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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Website
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Statistics
Annual Caps for H-1B for Fiscal Years: 85,000 visas
- 65,000 visas
- 20,000 visas for the master’s cap*
The master’s cap – individuals with advanced degrees from U.S. institutions.
Topics
March 4–19, 2026: H-1B Registration Window Opens for FY 2027
What's new for FY 2027 and how the registration works.
The annual H-1B cap registration period for fiscal year 2027 will run from noon Eastern Time (ET) on March 4 to noon Eastern Time (ET) on March 19, 2026.
During this two-week window, U.S. employers and their authorized representatives must submit electronic registrations for each prospective H-1B worker through a USCIS online account and pay a US $215 non-refundable fee per registration (paid at time of submission).
👉 Duplicate Registrations / One Employer Rule:
- Employers cannot submit multiple registrations for the same beneficiary.
- Multiple employers can register the same person independently.
How the Registration Works
This process is employer-driven: only U.S. employers - or representatives acting on their behalf - can submit registrations; foreign workers cannot submit their own registrations. Everything is done online.
Companies that do not yet have a USCIS organizational account will need to create one before they can participate. Representatives may link client companies to their profiles at any time, but actual beneficiary details and submissions cannot be entered until March 4.
After the registration period closes, USCIS will run the selection process.
Only those whose registrations are selected are eligible to file a full H-1B cap petition, including cases qualifying for the advanced degree exemption.
What Happens After Selection
Selection only allows the U.S. employer to file the full H-1B petition; it does not guarantee approval. Employers typically receive a filing window of approximately 90 days to submit the complete petition, including a certified Labor Condition Application (LCA) and all required supporting documentation.
What’s New for FY 2027
The FY 2027 season introduces a revised selection approach. A recent Department of Homeland Security rule has changed how registrations are chosen, focusing on unique beneficiaries and giving greater weight to higher-skilled and higher-paid candidates.
If registrations exceed the cap, USCIS will conduct a weighted selection among properly submitted entries.
If the number of unique beneficiaries is below the cap, all valid registrations will be selected.
The aim is to better reflect wage levels, labor priorities, and overall job market conditions in the United States.
Additional Policy Development
A presidential proclamation issued in September 2025 adds another layer to the process. While it does not change how electronic registration works, certain petitioners whose registrations are selected may be required to pay an additional $100,000 fee before filing the full petition. This measure is part of broader efforts to reform the H-1B system.
Key Takeaway
For U.S. employers planning to sponsor foreign talent, the March 4-19 registration period is the critical first step. Preparation - setting up accounts, coordinating with representatives, and understanding the new weighted selection rules - can make the difference between securing a spot in the lottery or missing the opportunity altogether. Beneficiaries should coordinate with potential U.S. employers before March.