H-1B FY 2027 Registration Guide: Everything Employers Need to Know
The H-1B registration period for Fiscal Year 2027 opens in early March 2026, and this year brings unprecedented changes that will fundamentally reshape employer participation. With a new $100,000 supplemental fee for cap-subject petitions and a wage-weighted selection system replacing the random lottery, employers must approach FY 2027 registration with careful strategy and thorough preparation.
At Lozano Law Firm, we help Texas employers navigate the complexities of H-1B sponsorship across San Antonio, Eagle Pass, San Angelo, and beyond. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the FY 2027 H-1B registration process, from key dates to strategic considerations under the new rules.
FY 2027 H-1B Timeline and Key Dates
Mark these critical dates for FY 2027 H-1B planning:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 27, 2026 | Wage-weighted selection system takes effect |
| Early March 2026 | Registration period opens (exact dates announced by USCIS) |
| Approximately March 7, 2026 | Registration period closes (typically 5-7 day window) |
| Late March 2026 | Selection notifications sent |
| April 1, 2026 | Earliest date to file H-1B petitions for selected registrations |
| 90 days from selection | Deadline to file petition |
| October 1, 2026 | FY 2027 H-1B employment begins |
USCIS typically announces the exact registration window 2-3 weeks in advance. Employers should be prepared to register immediately when the window opens, as the system can experience high traffic.
Understanding the New H-1B Landscape
FY 2027 brings two major changes that fundamentally alter H-1B economics:
The $100,000 Supplemental Fee
Effective September 21, 2025, new cap-subject H-1B petitions require a $100,000 supplemental fee in addition to all other filing fees. This fee:
- Applies only to new petitions (not extensions or amendments)
- Is paid by the employer at petition filing (not registration)
- Cannot be passed to the employee
- Does not apply to cap-exempt employers
Wage-Weighted Selection System
Beginning February 27, 2026, the H-1B lottery becomes weighted by wage level. Higher-wage positions receive priority selection over lower-wage positions. This means:
- Level 4 wages (67th percentile and above) receive highest selection probability
- Level 1 wages (entry-level) receive lowest selection probability
- Selection is no longer random
- Compensation strategy directly affects lottery success
H-1B Registration Process Step by Step
Step 1: Create USCIS Online Account
Employers must have a USCIS online account to participate in electronic registration. If you don’t have an account, create one well before the registration window opens. Attorneys and representatives can register on behalf of employer clients through their own accounts.
Step 2: Gather Beneficiary Information
For each prospective H-1B worker, you will need:
- Full legal name (exactly as it appears on passport)
- Date of birth
- Country of birth
- Country of citizenship
- Passport number
- Gender
- Whether the beneficiary has a U.S. master’s degree or higher
Step 3: Determine Wage Level
The offered wage must be specified during registration and will determine selection priority. Research the prevailing wage for your position’s SOC code and geographic area using the Department of Labor’s Online Wage Library. Determine which wage level (1-4) your offered salary achieves.
Step 4: Complete Electronic Registration
During the registration window, submit the electronic registration for each beneficiary. Required information includes:
- Employer information
- Beneficiary information
- Attorney/representative information (if applicable)
- Whether beneficiary is eligible for master’s cap
- Offered wage and job location
Step 5: Pay Registration Fee
The registration fee is $215 per beneficiary (as of 2026). This fee is non-refundable regardless of selection outcome.
Step 6: Await Selection Results
USCIS notifies employers of selection results through their online accounts. Selected registrations receive filing eligibility; non-selected registrations are not chosen for the fiscal year.
If Your Registration Is Selected
Selection notification means you may file an H-1B petition for that beneficiary. Key points:
Filing Window
You have 90 days from the selection notification date to file the complete H-1B petition. Missing this deadline forfeits the selection.
Petition Requirements
The full H-1B petition includes:
- Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker
- H-1B Data Collection and Filing Fee Exemption Supplement
- Labor Condition Application (LCA) certified by DOL
- Evidence of specialty occupation
- Evidence of beneficiary’s qualifications
- Employer support letter
- All required fees
Total Filing Fees for FY 2027
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base H-1B Filing Fee | $780 |
| $100,000 Supplemental Fee | $100,000 |
| ACWIA Training Fee (26+ employees) | $1,500 |
| ACWIA Training Fee (25 or fewer) | $750 |
| Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee | $500 |
| Asylum Program Fee (26+ employees) | $600 |
| Asylum Program Fee (25 or fewer / nonprofit) | $300 |
| Premium Processing (optional) | $2,805 |
Total costs for a large employer without premium processing: approximately $103,380 per petition.
If Your Registration Is Not Selected
Non-selection means the beneficiary cannot obtain H-1B status for FY 2027 through the cap-subject process. Options include:
Wait for Additional Selections
USCIS sometimes conducts additional selection rounds if initial filings don’t fill the cap. Monitor USCIS announcements.
Explore Cap-Exempt Options
Certain employers are exempt from the H-1B cap:
- Institutions of higher education
- Nonprofit research organizations
- Government research organizations
- Nonprofit affiliates of higher education institutions
If the beneficiary can obtain employment with a cap-exempt employer, they could begin H-1B work immediately and potentially transfer to a cap-subject employer later through the “cap-gap” provisions.
Consider Alternative Visa Categories
Depending on the beneficiary’s qualifications:
- TN visa for Mexican or Canadian professionals in qualifying occupations
- O-1 visa for those with extraordinary ability
- L-1 visa for intracompany transferees
- E-2 visa for treaty investor employees
Register Again for FY 2028
The beneficiary can be registered for the next fiscal year’s lottery. If currently in valid status (F-1 OPT, for example), they may be able to maintain status until the next lottery cycle.
Strategic Considerations for FY 2027
Wage Level Analysis
Before committing to H-1B sponsorship, analyze where your offered salary falls:
- Identify the appropriate SOC code for the position
- Determine the geographic area (MSA or non-metropolitan area)
- Look up prevailing wage levels at the DOL Wage Library
- Calculate which level your offer achieves
If your offer is Level 1 or Level 2, seriously evaluate whether the selection probability justifies the $100,000+ investment.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
For each potential H-1B beneficiary, calculate:
- Total sponsorship cost (fees + legal costs)
- Probability of selection based on wage level
- Value of the employee to your organization
- Availability of alternative visa options
- Cost of not obtaining the employee
Multiple Registration Strategy
Employers can register multiple beneficiaries, understanding that:
- Registration fees are non-refundable
- $100,000 fee is only due if selected AND you file the petition
- You are not obligated to file for selected registrations
Masters Cap Consideration
Beneficiaries with U.S. master’s degrees or higher are first entered in the advanced degree lottery (20,000 visas), then, if not selected, entered in the regular cap lottery (65,000 visas). This provides two chances at selection.
Employer Compliance Requirements
H-1B employers must maintain compliance with all program requirements:
Labor Condition Application Obligations
- Pay at least the required wage (higher of prevailing wage or actual wage)
- Provide working conditions that don’t adversely affect similarly employed U.S. workers
- Maintain public access file
- Post LCA notice at worksite
H-1B-Dependent Employer Requirements
Employers with high percentages of H-1B workers face additional attestation requirements regarding displacement and recruitment of U.S. workers.
Record Keeping
Maintain records supporting LCA attestations and be prepared for potential DOL investigations or audits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register the same beneficiary multiple times?
No. Each beneficiary may only have one registration per fiscal year per employer. Multiple registrations for the same beneficiary are prohibited and can result in denial of all related registrations.
What if my beneficiary has multiple potential employers?
Different employers may each register the same beneficiary. However, if selected by multiple employers, the beneficiary can only work for employers who actually file approved petitions.
When should I start preparing for registration?
Begin now. Gather beneficiary information, analyze wage levels, create or verify USCIS accounts, and develop your registration strategy before the window opens.
Does the wage level affect anything besides selection?
The wage level used in registration should match the actual offered wage. Significant discrepancies between registration wage and petition wage could raise issues during adjudication.
Can I withdraw a registration?
Yes, registrations can be withdrawn before selection. After selection, you simply choose not to file the petition (forfeiting only the $215 registration fee).
How Lozano Law Firm Supports Employers
Our business immigration practice provides comprehensive H-1B support:
- Pre-registration strategy consultation
- Wage level analysis and prevailing wage research
- Electronic registration filing
- Labor Condition Application preparation
- Complete petition preparation and filing
- RFE response support
- Employer compliance guidance
- Alternative visa strategy development
Attorney Alfredo Lozano is Board-Certified in Immigration and Nationality Law, providing expert guidance from our offices in San Antonio, Eagle Pass, and San Angelo.
Prepare Now for March 2026
The FY 2027 H-1B registration window will arrive quickly. Employers who wait until the last minute risk missing opportunities and making costly mistakes.
Contact Lozano Law Firm today for your H-1B strategy consultation. We will analyze your specific situation, evaluate wage levels and selection probability, identify alternative options, and ensure you are fully prepared when registration opens.
