nationals currently in the U.S. filing for a change of status.

• Wait Until March 4: While representatives can add clients to their accounts now, neither employers nor representatives can enter specific beneficiary info or submit the registration until the window opens on March 4.

As always, early preparation and planning is key to a successful H-1B filing.  Employers and employees should work with their immigration counsel to identify and address any potential issues of the case before registering the case in the system.  Given the new wage-weighted selection process, critical factors such as job classification (SOC code), intended work location, and the offered salary must be finalized early.  Any mistake or inaccurate information could lead to a denial of the petition. 

(Immigration laws and policies change regularly.  If you have any questions regarding this article, please visit www.1visa1.com to schedule a legal consultation.)