Highlights: USCIS H-1B Visa Registration Opens for Fiscal Year 2027

  • USCIS has officially announced the opening of H-1B visa registration for FY 2027.
  • The registration window will begin on March 4, 2026, and close on March 19, 2026.
  • Employers must complete beneficiary registration through the USCIS online system.
  • A standard registration fee of $215 per beneficiary will apply.
  • A proposed additional $100,000 fee may be applicable to selected H-1B petitions, subject to eligibility.
  • If registrations exceed the annual cap, USCIS will conduct a weighted selection process.

USCIS Begins H-1B FY27 Visa Registration from March 4

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially released the registration schedule for the H-1B visa fiscal year 2027. The registration period will open on March 4, 2026, and remain active until March 19, 2026.

During this period, U.S. employers must submit electronic registrations for foreign workers they wish to sponsor. Each registration will require accurate beneficiary details and payment of the standard registration fee. The H-1B visa program allows U.S. companies to hire skilled foreign professionals in specialty occupations such as IT, engineering, healthcare, finance, and research.

USCIS is expected to announce the selection results by March 31, 2026, after which employers with selected registrations can proceed with filing full H-1B cap-subject petitions.

H-1B FY27 Registration Process and Timeline

  • Submission platform: USCIS official online registration system
  • Account requirement: Employers must create and use an organizational USCIS account
  • Registration opens: March 4, 2026
  • Registration closes: March 19, 2026
  • Selection notification: Expected by March 31, 2026
  • Next step: Only selected employers can file full H-1B petitions

New H-1B FY27 Rules and Fee Updates

For the FY 2027 cap season, the Department of Homeland Security has introduced revised measures to strengthen fairness and compliance. If total registrations exceed the annual H-1B cap, USCIS will conduct a special weighted lottery selection. If registrations remain within the cap, all eligible entries will be considered.

In addition, an extra $100,000 fee may be imposed on selected H-1B petitions filed by certain employers, based on eligibility conditions outlined in recent DHS policy updates. Further clarification on these revised rules is expected before the registration window officially opens.

What Employers Should Do Now

Employers planning to sponsor H-1B candidates for FY 2027 should begin preparations early by reviewing eligibility criteria, gathering accurate beneficiary details, and ensuring compliance with the new registration and fee rules.

Planning to apply for the H-1B FY27 visa? Get expert guidance to navigate the new rules and complete your registration smoothly.