FY 2027 H-1B Visa: USCIS Announces Wage-Weighted Lottery and $100,000 Fee

Visual guide to the new FY 2027 H-1B wage-weighted lottery system. Higher salary offers receive more entries in the selection process.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed the registration timeline for the FY 2027 H-1B cap, introducing historic changes that will reshape how employers hire skilled foreign talent. The key developments include a new wage-weighted H-1B lottery system and a substantial $100,000 H-1B fee for certain petitions.

This marks the most significant overhaul of the H-1B visa selection process in years, prioritizing higher-wage positions and creating new financial considerations for sponsoring employers.

Key Dates: FY 2027 H-1B Cap Registration Window

The initial registration period for the H-1B lottery will run from noon Eastern Time on March 4, 2026, to noon Eastern Time on March 19, 2026.

All employers must submit registrations electronically through USCIS online accounts with a $215 fee per beneficiary. It is crucial to prepare organizational accounts in advance, as the system will not accept early submissions.

Important Note: The process remains beneficiary-centric. Each registrant must use a valid passport as a unique identifier, and all details must be consistent across any duplicate registrations to avoid invalidation.

For the latest official guidance, refer to the USCIS H-1B Specialty Occupations page.

The New H-1B Wage-Weighted Lottery System Explained

The most transformative change is the shift to a wage-weighted H-1B lottery. Effective February 27, 2026, if registrations exceed the 85,000 annual cap, selections will be weighted based on the offered wage compared to the Department of Labor's prevailing wage for the occupation and location.

How the Weighted Lottery Works:

This H-1B wage-weighted lottery system significantly increases selection chances for higher-paid positions. If multiple employers register the same beneficiary, the lowest reported wage level determines the weighting.

Learn more about strategic planning for this new system on our H-1B visa planning guide at VisasUpdate.com.

Impact of the New $100,000 H-1B Fee

A Presidential Proclamation has introduced an additional $100,000 H-1B fee for petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025, that request "consular notification." This primarily affects beneficiaries outside the U.S. or those needing a new visa stamp.

Fee Application Details:

This fee dramatically increases costs for hiring international talent abroad and may shift employer focus to candidates already in the U.S. on other visas.

Understanding the new H-1B fee structure: When the $100,000 fee applies and exemption scenarios.

Timeline and Process for FY 2027 H-1B Petitions

1. March 4-19, 2026: H-1B Cap Registration Period

2. By March 31, 2026: Selection notifications via USCIS online accounts

3. Starting April 1, 2026: 90-day filing window opens for selected registrants

4. October 1, 2026: Earliest employment start date for FY 2027 H-1B visas

What Employers Should Do Now: Action Plan

Navigating the New H-1B Landscape

The FY 2027 H-1B cap season represents a pivotal shift in U.S. immigration policy. The wage-weighted H-1B lottery aims to attract specialized talent while the $100,000 fee creates significant financial considerations for international hiring.

Employers must approach this season with proactive planning and precise execution. Consultation with experienced immigration attorneys is more critical than ever to navigate these complex changes successfully.

Stay updated with the latest immigration news and analysis by bookmarking VisasUpdate.com.

For continuous updates on H-1B and other visa categories, explore our USCIS News section

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration policies change frequently. Please consult with a qualified immigration attorney for guidance on your specific situation.