2 February 2026
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the opening of the FY 2027 H-1B cap initial registration period, marking the first critical step for employers seeking to sponsor foreign professionals under the H-1B program.
The registration period will open at 12:00 PM Eastern on March 4, 2026, and remain open through 12:00 PM Eastern on March 19, 2026. Employers and their authorized representatives must complete electronic registrations during this window to be eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition.
H-1B Registration Window: What Employers Must Do
During the FY 2027 registration period, employers (or their attorneys) are required to:
- Submit electronic registrations for each prospective H-1B beneficiary
- Use a USCIS online account
- Pay the required registration fee for each beneficiary
USCIS will not accept paper filings for the registration phase.
Key Dates and Requirements at a Glance
- Registration Opens: March 4, 2026 (12:00 PM ET)
- Registration Closes: March 19, 2026 (12:00 PM ET)
- USCIS Online Account Required: Yes
- Organizational Accounts: Required for employers without an existing USCIS account
- Registration Fee: $215 per beneficiary, per registration
Employers that do not yet have a USCIS organizational account should create one well in advance of the registration deadline to avoid last-minute complications.
Selection Notices and Next Steps
USCIS has indicated that it intends to issue selection notifications by March 31, 2026. These notifications will be sent through USCIS online accounts to employers and authorized representatives with at least one selected registration.
Only registrations selected in the lottery will be eligible to proceed to the H-1B petition filing stage.
Who May File an H-1B Cap Petition?
An employer may file an H-1B cap-subject petition, including one under the advanced degree (master’s) exemption, only if the beneficiary’s registration is selected during the registration process.
Selection in the lottery does not guarantee petition approval. All eligibility, wage, and specialty occupation requirements must still be met at the filing and adjudication stages.
What’s New for the FY 2027 Cap Season
USCIS has also highlighted regulatory updates that may affect how registrations are selected if demand exceeds the annual cap. These updates include:
- A potential prioritization of higher-skilled and higher-paid beneficiaries
- A weighted selection process rather than a purely random lottery, depending on registration volume
While USCIS has not yet provided detailed implementation guidance, these changes suggest an increased emphasis on strategic case preparation and role alignment.
Presidential Proclamation and Additional Fee Considerations
The USCIS notice also references a Presidential Proclamation that restricts the entry of certain nonimmigrant workers. Depending on how this Proclamation applies to specific petitioners, some employers may be required to pay an additional $100,000 fee as a condition of H-1B eligibility.
Employers should evaluate this requirement carefully, as it may significantly affect both cost and eligibility for certain registrations.
VKM Law Group Guidance
The FY 2027 H-1B cap season introduces higher fees, increased scrutiny, and evolving selection mechanics. For employers and foreign professionals alike, early planning is critical.
At VKM Law Group, we assist clients with:
- H-1B registration strategy and compliance
- USCIS account setup and registration management
- Role and wage analysis under evolving regulations
- Petition preparation for rapid filing upon selection
If you are planning to sponsor H-1B talent for FY 2027, now is the time to prepare—not wait.
Our team is available to help you navigate the registration process with clarity and confidence.