H-1B Visa 2027 Registration Dates. The United States government has officially announced the H-1B visa registration timeline for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027, along with several important changes to the selection process. These updates include a new weighted lottery system, revised registration rules, and the possibility of significantly higher fees for some employers.
For employers, immigration lawyers, and skilled foreign workers planning to apply, understanding these changes early is critical. The FY 2027 H-1B season is expected to be more competitive and strategic than ever before.
FY 2027 H-1B Visa Program
The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations that require specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Every year, demand for H-1B visas far exceeds the annual cap, making the registration and selection process highly competitive.
For FY 2027, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced key procedural and policy-level changes aimed at prioritizing higher-skilled and higher-paid workers.
H-1B Registration Dates for FY 2027
USCIS has confirmed that the H-1B registration window for FY 2027 will open on March 4, 2026, at 12:00 noon Eastern Time.
The registration period will close on March 19, 2026, at 12:00 noon Eastern Time, giving employers a total of 16 days to submit registrations.
During this period, employers must register each foreign worker they intend to sponsor through the USCIS online registration system.
H-1B Registration Fee and Online-Only Process
Each H-1B registration will require a non-refundable fee of $215 per worker. USCIS has made it clear that:
- Registrations must be submitted online only
- Paper filings are not allowed during the registration stage
- Each worker requires a separate registration
Employers should ensure payment methods and account access are ready well before the registration window opens.
USCIS Online Account Requirements for Employers
All employers planning to file H-1B petitions must have a USCIS organizational online account. Employers who do not already have an account must create one in advance.
Immigration attorneys and accredited representatives can add employer clients to their accounts at any time. However, they cannot enter worker information or submit registrations before March 4, 2026.
Early account setup is strongly recommended to avoid last-minute technical issues.
What Happens After H-1B Registration Closes
Once the registration window closes on March 19, USCIS will begin running the H-1B selection process.
If a registration is selected, USCIS plans to send selection notifications by March 31, 2026. These notifications will appear directly in the employer’s USCIS online account.
Only employers with selected registrations will be allowed to file full H-1B petitions. This rule applies to both regular cap applicants and those eligible under the U.S. master’s degree exemption.
Major Change in FY 2027: New Weighted Lottery System
One of the most significant updates for FY 2027 is the introduction of a weighted H-1B selection system.
In previous years, all valid registrations were treated equally in a random lottery if applications exceeded the visa cap. However, for FY 2027, USCIS will prioritize registrations based on wage levels and skill criteria.
Under the new system:
- Higher-paid and higher-skilled workers will have better chances of selection
- The goal is to protect U.S. wages and discourage misuse of the program
- If total registrations are lower than the annual cap, all eligible registrations will be selected
This change places greater importance on salary planning and job classification.
Possible $100,000 Additional Fee for Certain Employers
Another major development comes from a presidential proclamation issued in September 2025, signed by former President Donald Trump.
Under this order, certain employers may be required to pay an additional $100,000 fee if their H-1B registration is selected and they meet specific criteria outlined in the proclamation.
Key points to note:
- This fee does not apply during the registration stage
- It may apply before filing the full H-1B petition
- Detailed guidance on eligibility is still limited
Employers are strongly advised to consult legal counsel and monitor official USCIS updates regarding this fee.
What These Changes Mean for H-1B Applicants
For foreign workers, the FY 2027 H-1B season is expected to be more competitive. Factors such as salary level, job role, and employer strategy will play a bigger role than before.
For employers, early preparation is essential. This includes:
- Setting up USCIS accounts early
- Reviewing wage levels and job classifications
- Consulting immigration attorneys before registration opens
Failure to plan ahead could significantly reduce the chances of selection.
Final Thoughts
The FY 2027 H-1B visa season introduces major structural changes that will reshape how visas are allocated. With new registration dates, a weighted lottery system, higher registration fees, and the possibility of a $100,000 additional cost, both employers and applicants must stay informed and prepared.
