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FY 2027 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period

The initial registration period for the FY 20257 H-1B cap season will open at noon EST on March 4, 2026, and run through noon EST on March 19, 2026. Prospective employers and their representatives must use a USCIS online account to register each beneficiary electronically for the selection process and pay the registration fee for each beneficiary.  

What's new for FY2027: 

Weighted Lottery: 

USCIS announced a new weighted lottery system for the fiscal year (FY) 2027 H-1B lottery season. DHS plans to implement the system on February 27, 2026.   The “weighted lottery” is a change to the current random selection system that would give preference to registrations offering higher wages, based on the Department of Labor prevailing wage levels for the position and location. Instead of every case having an equal chance, higher-paid roles would receive more lottery “weight” and a better chance of selection than lower-paid, entry-level roles. The aim is to prioritize higher-skilled, higher-wage positions, but it could impact the selection chances for startups, nonprofits, and entry level professionals.   The full announcement is here: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/fy-2026-h-1b-cap-initial-registration-period-opens-on-march-7

Potential $100,000 Fee:

On Sept. 19, 2025, the Trump Administration signed a Proclamation, "Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers” that requires a $100,000 payment to accompany any new H-1B visa petitions submitted after Sept. 21, 2025. The new $100,000 H-1B fee may apply to certain petitions filed for beneficiaries selected in the FY 2027 cap. However, H-1B cap petitions requesting a change of status (for example, from F-1 or L-1 to H-1B) are not subject to this fee. If the beneficiary is outside the United States and the petition must be filed for consular processing, the $100,000 fee would generally apply. 

Following last year's practice, registrants will be required to provide valid passport information or valid travel document information for the beneficiary. This passport or travel document must be the one the beneficiary, if or when abroad, intends to use to enter the U.S. if issued an H-1B visa. Each beneficiary must only be registered under one passport or travel number. 

H-1B Fee Schedule

The registration fee for FY2026 is $215 per registration, and it must be filed electronically. 

The Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, is currently $730 (online) or $780 (paper based) for all H-1B applications, unless the employer is classified as a small employer or non-profit. If a small employer, defined as employers with 25 or fewer full-time employees or a qualified non-profit[3], the Form I-129 fee will remain $460. The Asylum Prgram fee was instituted in April 2024 and continues to apply for FY2027:  $300 for small employers or $600 for large employers, will apply.  The ACWIA fee and Fraud Fee remain the same.   NEW:   The optional expedite or premium processing fee is $2965 beginning March 1, 2026.  Previously it was $2805.00.  

Online Filing and Organizational Account

USCIS continues to use the organizational accounts in the USCIS online account for employers to submit their H1b registrations and petitions. These organizational accounts will allow multiple individuals within an organization, such as a company or other business entity, and their legal representatives to collaborate on and prepare H-1B registrations, Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, and associated Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service. 

How to Prepare for the FY 2027 H-1B Cap Season

Accounts: Employers who already have a myUSCIS registrant account will not need to create a new account.  Employers can login to their existing account to make sure it is active.  If you are an H-1B petitioning employer who does not have a USCIS online account, you must create an organizational account. Representatives may add company clients to their accounts at any time, but both representatives and employers must wait until March 4, 2026 to add registrants.

Analyze wage levels and job classification

• Determine the correct SOC code, work location(s), and prevailing wage level.
• Analyze and ensure offered wage is properly classified and well-documented.

Does the new $100,000 fee apply?  Analyze maintanence of status issues and whether the beneficiary might have to consular process his or her H1B visa.  

Documentation

• Collect degrees, transcripts, experience letters, and company support documents in advance.  Obtain acacemic evaluations 
• For F-1 candidates, review CPT/OPT compliance and potential cap-gap issues.

Cooper Immigration Law PLLC is available to assist US employers navigate the ongoing changes to the H-1B program.   Cooper Immigration Law PLLC can assist US employers with the account registration process, closely monitor the registration process and prepare and file the H1B petition, once the candidate has been selected for the H1B lottery.