U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the opening of the FY 2027 H-1B electronic registration period, along with significant updates to the selection methodology and fee structure that employers should carefully review.
FY 2027 H-1B Registration Period
The electronic registration window for the FY 2027 H-1B cap is as follows:
- Opening: March 4, 2026, at 12:00 PM (Eastern Time)
- Closing: March 19, 2026, at 12:00 PM (Eastern Time)
Registrations must be submitted through the USCIS online system.
H-1B Registration Fee
USCIS requires a $215 non-refundable registration fee per beneficiary for FY 2027.
The fee must be paid at the time of submission and applies to each individual beneficiary registered, regardless of selection outcome.
Annual H-1B Cap
The statutory H-1B cap applicable to beneficiaries remains unchanged:
- 65,000 visas under the regular cap
- 20,000 visas for holders of a U.S. master’s degree or higher
This results in a total annual limit of 85,000 H-1B visas for FY 2027.
Wage-Based Selection Structure
For FY 2027, USCIS will apply a wage-based selection framework as part of the H-1B cap process:
- USCIS will assign multiple selection entries per registration based on the offered wage level
- Registrations with higher wage levels receive more entries
- Registrations with lower wage levels receive fewer entries
This structure is designed to prioritize higher-paying specialty occupation roles while maintaining the overall statutory cap.
Selection Results
Following the closing of the registration period, USCIS will conduct the selection process using the wage-weighted entry system. Selection results are expected to be announced by late March 2026 and will be available through employer USCIS online accounts.
USCIS may conduct additional selection rounds if the number of filed petitions does not reach the annual cap.
New $100,000 Fee for Certain H-1B Petitions
In addition to standard filing fees, a $100,000 fee now applies to certain H-1B petitions when:
- The H-1B worker is outside the United States
- The petition requests consular processing
This fee is separate from all other USCIS filing fees and applies only to qualifying cases.
Filing After Selection
Employers with selected registrations may file full H-1B cap-subject petitions during the designated filing window. Approved petitions under the FY 2027 cap are expected to take effect on October 1, 2026.
Conclusion
The FY 2027 H-1B season introduces notable changes through a wage-based selection framework, a new $100,000 fee for certain consular cases, and a confirmed $215 registration fee, while retaining the long-standing 85,000 annual visa cap.
Employers should plan strategically and prepare early to align with these updated requirements. If you have further questions, visit our forum!
