USCIS Completes Initial FY2027 H-1B Cap Electronic Registration Selection Process
On March 31, 2026, USCIS announced that it has completed the initial selection process for the FY2027 H-1B cap, including the advanced degree (master’s cap) exemption. USCIS has notified petitioners and their legal representatives of selected registrations. USCIS has not yet disclosed the total number of registrations submitted this year.
What’s New This Year
Two significant changes took effect for this cap season. USCIS implemented a wage-weighted lottery for this year’s FY2027 cap, giving foreign nationals offered higher salaries better odds of selection.
H-1B Cap Petition Filing Period: April 1 - June 30, 2026
H-1B cap-subject petitions for selected beneficiaries may be filed beginning April 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026.
Impact of the $100,000 H-1B Fee
Certain H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025 are subject to the $100,000 fee under the Presidential Proclamation on Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers. If a change of status request cannot be approved and the petition is approved only for consular notification, the $100,000 fee will apply.
Possibility of a Second Lottery
Registrations not selected in the initial lottery will remain in reserve and may be drawn upon in a subsequent lottery if USCIS does not receive enough petitions to meet the annual cap by June 30. We will notify employers and their registered beneficiaries of any updates as they become available.
For answers to frequently asked questions about the FY2027 H-1B cap season, please visit our FAQ page.