The registration period for the FY 2027 H-1B cap officially ended on March 19, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. eastern standard time, following a last-minute update from USCIS extending the deadline from 12pm to 5pm. The next H-1B registration period will not open until March 2027, so those in need of an employment-based visa before then who missed the deadline or don’t receive a selection notice should make alternate plans.
Recap: Changes in the H-1B Visa Program
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.
In other words, the higher the wage level, the greater chances of selection. USCIS announces selections by the end of March. The H-1B filing period for selected registrations runs from April 1 to June 30.
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 during this year’s H1B season.
Moving Forward and Next Steps
By the end of March, companies will receive selection notices for candidates picked in this year’s cap. Individuals will not be notified and will need to reach out to their prospective employer for updates. USCIS announces when the cap’s been met once a sufficient number of petitions are filed from April 1 to June 30. If USCIS does not receive enough petitions during the initial filing period, a second round of selections may occur late this year.
Those who missed the deadline or do not receive a selection notice should consult with an experienced immigration attorney for alternative options, like F-1 or O-1.
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.