H-1B Lottery Registration FY 2027: Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about registering for the FY 2027 H-1B cap lottery, including the new weighted selection system effective this year.
Registration Window Open Now
March 4 - March 19, 2026 (noon ET both days)
Selection notifications expected by March 31, 2026
Register at USCIS.gov →
Key Facts at a Glance
| Registration Opens | March 4, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern |
| Registration Closes | March 19, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern |
| Registration Fee | $215 per beneficiary (non-refundable) |
| Selection Notification | By March 31, 2026 |
| Petition Filing Window | April 1 - June 30, 2026 (90 days) |
| Earliest Start Date | October 1, 2026 |
| H-1B Cap | 85,000 total (65,000 regular + 20,000 master's) |
New for FY 2027: Weighted Lottery System
Effective February 27, 2026, the H-1B lottery is no longer purely random. USCIS now uses a wage-weighted selection process that favors higher-paying positions.
How the Weighting Works
Each registration receives lottery entries based on the DOL wage level. Learn how wage levels are determined.
| Wage Level | Description | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level IV | Fully competent (67th percentile) | 4x | ~60% |
| Level III | Experienced (50th percentile) | 3x | ~45% |
| Level II | Qualified (34th percentile) | 2x | ~30% |
| Level I | Entry-level (17th percentile) | 1x | ~15% |
Important: Multiple Registrations
If a beneficiary has registrations from multiple employers at different wage levels, USCIS assigns that person to the lowest wage level among all registrations for weighting purposes. Choose your wage level carefully.
Historical Lottery Statistics
Understanding past lottery trends can help set expectations for FY 2027:
| Metric | FY 2026 | FY 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unique Employers | ~57,600 | ~52,700 | +9.3% |
| Eligible Unique Beneficiaries | ~339,000 | ~442,000 | -23.3% |
| Eligible Registrations | 343,981 | 470,342 | -26.9% |
| Avg Registrations per Beneficiary | 1.01 | 1.06 | -4.7% |
What This Means for FY 2027
FY 2026 saw a dramatic 26.9% reduction in registrations, largely due to the crackdown on multiple registrations per beneficiary. With the new wage-weighted system for FY 2027, the selection dynamics will shift further—favoring higher-wage positions. The $100,000 supplemental fee may also reduce new registrations for overseas beneficiaries.
$100,000 Supplemental Fee
A Presidential Proclamation (September 2025) requires a $100,000 supplemental fee for certain H-1B petitions. This applies to:
- New H-1B petitions (not extensions or amendments)
- Beneficiaries outside the U.S. without a valid H-1B visa
A federal court declined to block the fee in December 2025. It remains in effect and is scheduled to expire September 2026 unless extended.
Note: This fee applies at the petition filing stage (after lottery selection), not at registration.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Create an Organizational Account
Employers must create a USCIS organizational account (not an individual applicant account). Attorneys need a separate legal representative account. This is one of the most common mistakes.
Gather Required Information
For each beneficiary, you'll need:
- Valid passport or travel document information
- Highest OEWS wage level the offered wage meets or exceeds
- Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code
- Area(s) of intended employment
Submit Registration & Pay Fee
Submit one registration per beneficiary and pay the $215 fee. Credit card limit increased to $99,999.99/day for FY 2027. Checking accounts also accepted.
Wait for Selection Results
USCIS notifies selected registrants through their online accounts by March 31, 2026.
If Selected: File H-1B Petition
Selected registrants have 90 days (April 1 - June 30) to file Form I-129 H-1B petition with a start date of October 1, 2026 or later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Duplicate Registrations
Entering the same beneficiary more than once invalidates ALL registrations for that person. This is the #1 error identified by USCIS.
Wrong Account Type
Only organizational accounts can submit H-1B registrations. Applicant, petitioner, or requestor accounts cannot be used—even if the same entity files the petition later.
Incorrect Passport Data
Passport information must exactly match the document. Typos or mismatched data can disqualify the registration.
Wage Level Misrepresentation
With the new weighted system, accurate wage level reporting is critical. Misrepresenting the wage level can result in disqualification.
Last-Minute Submission
Registration closes at noon ET on March 19. Technical glitches or delays on the final day can result in missed registration with no appeal.
Tips for Employers
- Audit roles: Identify every candidate who needs a cap-subject H-1B before registration opens
- Verify wages and locations: Determine the correct OEWS wage level based on job duties and work location. Check H-1B salaries by city for location-specific data
- Draft job descriptions: Finalize specialty occupation descriptions to support the chosen wage level
- Pre-registration compliance audit: Complete before March 4 to prevent disqualification
- Consider the $100K fee: Budget for it if petitioning for beneficiaries outside the U.S.
- Benchmark salaries: Compare your offer against competitors to ensure competitive positioning
Tips for F-1 Students on OPT
- Gather documents early: Passport ID page, all I-20s, most recent I-94 record
- Confirm degree completion: Obtain official transcripts or registrar letter confirming graduation
- Communicate with employer: Ensure they're prepared to register you before March 19
- Understand wage levels: Know what level your position qualifies for—this affects your odds. Research salaries for your job title
- Research your employer: Check your company's H-1B history and typical salary offers
- Have a backup plan: OPT extension options if not selected
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the H-1B lottery registration for FY 2027?
The FY 2027 H-1B lottery registration period runs from March 4, 2026 at noon ET to March 19, 2026 at noon ET. This is a 14-day window.
How much is the H-1B registration fee for 2026?
The registration fee is $215 per beneficiary. This fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether you're selected in the lottery.
What are my chances in the H-1B lottery?
With the new weighted system (effective FY 2027), your chances depend on wage level. Level IV positions have approximately 60% selection probability, while Level I positions have approximately 15%. The overall selection rate depends on total registrations. Check H-1B salaries by job title to understand typical wage levels.
When will H-1B lottery results be announced?
USCIS expects to notify selected registrants by March 31, 2026 through their online accounts.
What is the $100,000 H-1B fee?
A supplemental fee of $100,000 applies to new H-1B petitions for beneficiaries who are outside the U.S. and don't have a valid H-1B visa. This was introduced by Presidential Proclamation in September 2025. It's paid at the petition stage, not registration.
Can I register for multiple employers?
Yes, a beneficiary can have registrations from multiple employers. However, if selected, the beneficiary will be assigned to the lowest wage level among all their registrations for weighting purposes. Compare H-1B salaries across companies.
What happens if I'm not selected?
If not selected in the initial lottery, your registration remains in the pool for potential additional selections if cap numbers aren't filled. F-1 students may continue on OPT/STEM OPT while waiting for the next year's lottery.
What is the H-1B cap for FY 2027?
The total H-1B cap is 85,000 visas: 65,000 for the regular cap and 20,000 reserved for beneficiaries with U.S. master's degrees or higher.
FY 2027 H-1B Timeline
March 4, 2026
Registration opens at noon ET
March 19, 2026
Registration closes at noon ET
By March 31, 2026
Selection notifications via USCIS online account
April 1 - June 30, 2026
90-day window to file H-1B petition (Form I-129)
October 1, 2026
Earliest employment start date for FY 2027