The U.S. government has shared the key dates and new rules for the FY 2027 H-1B visa season. If you are an employer, an immigration lawyer, or a skilled worker watching the H-1B process, here is the clear version of what is changing and what stays the same.

H-1B Registration Dates for FY 2027

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that the H-1B registration window will open on March 4, 2026, at noon Eastern Time.

The registration period will close on March 19, 2026, also at noon Eastern Time.

During these 16 days, employers must register each worker they want to sponsor through a USCIS online account. Each registration costs $215 per worker.

No paper filings are allowed at this stage. Everything happens online.

Who Needs a USCIS Online Account

Employers who plan to file H-1B petitions must have a USCIS organizational account. If they do not already have one, they must create it before registering workers.

Immigration attorneys and representatives can add employer clients to their accounts at any time. However, they cannot enter worker details or submit registrations until March 4.

What Happens After Registration Closes

Once the registration window closes, USCIS will run the selection process.

If your registration is selected, USCIS plans to send notifications by March 31, 2026. These alerts will appear inside the USCIS online account.

Only employers with selected registrations may file full H-1B petitions. This rule also applies to workers who qualify for the U.S. master’s degree exemption.

Big Change for FY 2027: How H-1B Winners Are Chosen

This year brings an important shift.

For FY 2027, USCIS will no longer treat all registrations equally if demand exceeds the visa cap. Instead, it will use a weighted selection system.

That means registrations for higher-paid and higher-skilled workers will have a better chance of being selected. The goal, according to the government, is to protect U.S. wages and job opportunities.

If the number of unique workers registered is lower than the annual cap, USCIS will select everyone who applied correctly.

Possible New $100,000 Fee for Some Employers

Another major development comes from a presidential order issued in September 2025. Donald Trump signed a proclamation that could add a $100,000 extra fee for certain H-1B employers.

This fee does not affect the registration stage. However, if an employer’s registration is selected and they qualify under the proclamation’s rules, they may need to pay this amount before filing the full H-1B petition.

Details on who must pay this fee are still limited, and employers are advised to review the official guidance carefully.

What This Means for H-1B Applicants

For workers, this season is likely to be more competitive than ever. Salary levels and job roles now matter more during selection, not just at the petition stage.

For employers, early planning is key. Account setup, wage strategy, and legal review should happen well before March.

As always, USCIS may update its guidance before registration opens, so checking official announcements regularly is essential.

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