The H-1B visa remains one of the most popular paths to legal employment in the U.S. Learn about the H-1B visa filing for FY 2027: key dates, weighted lottery system, possible $100,000 cap, and tips for employers and applicants

The US has officially announced the H-1B work visa registration calendar for fiscal year 2027 and introduced a number of significant changes to the selection system itself. The new rules apply not only to the lottery, but also to financial requirements for employers, which may significantly affect the application strategy.

We tell you what exactly is changing in the H-1B 2027 season and what employers and candidates should pay attention to.

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When does H-1B registration open in 2026?

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed the following dates for the H-1B 2027 registration period:

- Registration begins on March 4, 2026, 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).

- Registration ends on March 19, 2026, 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).

During this 16-day window, employers must submit electronic registrations for each foreign professional they plan to sponsor. Paper applications are not accepted at this stage - the process is completely digital.

The registration fee is $215 per employee.

Who must create an online USCIS account?

To participate in the lottery, an employer must have a USCIS organizational account. If you do not already have one, you must create one in advance - before the start of the registration period.

Immigration attorneys and accredited representatives can add employers to their accounts at any time, but they will not be able to enter employee data and submit registrations until March 4.

What happens after the H-1B 2027 registration is complete?

After the application window closes, USCIS will begin screening registrations. Notifications of results are planned to be sent by March 31, 2026. Information will appear directly in USCIS online accounts.

Only employers whose registrations have been selected are eligible to file a full H-1B petition. This rule also applies to applicants applying for a master's quota (U.S. Master's Cap).

The main change for the H-1B 2027 season: a weighted selection system

The most significant innovation is the abandonment of the equal lottery in case the annual visa limit is exceeded.

Starting in fiscal year 2027, USCIS will apply a weighted selection system. This means that:

- Applications for high-paying positions will have a higher chance of being selected;

- Greater attention will be paid to the level of qualifications and wages, and not just the fact of filing.

According to the US government, the purpose of the changes is to protect the American labor market and prevent underpayment of wages.

If the number of unique applicants does not exceed the established limit, USCIS will select all correctly submitted registrations.

Possible additional fee of $ 100,000: what is known?

Special attention was drawn to the presidential decree signed in September 2025, which provides for a potential additional fee of $ 100,000 for individual employers using the H-1B program, but it is important to note that

1. This payment does not apply to the registration stage;

2. The fee may apply prior to filing a full petition if registration is chosen;

3. The specific criteria for who will be affected by the fee remain limited at this time.

Employers are advised to closely monitor official USCIS clarifications and consult with immigration professionals.

What will change for applicants and employers for the H-1B visa 2027?

For foreign specialists, the H-1B season 2027 will become more competitive, as the level of pay and position will be affected already at the selection stage, and not only after winning.

For employers, early preparation of USCIS accounts, a well-thought-out salary strategy, as well as a preliminary legal analysis of compliance with new requirements are becoming critically important.

USCIS may make additional clarifications before the start of registration, so regular monitoring of official US notifications remains mandatory.

US immigration law is constantly changing. An experienced lawyer accompanies you at every stage: from H-1B registration to filing a full petition.

Contact a Visit World immigration lawyer today to go through all stages without stress with the support of a specialist.

Let us remind you! Starting February 1, 2026, TSA is tightening REAL ID controls in the US – anyone who does not have a REAL ID will have to go through ConfirmID and pay $45. We have already told you who the new rules will affect and what alternatives are available.

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