The H-1B registration window for fiscal year 2027 opened at noon Eastern Time on March 4, 2026 and will close at noon Eastern Time on March 19, 2026. This year introduces a significant change with the implementation of a new weighted selection system that prioritizes higher-paid and higher-skilled workers.
For the first time in H-1B history, USCIS will use a weighted selection process instead of the traditional random lottery system. The rule was finalized in December 2025 and aims to prioritize applicants with higher salaries and advanced skills during the selection process.
H-1B 2027 Registration Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Registration Period | March 4-19, 2026 (noon ET) |
| Registration Fee | ₹17,900 ($215) per application |
| Selection Results | By March 31, 2026 |
| Available Visas | 85,000 total |
New H-1B Weighted Selection System
According to USCIS, the weighted selection will be conducted if registrations for unique beneficiaries exceed the annual cap during the initial registration period. This marks a departure from the previous purely random lottery system that had been in place for years.
The weighted system specifically targets higher-paid and higher-skilled workers, though USCIS has not announced detailed criteria for how the weighting will be calculated. If registrations do not exceed the cap, all properly submitted registrations for unique beneficiaries will be selected.
H-1B Visa Allocation Breakdown
The US government issues 85,000 H-1B visas annually under the cap system:
- 65,000 visas for specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field
- 20,000 additional visas for applicants with master’s degrees or higher from US universities
Indian professionals typically represent the largest group of H-1B applicants, making this policy change particularly significant for the Indian tech workforce. Those planning to apply should review our comprehensive US Visa Guide for detailed information about the H-1B process.
Registration Process and Timeline
Employers must submit registrations through USCIS online accounts during the 15-day window. The registration fee remains ₹17,900 ($215) per application, unchanged from the previous year. Payment must be made through the USCIS online system when submitting each beneficiary’s registration.
After the registration window closes on March 19, USCIS will begin the selection process. The agency plans to notify selected registrants by March 31, 2026 through their USCIS online accounts. Use our Processing Times tool to track current H-1B processing durations once selections are announced.
Selected employers will then have 90 days to submit complete H-1B petitions with supporting documentation for their chosen beneficiaries.
Source: US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), United States
FAQ
Q: When does H-1B 2027 registration close? A: Registration closes at noon Eastern Time on March 19, 2026. All employer registrations must be submitted before this deadline.
Q: How does the new weighted selection system work? A: The weighted selection prioritizes higher-paid and higher-skilled workers during the lottery process, replacing the previous random selection method.
Q: What is the H-1B registration fee for 2027? A: The registration fee remains ₹17,900 ($215) per application, same as the previous year.
Q: When will H-1B lottery results be announced? A: USCIS plans to notify selected registrants by March 31, 2026 through their online accounts.