FY 2027 H-1B Cap Registration Is Open (until March 19, 2026) — And the Selection Process Has Changed

USCIS has opened the FY 2027 H-1B cap initial registration period will close at 12:00 p.m. Eastern on March 19, 2026.

This year is also a major turning point: a new “weighted” selection process is taking effect for this season, meaning selection is no longer purely random.

Key dates (FY 2027 cap)

Registration window: March 4, 2026 (noon ET) → March 19, 2026 (noon ET)
What the cap covers: employment generally starting October 1, 2026 (start of FY 2027).
Registration fee: $215 per beneficiary (paid during registration).

What changed: “weighted” selection tied to wage levels

USCIS has implemented a weighted selection model for the FY 2027 cap registration season (effective Feb. 27, 2026).

How it works (high level):

Registrations are weighted based on the wage level associated with the offered position (using the prevailing wage framework/wage levels).
In practice, higher wage levels receive more “weight” in the selection process than lower wage levels.

Important: This rule does not change H-1B eligibility requirements (specialty occupation, employer-employee relationship, etc.). It changes how cap registrations are selected, not who qualifies.

What employers should do right now (before March 19)

1) Confirm cap strategy and timing

Is the role cap-subject or cap-exempt?
Is the worker currently in a status with time limits (e.g., OPT/STEM OPT) that affects urgency?

2) Start wage planning early

Because selection is tied to wage level, employers should evaluate:

Role level, location, job duties, and realistic wage ranges
Whether the offered wage aligns with internal pay equity and business needs

3) Prep the registration package (even though it’s “short”)

Registration is not the full petition, but errors can still cause problems later. Build a quick internal checklist:

Passport name consistency
Degree/field alignment (for specialty occupation support later)
Worksite location accuracy (affects wage level and LCA planning later)

4) Use the correct USCIS online account flow

USCIS requires registration through the USCIS online account system during the window.

Quick FAQ

Is the registration really open until March 19?

Yes — USCIS states the FY 2027 initial registration period runs noon ET March 4 to noon ET March 19, 2026.

Is it “wage weighted” now?

For FY 2027 cap registration, USCIS has adopted a weighted selection process tied to wage levels, effective Feb. 27, 2026.

Does a higher wage guarantee selection?

No. It’s a weighted system, not a guarantee.

Need help?

If you’re an employer planning to register, or a candidate trying to coordinate with an employer, our office can help you:

assess cap eligibility,
design a wage/role strategy aligned with compliance,
and prepare for the post-selection petition filing stage.

This newsletter is general information and not legal advice; consult counsel about your specific facts.