H-1B Registration Prep: What Employers Should Be Doing Now

ALBANY, NY | With the FY 2027 H-1B registration window approaching, employers should be shifting from awareness to preparation.

As previously announced by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the registration period will run from noon Eastern on March 4, 2026, through noon Eastern on March 19, 2026. While the electronic registration itself is relatively short, the preparation leading up to it is critical.

Step 1: Identify Potential Candidates

Employers should review their workforce and identify employees who may require H-1B sponsorship. This may include:

• Current employees working pursuant to F-1 OPT or STEM OPT
• Individuals abroad being considered for specialty occupation roles
• Employees whose current status will expire in the coming year

Early identification allows time to evaluate eligibility and determine whether registration is appropriate.

Step 2: Confirm the Role Qualifies

Not every position qualifies for H-1B sponsorship. Employers should confirm that:

• The role qualifies as a specialty occupation
• The position requires at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field
• The offered wage aligns with applicable wage requirements

This year’s updated selection methodology places additional emphasis on wage levels, making accurate wage analysis especially important.

Step 3: Review Internal Information

Before registration opens, employers should confirm:

• The legal name and FEIN of the company
• Authorized signatory information
• Worksite locations
• Accurate job title and job description details

Last-minute scrambling during the registration window increases the risk of errors.

Step 4: Understand the Registration Process

Registration is not the full petition. During the March 4 to March 19 window, employers submit basic information and pay the $215 registration fee per beneficiary.

If a registration is selected, the employer may then file the full H-1B petition within the designated filing period.

Submitting a registration on the first day does not increase the likelihood of selection. Accuracy and eligibility matter more than speed.

Setting Expectations

Even with preparation, selection is not guaranteed if registrations exceed the annual cap. Employers should plan for both outcomes:

• If selected, be prepared to move quickly with petition filing
• If not selected, evaluate alternative strategies or future planning

Proactive planning allows employers to make informed decisions rather than reactive ones.

Our firm works with employers to review eligibility, prepare registrations, and manage petition filings so businesses can approach the H-1B process with clarity and confidence. Contact Us Today!

The Towne Law Firm advises employers and individuals on a wide range of employment-based immigration matters. Our team provides practical guidance on visa strategy, regulatory compliance, and workforce planning to help clients move forward with clarity and confidence.