FY 2027 H-1B Registration Opens March 4

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The initial registration period for the fiscal year (FY) 2027 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 4 and close at noon Eastern on March 19, 2026.

Employers must submit registrations electronically through a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) online account and pay a $215 registration fee for each beneficiary. Only employers with selected registrations may file H-1B cap-subject petitions.

USCIS expects to issue selection notifications by March 31, 2026, through online accounts.

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How Selection Will Work For FY 2027

Each worker may be entered into the H-1B selection process only once, even if more than one employer attempts to register them.

If the number of registrations exceeds the annual H-1B cap, USCIS may use a weighted selection process. Under a final rule issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), registrations tied to higher-paid and higher-skilled roles may have a better chance of being selected.

If the number of registrations does not exceed the cap, USCIS will select all properly submitted registrations.

USCIS says this approach is intended to protect wages and job opportunities for U.S. workers.

Possible $100,000 Fee For Some Employers

Employers should also plan for the possibility of significantly higher costs.

In September 2025, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation restricting the entry of certain nonimmigrant workers. While the proclamation does not change the registration process itself, employers with selected registrations may be required to pay an additional $100,000 fee before filing an H-1B petition.

USCIS has said this fee will apply only in certain situations, but employers should factor the risk into FY 2027 workforce planning.

What Employers Should Do Now

With higher fees and a wage-based selection process in play, advance planning is important.

Employers should consider:

• Confirming access to a USCIS organizational online account
• Identifying all potential H-1B candidates, including workers with U.S. advanced degrees
• Reviewing offered wages and job levels, since pay may affect selection chances
• Updating budgets to reflect both the $215 registration fee and the potential $100,000 filing fee
• Preparing to move quickly on full H-1B petitions if selected

What Workers Seeking H-1B Sponsorship Should Know

Foreign nationals hoping to be sponsored should also prepare early.

Key steps include:

• Confirming that your employer plans to register you between March 4 and March 19
• Making sure your passport and personal information are accurate
• Understanding how job level and pay may affect selection
• Discussing backup options if you are not selected

The FY 2027 H-1B cap season brings higher costs and a more selective process. Early preparation will matter for both employers and workers.

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