As the FY 2027 H-1B registration period approaches, employers should begin preparing for meaningful changes to the selection system. The upcoming season introduces adjustments that may significantly impact selection strategy, wage planning, and overall petition preparation.
Understanding the new structure early can help reduce uncertainty and improve readiness.
Key Registration Timeline
The FY 2027 H-1B registration period will open at noon Eastern time on March 4, 2026, and will close at noon Eastern time on March 19, 2026.
If the number of registrations exceeds the annual cap of 85,000, USCIS will conduct a weighted selection process among properly submitted registrations tied to unique beneficiaries.
Employers whose registrations are selected will have 90 days to file the complete H-1B petition.
The electronic registration requires a $215 fee per beneficiary. The full H-1B petition filing fees are only required if the case is selected.
The New Wage Weighted Selection System
For FY 2027, USCIS is moving away from a purely random lottery and instead prioritizing higher-skilled and higher-paid positions through a wage based selection structure.
Selection is tied to the Department of Labor OEWS four tier wage system:
• Level 4 wage or higher receives four lottery entries
• Level 3 wage or higher receives three lottery entries
• Level 2 wage or higher receives two lottery entries
• Level 1 wage or higher receives one lottery entry
In addition, a beneficiary receives an extra entry for each additional wage level that the offered salary exceeds.
This means the wage level assigned to the role will directly influence the number of entries in the selection pool. Employers must carefully evaluate the offered salary in relation to the occupational classification and geographic location to determine the highest applicable wage level.
Early review of job duties, wage levels, and supporting documentation will be especially important under this new structure.
New $100,000 Fee Requirement
Another development employers should evaluate closely is the implementation of a $100,000 fee for certain petitions filed after selection.
This fee generally applies to beneficiaries who must obtain their visa abroad or who are not eligible for a change of status within the United States.
Although this fee is currently being challenged in court, it remains mandatory unless an extraordinary rare circumstance exception is granted. Employers should plan accordingly and assess financial exposure before registration.
Strategic Planning for FY 2027
The changes for FY 2027 reinforce the importance of proactive workforce planning. Registration timing, wage level analysis, and documentation strategy will now play a larger role in selection probability.
Employers should review staffing needs immediately and identify potential cap subject cases well before the March registration window opens. Careful preparation can help minimize risk and avoid last minute complications.
At TheDegreePeople.com, we continue to monitor immigration policy shifts that directly impact how education, wage classification, and professional qualifications are evaluated within the H-1B process. A clear understanding of how educational credentials are assessed under current USCIS standards is increasingly important in a wage weighted selection environment.
Staying informed and planning early remain the most effective ways to navigate the evolving H-1B registration system.
About Sheila Danzig
Sheila Danzig is the executive director of TheDegreePeople.com and a leading expert in foreign degree evaluations. She is widely recognized for her innovative approach to difficult cases, helping thousands of clients successfully obtain visa approvals even when facing RFEs or denials. Her expertise in USCIS requirements and commitment to providing personalized, effective solutions make her a trusted resource for professionals navigating the immigration process.
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If you’ve received an RFE, don’t wait. Sheila Danzig and TheDegreePeople.com offer a free review of your case to determine the best course of action. Our expertise has helped thousands of professionals, including H-1B applicants, secure approvals even in challenging cases.
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