US H-1B Visa Registration for Fiscal Year 2027: Key Dates, Fees, and New Selection Process
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially announced the opening of the initial H-1B cap registration period for the fiscal year 2027. This critical process, which is essential for skilled foreign workers seeking employment in the US, will commence on March 4, 2026, and conclude on March 19, 2026. The announcement, made on January 30, 2026, confirms significant changes, including a substantial $100,000 petition fee and the introduction of a weighted selection system aimed at prioritizing higher-skilled applicants.
Registration Timeline and Essential Details
The H-1B visa registration window is set to open at noon Eastern Time on March 4, 2026, and will remain open until noon Eastern Time on March 19, 2026. During this period, prospective petitioners must register each beneficiary electronically through a USCIS online account. It is important to note that both representatives and employees must wait until March 4 to enter beneficiary information and submit their registrations. Each registration requires an associated fee of $215, which must be paid for every beneficiary entered into the system.
Following the closure of the registration period, selections will be conducted. USCIS has stated its intention to send out selection notifications by March 31, 2026. Only those petitioners whose registrations are selected will be eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition. This includes petitions for beneficiaries who qualify for the advanced degree exemption, which reserves 20,000 visas for applicants with US postgraduate degrees out of the total cap of 85,000 visas.
New Weighted Selection System and Fee Structure
One of the most notable changes for the FY 2027 cap season is the implementation of a weighted selection system. If USCIS receives registrations for unique beneficiaries that exceed the annual quota of 85,000 visas, a weighted selection will be conducted. This new process is designed to prioritize the allocation of visas to higher-skilled and higher-paid aliens, as per the USCIS statement. In cases where registrations fall short of the cap, all properly submitted registrations for unique beneficiaries will be selected.
Another significant update is the confirmation of a $100,000 petition fee for selected registrations. If a petitioner has their registration selected and is eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition, they may be required to pay this additional fee before filing the petition as a condition of eligibility. This fee represents a substantial increase and is expected to impact the application process for many prospective H-1B visa holders.
Additional Requirements and Considerations
USCIS may also require H-1B beneficiaries to provide biometrics, such as fingerprints, photographs, and signatures, to verify their identity. This requirement is often addressed through a Request for Evidence (RFE) for purposes like address updates or security screening. Petitioners should be prepared for these additional steps to ensure a smooth application process.
In summary, the H-1B visa registration for FY 2027 introduces key changes that applicants must navigate carefully. With the registration period set from March 4 to March 19, 2026, and a selection notification deadline of March 31, 2026, timely preparation is crucial. The new weighted selection system and the $100,000 fee underscore the evolving landscape of US immigration policies, emphasizing a focus on attracting top-tier talent to the country.
