USCIS Announces Critical Dates and Process Updates for FY 2027 H-1B Cap Registration Period
USCIS has announced important updates for the FY2027 H-1B cap season, including registration dates, online filing requirements, and upcoming changes to the lottery selection process.
Registration Window
The initial registration period for the FY2027 H-1B cap will run from noon (ET) on March 4, 2026, through noon (ET) on March 19, 2026. During this window, prospective petitioners and their representatives may submit electronic registrations for the H-1B lottery. USCIS expects to notify registrants of initial selections by March 31, 2026.
USCIS Online Accounts
Like last year, prospective petitioners and their representatives (“registrants”) will need to use USCIS Online Accounts to submit each beneficiary electronically for the selection process. Employers that do not yet have an USCIS Online Account, whose corporate information has changed, or whose internal immigration contact has changed should plan to set up or update their account in advance of registration.
While USCIS Online Accounts may be created at any time, beneficiary information cannot be entered and registrations cannot be submitted until March 4, at which point the $215 registration fee per beneficiary will apply. There is no advantage to registering earlier versus later within that window, since the lottery is only run after the window is closed.
We will be reaching out to clients ahead of the registration window with guidance on account setup and step-by-step registration instructions.
Beneficiary- centric selection continues
This year, USCIS will again apply its beneficiary-centric selection model, meaning each unique beneficiary is entered into the lottery only once, based on passport or travel document number, regardless of how many employers submit registrations on their behalf. If a beneficiary is selected, each registrant that submitted a registration for that individual will be notified and eligible to file an H-1B petition during the 90-day filing period.
New This Year: Wage-Weighted Lottery Selection
As we previously reported,a Final Rule taking effect February 27, 2026 replaces the fully random lottery with a wage-weighted selection system. Under this framework, registrations associated with higher OEWS wage levels (Levels III–IV) will be prioritized in the selection process, while lower-wage registrations will remain eligible but may face reduced odds.
As a result, prior to registration, employers must confirm the SOC codes, OEWS wage levels, and areas of intended employment for each position.
USCIS is still updating its official FAQs.
We are monitoring these developments and will incorporate relevant guidance into our advice as appropriate, including in our recently refreshed FY 2027 H-1B FAQs.
🎓 Join us live: We will also be walking through these changes including practical planning considerations for employers and employees during our upcoming FY 2027 H-1B cap season Webinar on Friday, February 6.
