What Is the FY2027 H-1B Cap Registration?
Each fiscal year, employers must register with USCIS during a brief window before they can file an H-1B cap-subject petition. For FY2027, the registration period ran March 7 ā March 28, 2026. USCIS will announce lottery selections (if needed) by April 1, 2026, with petition filing open October 1, 2026.
ā ļø Educational notice: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed immigration attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Key Changes for FY2027
| Feature | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Registration fee per beneficiary | $10 | $215 |
| Beneficiary-centric lottery | Yes | Yes |
| Duplicate registration prevention | Yes | Yes |
| Online portal | myUSCIS | myUSCIS |
| Regular-cap slots | 65,000 | 65,000 |
| Master's cap slots | 20,000 | 20,000 |
The jump from $10 to $215 per registration is the most significant fee change since the online lottery was introduced in FY2021. This was codified in the FY2024 H-1B final rule.
Who Is Eligible for the Regular Cap?
Workers seeking initial H-1B status who are not cap-exempt and have not been counted against the cap in the past six years (or who fall under an exemption) are subject to the annual cap.
Cap-exempt employers ā such as universities, affiliated nonprofit research organizations, and government research organizations ā are not subject to the registration window and may file any time.
What Happens After Registration?
- USCIS conducts a random lottery if registrations exceed cap limits
- Selected registrants receive notification via myUSCIS
- Petitions may be filed July 1 ā September 30, 2026 (the full 90-day window)
- Employment may begin October 1, 2026
Practical Takeaways for Employers
- File early ā premium processing ($2,805) allows 15-business-day adjudication and is available from the first day of filing
- Document specialty occupation carefully ā USCIS RFE rates remain elevated; strong position descriptions and employer evidence of degree requirements are essential
- Back-ups ā employees who are not selected should explore O-1A, TN, E-3 (Australian nationals), or cap-exempt transfer options