Archive · 2 Feb 2026
H-1B Visa Registration for FY 27
The US government has announced that the registration period for the H-1B visa, which allows skilled workers to come to the US, will open on March 4, 2026, and close on March 19, 2026.
There are 85,000 visas available.
To register, you need to pay a $215 fee.
If more than 85,000 people apply, the US will use a special system to choose who gets a visa.
This system gives higher-paid roles better chances of being selected.
If your registration is chosen, you might have to pay an extra $100,000 fee if you are outside the US or seeking consular processing.
The US will let people know if they are selected by March 31, 2026.
Employers must provide accurate job details and wage levels to avoid denials or requests for evidence.
The H-1B visa registration period for FY 27 opens March 4, 2026, and closes March 19, 2026.
The total H-1B visa cap is 85,000, with a $215 registration fee.
Selections will be announced by March 31, 2026.
A $100,000 petition fee applies if selected for beneficiaries outside the US or seeking consular processing.
A wage-level weighted lottery system will be used, giving higher-paid roles better chances of selection.
- Who
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and H-1B applicants
- What
- Announced H-1B visa registration period for FY 27 with a wage-level weighted lottery system
- When
- Registration opens March 4, 2026, and closes March 19, 2026
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To manage the allocation of H-1B visas for the fiscal year 2027, prioritizing higher-skill, higher-wage roles
Higher Wage Advocates
Entry-Level Advocates
Wage-Level Weighted Lottery System
Higher Wage Advocates
Supports the new system as it prioritizes higher-skill, higher-wage roles, reducing perceived misuse of entry-level visa allocations.
Entry-Level Advocates
Opposes the system as it disadvantages lower-paid or entry-level positions, potentially limiting opportunities for early-career professionals.
- Registration Period
- March 4 to March 19, 2026
- Total H-1B Visa Cap
- 85,000
- Registration Fee
- $215
- Selection Date
- March 31, 2026
- Petition Fee if Selected
- $100,000 (for beneficiaries outside the US or seeking consular processing)
- Weighted Selection
- Higher-paid roles have better chances of selection
- Wage-Level Impact
- Level 4 roles have 4x the chances of selection compared to Level 1 roles
Sources
H-1B visa: US to open registration period for FY 27 on March 4, confirms $100,000 fee — All you need to know
H-1B visa: US to open registration for FY27 from March 4, notifies new rules with $100,000 fee
H-1B applicants take note: Job wage-level plays a key role in visa selection, explains attorney
US To Open H-1B Visa FY27 Registration From March 4 With New Rules, $100,000 Fee: How To Apply
