January 30, 2026
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced important details for the FY 2027 H-1B cap season. Employers and foreign professionals should take note of the new registration timeline, selection process, and key updates.
Key Registration Dates
Registration opens: March 4, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET
Registration closes: March 19, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET
Selection notifications expected by: March 31, 2026
During this period, H-1B cap-subject employers and their representatives must:
Register each prospective beneficiary through a USCIS online account.
Create an organizational account if the employer does not already have one (this can be done earlier even).
Add clients to representative accounts (attorneys and accredited representatives) before March 4, but beneficiary information can only be entered starting March 4.
What’s New for FY 2027
Weighted Selection Process: For the first time, USCIS will prioritize higher-skilled and higher-paid workers if registrations exceed the visa cap. This replaces the previous random lottery system and is intended to better protect U.S. wages, working conditions, and job opportunities.
Potential Additional Fee: A Presidential Proclamation from September 19, 2025, may require certain petitioners to pay an additional $100,000 fee if their registration is selected.
Important Notes
Only employers with selected registrations will be eligible to move forward with filing H-1B petitions.
Employers and foreign nationals should review the proclamation and weighted selection rules carefully to understand how they may affect eligibility and strategy.
Given these changes, early planning and strategic preparation are more important than ever. Understanding the new rules and deadlines can help employers and prospective H-1B workers navigate the process successfully.
If you have questions or need guidance on the FY 2027 H-1B cap season, contact us at josh@wildeslaw.com
