The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. Each year, USCIS runs a lottery when more registrations are submitted than available visas. For fiscal year (FY) 2027, several important changes and reminders are expected.
Registration Timeline
The initial registration period for the FY 2027 H-1B lottery is expected to begin in early March 2026 and remain open for at least 14 calendar days. Employers must submit an electronic registration for each worker they want to sponsor during this window.
Registration Process and Fee
To participate in the H-1B lottery, employers must:
- Create an account on myUSCIS.gov (both the employer and the attorney, if one is used, must have accounts).
- Submit an electronic registration for each worker.
- Pay a $215 registration fee per worker through pay.gov. This fee is nonrefundable and must be paid online.
The registration fee is separate from any filing fees that may be required later if the worker is selected in the lottery. Employers working with an attorney must coordinate the process electronically with their legal representative.
Information Required for Registration
Employers will need to provide basic information about both the company and the worker, including:
- Employer name, address, and FEIN
- Employer representative and attorney contact information
- Worker’s full name, date of birth, country of birth, and country of citizenship
- Passport or travel document number
- Whether the worker holds a U.S. master’s degree
- The worker’s wage level (Level I, II, III, or IV)
Accurate information is critical. USCIS may deny or revoke an H-1B petition if false information is submitted or if the registration fee is not properly paid.
Selection Process
Beneficiary-Centric Lottery
Each worker may only be entered into the lottery once, even if multiple employers attempt to register them. USCIS will use passport or travel document information to ensure that each worker has only one entry.
Weighted Selection System (New for FY 2027)
USCIS has finalized a new weighted selection process for the FY 2027 H-1B lottery. Under this system, the lottery would no longer be completely random. Instead, registrations tied to higher wage levels may have a better chance of selection than those tied to lower wage levels.
Wage levels range from Level I (entry-level positions) to Level IV (senior-level positions). As a result, the salary offered for a position could directly affect the worker’s odds of being selected in the lottery.
It is important to note that this new system may be challenged in court, which could delay or stop its implementation.
Start Dates After Selection
If a registration is selected and an H-1B petition is approved, USCIS permits start dates on or after October 1, 2026, as long as the start date falls within six months of the petition filing date.
Final Notes
The H-1B process is highly technical, and small errors can lead to serious consequences. Employers and workers should consult with a qualified immigration attorney before participating in the lottery or submitting any filings.
Source: This information is based on guidance from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). This blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.