H-1B Registration for FY 2027: What Employers Need to Know

ALBANY, NY | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced the opening of the initial H-1B registration period for fiscal year 2027. The registration window will open at noon Eastern on March 4, 2026, and close at noon Eastern on March 19, 2026. During this period, employers seeking to file H-1B cap-subject petitions must complete an electronic registration for each prospective employee through a USCIS online account and pay a $215 registration fee per beneficiary.

What the H-1B registration process involves

The H-1B process begins with an electronic registration, not a full petition. Employers and their representatives submit basic information about the company and the intended foreign worker. USCIS then conducts a selection process after the registration period closes.

Only employers whose registrations are selected may move forward with filing a full H-1B cap-subject petition. This includes petitions filed under the advanced degree exemption.

USCIS has indicated that selection notifications are expected to be issued by March 31, 2026, through USCIS online accounts.

USCIS online account requirements

Employers that do not already have a USCIS online account must create an organizational account in order to participate in the registration process.

While representatives may add employer clients to their accounts at any time, neither employers nor representatives may enter beneficiary information or submit registrations until March 4, 2026.

New selection process for FY 2027

For the FY 2027 cap season, USCIS will apply a revised selection methodology if the number of registrations exceeds the annual cap.

Under this rule, USCIS will conduct a weighted selection among unique beneficiaries, prioritizing higher-skilled and higher-paid workers. If the number of registrations does not exceed the cap, all properly submitted registrations will be selected.

This change reflects a shift away from a purely random lottery and underscores the importance of planning, role analysis, and accurate wage and position classification.

Presidential proclamation and potential additional fees

Employers should also be aware of a presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, titled Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers.

While the proclamation does not change the electronic registration process itself, employers with selected registrations may be subject to an additional $100,000 fee as a condition of eligibility before filing the H-1B petition. Applicability depends on the circumstances of the employer and the beneficiary.

While there are limited exceptions, as a general rule, if the intended foreign worker is in lawful status in the United States and would be eligible for a change of status, the additional fee would not apply. However, if the intended foreign worker is not presently in the United States and would not be eligible for a change of status, the additional fee would apply.

Planning ahead matters

Submitting a registration early does not increase the likelihood of selection. What does matter is confirming eligibility, ensuring information is accurate, and coordinating internally so registrations can be submitted correctly once the window opens.

Employers should be identifying potential candidates now, reviewing job roles and wage levels, and considering next steps in the event a registration is not selected.

Our firm works with employers to navigate the H-1B registration and petition process, from early planning through post-selection filings, while helping businesses stay compliant throughout the process.

The Towne Law Firm’s immigration team assists businesses and individuals in navigating complex visa and compliance matters. Led by Immigration Practice Leader Douglas Goldman, our attorneys guide clients through every step of the H-1B process and other employment-based immigration programs.