H-1B IS STILL AN OPTION. CAP REGISTRATION OPENS ON MARCH 4, 2026. DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE!

USCIS has announced that the FY 2027 H-1B cap registration period will open from March 4 through March 19, 2026.

Employers must complete the electronic registration during this window to be considered for the H-1B lottery.

Registration is online only and requires a $215 registration fee per beneficiary. Late registrations will not be accepted. USCIS is expected to issue lottery selection notices by March 31, 2026, through the employer’s or attorney’s USCIS online account.

A major change this year is the expected implementation of a wage-based, weighted selection system. Under this system, higher-paid positions may have better chances of selection compared to lower-wage or entry-level roles, making proper planning and job classification especially important.

Good News for Beneficiaries in the US: The $100,000 Fee Does NOT Apply to Change of Status Applications in the United States

This enormous fee does not apply to the beneficiaries inside the United States who are eligible for a change of status, amendment, or extension of stay.

This fee applies to new H-1B petitions when the beneficiary is outside the United States and requires a consular processing of his/her H-1B visa application. In other words, the new $100,000 fee applies only to those beneficiaries who are not eligible for a change of status or extension of status in the United States.

What Happens After Selection

If a registration is selected, the employer will have 90 days to file the full H-1B petition. Approved employees may begin working in H-1B status on October 1, 2026, the start of the FY 2027 cap year.

Our Firm’s Insight: Who May Benefit Most This Year

In our view, the massive filing fee for the beneficiaries abroad is likely to significantly reduce the number of H-1B petitions in general. Employers may be far less willing to sponsor new hires abroad due to the substantial added cost, because this fee applies primarily to beneficiaries outside the United States.

As a result, candidates already in the United States who are requesting a change of status may have a much higher chance of selection. Historically, a large portion of the H-1B cap has been used by IT companies and large corporations sponsoring new workers from abroad. If those employers reduce or eliminate overseas filings this year, competition for the cap may shift in favor of US-based candidates.

For employers and professionals already in the US, this may be a strategic opportunity, but success will depend on early planning, proper wage positioning, and accurate case strategy.

Our Recommendation

Given the new wage-based selection system, early preparation is essential. We strongly encourage employers and applicants to consult with counsel well before registration opens to evaluate eligibility, costs, and strategy under the FY 2027 rules.

At I.S. Law Firm, PLLC, we have nearly 20 years of experience representing employers and professionals in a wide range of employment based and business immigration matters, including H-1B, EB-2, EB-1, National Interest Waivers (NIW), O-1, E-2, and other complex visa and green card strategies. Whether you are an employer seeking to sponsor key talent or a professional pursuing long term work authorization in the United States, our team is here to help you navigate the process with clarity and strong legal guidance.

To discuss your H-1B strategy or employment based immigration options, schedule a consultation today at https://www.islawfirm.com/consultation or contact us at 703-527-1779 or law@islawfirm.com.