The U.S. government has officially announced the registration window for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 H-1B cap. Below is a clear breakdown of important dates, filing steps, and major regulatory updates that could affect your strategy.
Registration Timeline
| Key Facotrs | Details |
| Registration Opens | March 4, 2026 (12:00 p.m. Eastern) |
| Registration Closes | March 19, 2026 (12:00 p.m. Eastern) |
| Registration Fee | $215 per beneficiary |
| Selection Notifications | By March 31, 2026 |
During this period, petitioners must electronically register each beneficiary through an online account with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Selections will occur after the registration window closes, and notifications will be issued through USCIS online accounts.
How the H-1B Electronic Registration Process Works
Step 1: Create a USCIS Online Account
- Employers must create an organizational account if they do not already have one.
- Legal representatives can add company clients to their accounts at any time.
However, both employers and representatives must wait until March 4 to:
- Enter beneficiary information
- Submit registrations
- Pay the required $215 registration fee
Step 2: Submit Registration
Each beneficiary requires:
- A separate electronic registration
- Payment of the $215 registration fee
Step 3: Selection Process
After March 19:
- USCIS will conduct the selection process.
- Selection notifications are expected by March 31, 2026.
- Only selected registrations may proceed to the H-1B petition filing stage.
Important Filing Rule
A petitioner may only file an H-1B cap-subject petition if the beneficiary’s registration was selected. This rule also applies to beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption. No selection means no petition filing.
What’s New for the FY 2027 H-1B Cap Season
Significant changes have been introduced for this cap season. The Department of Homeland Security has issued a final rule modifying how H-1B registrations are selected.
Key Change:
If registrations exceed the annual cap, USCIS will now conduct a weighted selection process among unique beneficiaries.
This new system prioritizes:
- Higher-skilled workers
- Higher-paid positions
The goal is to better protect wages, working conditions, and job opportunities for U.S. workers.
If Registrations Do Not Exceed the Cap
If USCIS does not receive enough properly submitted registrations to meet the cap, all properly submitted registrations for unique beneficiaries will be selected.
Presidential Proclamation: Additional $100,000 Fee
On September 19, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation titled:
“Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers.”
While the proclamation does not affect the electronic registration process itself, it may impact petitioners after selection.
Potential Impact
If a registration is selected and the petitioner is eligible to file an H-1B petition, they may be required to pay:
- An additional $100,000 fee
- As a condition of filing eligibility
Employers should carefully review this requirement before proceeding with a cap-subject petition.
What Employers Should Do Now
- Ensure your USCIS online account is active and properly configured.
- Coordinate early with legal counsel or representatives.
- Review compensation levels and position qualifications in light of the new weighted selection system.
- Budget for potential additional costs, including the possible $100,000 fee.
The FY 2027 cap season introduces meaningful changes that could significantly influence selection outcomes and filing costs. Early preparation is not optional — it is essential.