The landscape of professional immigration is undergoing its most significant transformation in years as we approach the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 H-1B cap season. On January 30, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officially announced the dates for the upcoming initial registration period. For employers looking to secure specialized global talent, the window for action is narrower and more expensive than ever before.

Mark Your Calendars: The March 2026 Window

The initial registration period for the FY 2027 H-1B cap will officially open at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 4, 2026, and will run through 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 19, 2026.

During this 15-day window, prospective petitioners and their legal representatives must use the USCIS online organizational account to register each beneficiary. USCIS has confirmed that selection notifications will be dispatched through these online accounts by March 31, 2026, allowing selected employers to begin filing full petitions as early as April 1.

The $215 Registration Fee

Continuing the trend of increased administrative costs, the registration fee for each beneficiary remains at $215. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid at the time of electronic submission. It is important to note that this is separate from the standard H-1B filing fees, which only apply if a registration is actually selected in the lottery.

The New “Weighted” Selection: Skill Over Luck

The most critical update for the 2026 filing season is the full implementation of the Wage-Based Weighted Selection System. Moving away from a purely random lottery, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now prioritizes registrations based on the Department of Labor’s four-tier prevailing wage structure.

Under these new rules, the odds of selection are directly tied to the skill level and salary offered:

  • Level IV (Senior/High Skill): These candidates receive four entries in the selection pool.

  • Level III (Experienced): These candidates receive three entries.

  • Level II (Qualified): These candidates receive two entries.

  • Level I (Entry Level): These candidates receive only one entry.

This shift is designed to prioritize higher-paid specialty occupations and better protect U.S. wage standards. For international graduates on OPT or entry-level workers, this “weighted” system creates a significant hurdle that requires careful strategic planning regarding job titles and geographic locations.

The $100,000 “Super Fee” Factor

Employers must also navigate the impact of the September 2025 Presidential Proclamation, which introduced a potential $100,000 additional fee for certain H-1B petitions. While this fee does not apply to the registration process itself, it may be a condition of eligibility for certain petitioners—particularly those filing for beneficiaries located outside of the U.S.—before they can submit their final H-1B petition.

Steps for Employers to Take Now

Given the complexity of the new weighted system, waiting until March 4 is not an option. Employers should immediately:

  • Confirm Wage Levels: Work with counsel to determine if a role qualifies for a higher wage level to increase selection odds.

  • Validate Credentials: Ensure all beneficiaries have valid passports and travel documents, as these are now used as unique identifiers in the beneficiary-centric selection process.

  • Audit Organizational Accounts: Verify that your USCIS online account is active and that your legal representatives are correctly linked.

 

The FY 2027 H-1B cycle is no longer a game of pure chance; it is a strategic maneuver where wage levels and professional credentials dictate your success. With the introduction of weighted entries and the looming $100,000 “super fee,” the margin for error has vanished. Navigating these changes requires a sophisticated understanding of both Department of Labor standards and the latest USCIS procedural shifts. To ensure your company is positioned for success in this new enforcement-heavy environment, contact Lforlaw today to connect with expert immigration attorneys who can help you optimize your H-1B strategy and secure the talent your business needs.

Sources

  • USCIS Alert: FY 2027 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens on March 4 (Released Jan 30, 2026).

  • Federal Register: DHS Final Rule on Wage-Weighted H-1B Selection (90 FR 60864).

  • AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association): Featured Issue: FY 2027 H-1B Cap Season Guidance.

  • White House Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers (Sept 19, 2025).

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