The FY 2027 H-1B lottery registration window opens at noon Eastern Time on March 4, 2026. This year introduces new H-1B requirements, including a new weighted selection process. In addition to the new weighted lottery system, certain petitions are now subject to a $100,000 fee, while applicants from travel-ban countries face a complete pause on benefit adjudications.
FY 2027 H-1B Registration Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the New Weighted Selection System for FY 2027?
For the FY 2027 season, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented a Weighted Selection Rule, which is set to take effect on February 27, 2026. Employers must now ensure that wage level determinations, SOC codes, and job details are accurate and fully supportable at the time of registration and that the job offer is bona fide.
2. What are the Key Dates and Deadlines for the H-1B Registration?
| Event | Date & Time |
| Registration Period Opens | March 4, 2026, at 12:00 PM (Noon) ET |
| Registration Period Closes | March 19, 2026, at 12:00 PM (Noon) ET |
| Selection Notifications Sent | By March 31, 2026 |
| Petition Filing Window | April 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026 |
3. What Information is Required for the H-1B Registration?
The electronic registration requests basic information about the petitioning company, the employee, and details of the offered position in order for USCIS to make a determination regarding proper weighting of the registration. To learn more about how to register, visit H-1B Electronic Registration Process.
Necessary Information
Fees and Payment
4. Can one Company with Multiple Entities (Subsidiary, Affiliate, Parent) Submit Multiple Registrations for the Same Person?
Related entities (subsidiaries/affiliates/parent) may only submit separate registrations for the same person if each entity can prove a legitimate business need and there are two (or more) real and separate job opportunities. Otherwise, USCIS may deny or revoke all petitions filed by the related entities for the same person.
5. Does the Foreign Worker Need their Degree Before Registering?
No. The degree must be obtained by the time the H-1B petition is filed, not at the time of H-1B registration. However, if you claim the “Master’s Cap” exemption and the degree is not earned by the H-1B filing date, the petition will be denied or rejected.
6. Is an LCA Required for Registration?
No, a Labor Condition Application (LCA) is not required to register for the FY 2027 H-1B lottery. However, because a certified LCA is required to file the petition, it is recommended to start the process early—especially for those needing Cap-Gap protection. It is recommended to contact an H-1B visa laywer to determine whether or not you should file LCAs for H-1B cap-subject beneficiaries in advance of the selection process especially where a foreign worker’s OPT expires shortly after the 90-day filing period opens.
7. What Happens if I Discover a Mistake After Submitting?
Once submitted, a registration cannot be edited. You must delete the incorrect entry and submit a new one (paying a new $215 fee) before the March 19 deadline.
Please Note: Duplicate registrations for the same beneficiary by the same employer will result in all registrations for that beneficiary being disqualified without a refund.
8. When can I file the H-1B petition?
If your registration is selected in the initial lottery, you can file the H-1B cap-subject petition within the 90-day filing window from April 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026. Petitions can be filed online via your myUSCIS organizational account or via paper filing at the designated USCIS service center.
Initial Selection: You have a 90-day window (April 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026) to submit the H-1B petition with supporting documents on Form I-129 with accompanying Form I-907 (premium processing).
Subsequent Rounds: If USCIS conducts additional selection rounds later in the year, those selected will also receive a 90-day filing window starting from the date indicated on their specific selection notice.
Note: Because USCIS only selects the number of registrations projected to meet the 85,000 cap, any properly filed petition submitted within your 90-day window will be adjudicated.
9. Does the H-1B registration itself grant Cap-Gap protection for F-1 Students?
No. Registration is merely the first step. Cap-Gap benefits are only triggered once the H-1B cap petition (Form I-129) is timely filed with USCIS. Simply being selected in the lottery does not automatically extend your status, and any applicable employment authorization, until April 1 of the next year.
To bridge the “gap” between the end of your F-1 status and the start of your H-1B status, you must be selected in the H-1B lottery and your employer must file the H-1B petition within the 90-day filing window requesting a Change of Status (not Consular Processing) while you are still in your initial period of F-1 authorized stay.
The F-1 student must stop working on April 1 of the next year if the H-1B cap-subject petition has yet to be adjudicated.
10. How to Register using USCIS Organizational Accounts
USCIS continues to use the myUSCIS Organizational Accounts for H-1B registrations. Companies must invite attorneys via the “My Representatives” tab. Once a company group is created, it cannot be deleted.
Strategic Alternatives
If your registration is not selected, or if the new weighted lottery system reduces your odds, you should explore alternatives to H-1B visa. Our immigration lawyers specialize in a variety of non-immigrant and immigrant categories, including:
Why Partner with Malescu Law?
Our H-1B visa lawyers provide comprehensive support, including wage level determination and individualized case strategy. If your application is not selected in the lottery, our team helps you decide on an alternative visa strategy.
We help you manage the complexities of the new $100,000 fee requirements and ensure your business remains compliant with the latest DHS regulations.
We serve companies and individuals across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Contact us or schedule a consultation.
Malescu Law P.A. – Business & Immigration Lawyers
