U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially announced the H-1B cap registration window for fiscal year (FY) 2027, giving U.S. employers a limited timeframe to register foreign professionals for the upcoming visa lottery.
Because the H-1B visa program is capped each year, employers must first submit an electronic registration during the official window before they are allowed to file a full H-1B petition.
Below are the important dates, steps, and details for the FY 2027 H-1B registration season.
H-1B FY 2027 Registration Window
The initial registration period for the FY 2027 H-1B cap will open and close on the following dates:
- Registration Opens: March 4, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time
- Registration Closes: March 19, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time
During this period, U.S. employers must electronically register each potential H-1B worker using the USCIS online registration system.
The registration window typically lasts at least 14 days, allowing employers enough time to submit registrations for their prospective employees.
H-1B Lottery Timeline for FY 2027
After the registration window closes, USCIS will conduct the H-1B selection process.
Typical timeline:
March 4 – March 19, 2026
H-1B electronic registration window
By March 31, 2026
USCIS notifies selected registrants through their online accounts
April 1 – June 30, 2026
Employers whose registrations are selected may file the full H-1B petition with USCIS
If the petition is approved, the worker can generally begin employment on October 1, 2026, the start of FY 2027.
H-1B Registration Fee
For the FY 2027 H-1B cap season:
- Registration fee: $215 per beneficiary
This fee must be paid at the time the employer submits the electronic registration.
How the H-1B Registration Process Works
The H-1B process begins with electronic registration, not the full petition.
Step 1: Employer Creates USCIS Online Account
Employers must create or use an existing USCIS organizational account to submit H-1B registrations.
Step 2: Submit Electronic Registration
The employer (or our immigration attorney) registers each beneficiary by entering:
- Worker’s passport information
- Employer details
- Basic job information
Only one registration per employer per beneficiary is allowed.
Step 3: H-1B Selection Process
If USCIS receives more registrations than available visas, it will conduct a selection process (commonly called the H-1B lottery).
Step 4: File Full H-1B Petition
Employers whose registrations are selected may then submit the full Form I-129 H-1B petition, including supporting documentation and a Labor Condition Application (LCA).
H-1B Cap Numbers
Each year Congress limits the number of new H-1B visas available.
The current caps are:
- 65,000 regular cap visas
- 20,000 additional visas for workers with U.S. master’s degrees or higher
Because demand for H-1B visas typically exceeds these limits, the registration and selection process determines which applicants may proceed.
Who Needs to Register for the H-1B Cap?
H-1B registration is required for most foreign professionals seeking their first H-1B visa through a cap-subject employer.
Common applicants include professionals in fields such as:
- Technology and engineering
- Healthcare
- Finance
- Architecture
- Research
- Education
However, some employers are exempt from the H-1B cap, including:
- Universities
- Nonprofit research institutions
- Government research organizations
Workers employed by these organizations may apply for H-1B status without going through the cap registration process.
Why Early Preparation Is Important
Even though the registration window lasts two weeks, employers should prepare as soon as possible.
Preparation may include:
- Confirming eligibility for the H-1B visa
- Gathering employee documentation
- Determining job classification and wages
- Creating or updating USCIS organizational accounts
Working with our immigration attorney early can help prevent errors that could lead to a rejected or invalid registration.
H-1B Visa Help for Employers and Professionals
The H-1B process can be complex, especially when navigating registration deadlines, lottery selection, and petition requirements.
The immigration attorneys at ILOLA assist employers and professionals with:
- H-1B cap registration
- H-1B petitions
- H-1B transfers
- Cap-exempt H-1B cases
- H-1B extensions
If you are planning to sponsor an employee or apply for an H-1B visa, our team can help ensure your case is prepared correctly before the registration window closes.Contact us today to discuss at (213) 375-4084 your H-1B visa options.
