U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) extended the initial H-1B registration period for the 2027 fiscal year. The registration period will last until 5:00 p.m. eastern standard time on March 19, 2026. During this period, prospective petitioners and representatives must use a USCIS online account to register each beneficiary electronically for the selection process and pay the associated registration fee.
Traditionally, the H-1B registration period closes at 12 p.m. EST. However, USCIS opted for an extension this year. Prospective applicants can still register through their online USCIS account until the registration period closes.
Reminder: Changes for the FY2027 Cap Season
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently published a final rule amending the process of how USCIS selects H-1B registrations for unique beneficiaries. The new H-1B selection process allocates visas to higher-skilled and higher-paid professionals, rather than utilizing a random lottery. The DHS explained the change better protects the wages, working conditions, and job opportunities of American-born workers.
The new H-1B selection process prioritizes individuals with higher paying positions. The higher the wage level, the more registration entries petitioners get:
- Four entries for registrations at wage level IV.
- Three entries for registrations at wage level III.
- Two entries for registrations at wage level II.
- One entry for registrations at wage level I.
The other notable change from last year’s H-1B cap season is the 100k fee. On Sept. 19, 2025, the government published a presidential proclamation titled Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers. This proclamation imposes an additional 100k fee which must be paid before filing any H-1B petition requesting consular processing. For the FY 2027 cap, what this means is that if you register a candidate who is outside the U.S., if that candidate is selected, you will be required to pay the 100k fee before you can file the accompanying H-1B petition. The additional fee is triggered anytime an H-1B petition requests consular processing, including H-1B new, amendment, extension, or change of employer petitions. As ILBSG previously reported, the 100k fee may discourage H-1B petitioning companies from registering candidates abroad, which could reduce the overall pool and increase selection rates.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical you get the right advice.