The United States government has officially released key dates and new policy adjustments for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 H-1B visa season. For immigration attorneys, U.S. employers, and highly skilled foreign professionals monitoring the process, the 2027 cycle introduces important structural changes—particularly in how selections will be made.
Below is a simplified and structured breakdown of what is changing, what remains the same, and what applicants should prepare for ahead of the March 2026 registration window.
H-1B Enrollment Dates for Fiscal Year 2027
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that the online H-1B registration portal will open on:
- March 4, 2026 – 12:00 PM (Eastern Time)
- Registration closes on March 19, 2026 – 12:00 PM (Eastern Time)
This provides a 16-day digital enrollment window during which employers must submit electronic registrations for each prospective H-1B candidate.
The registration fee remains approximately $215 per beneficiary.
Important: Paper filings are not permitted at the registration stage. All submissions must be completed through the official USCIS online system.
Who Needs a USCIS Online Account?
Any employer intending to sponsor an H-1B candidate must create and maintain a USCIS organizational online account.
- New employers must create accounts before March 4, 2026.
- Immigration attorneys and legal representatives may link employer clients to their accounts at any time.
- However, no H-1B registration entries can be submitted until the portal officially opens.
Early account setup is strongly recommended to avoid last-minute technical or administrative delays.
What Happens After Registration Closes?
Once the registration window closes on March 19, 2026, USCIS will begin the selection process.
Selected employers are expected to receive electronic notifications through their USCIS accounts by March 31, 2026.
If selected, employers may then proceed to file the full H-1B petition, including those qualifying under the U.S. Master’s Cap exemption.
Major Change for FY 2027: A New Weighted Selection System
Fiscal Year 2027 introduces one of the most significant modifications to the H-1B selection process in recent years.
Historically, USCIS treated all properly submitted registrations equally and conducted a random lottery when applications exceeded the annual cap. However, under the new framework for FY 2027, USCIS will implement a weighted selection model if registrations exceed available visa numbers.
What This Means
- Higher-paid positions may receive stronger selection preference.
- Roles requiring greater experience or specialized skills may be weighted more favorably.
- The intent is to prioritize higher-wage and higher-skilled employment.
If the number of eligible registrations falls below the annual H-1B cap, all properly submitted registrations will be selected.
This structural change makes salary level and job classification more influential at the selection stage, not just during petition adjudication.
Possible $100,000 Additional Fee for Certain Employers
Another development affecting the FY 2027 season stems from a presidential directive issued in September 2025. The order introduced the possibility of an additional $100,000 fee for certain H-1B employers.
Key points to understand:
- This fee does not apply at the registration stage.
- If a registration is selected, qualifying employers may be required to pay the additional amount before filing the full petition.
- Final implementation details and qualifying criteria remain limited.
Employers are strongly advised to review official guidance before the petition filing stage to confirm whether they fall under the additional fee category.
What This Means for H-1B Candidates
For foreign professionals seeking H-1B status in FY 2027, the competition may intensify under the new weighted system.
Unlike previous years, wage level and job classification may directly influence the probability of selection.
Candidates should:
- Ensure the offered salary is competitive and aligned with prevailing wage standards.
- Confirm that job descriptions accurately reflect specialized skill requirements.
- Coordinate closely with sponsoring employers before March 2026.
What Employers Should Do Now
Preparation is essential. Employers should:
- Create or update USCIS online accounts.
- Review salary structures and prevailing wage compliance.
- Consult immigration counsel regarding weighted selection implications.
- Monitor USCIS announcements for any last-minute rule modifications.
As in previous cycles, USCIS may revise operational guidance before or during the registration window. Staying informed through official channels is critical.
Final Thoughts
The H-1B FY 2027 season marks a notable shift in U.S. employment-based immigration policy. With a new weighted lottery model, potential additional employer fees, and unchanged digital registration procedures, both employers and candidates must prepare strategically.
Early planning, competitive wage structuring, and compliance readiness will be more important than ever as the March 2026 enrollment window approaches.