USCIS will open the FY 2027 H-1B cap registration on March 4, 2026, giving employers a 15‑day window to submit electronic registrations for prospective H‑1B workers. The agency says entries will be accepted through March 19 at noon Eastern, a key step that determines who may file full petitions this spring.
The initial registration period runs from March 4 to March 19, 2026, at noon Eastern. Employers and representatives must use a USCIS online organizational account to submit each beneficiary’s registration and pay the $215 registration fee per beneficiary. USCIS intends to send selection notifications by March 31 via users’ online accounts. Only petitioners with selected registrations may proceed to file H‑1B cap‑subject petitions for those beneficiaries.
USCIS says this cap season will incorporate a revised selection framework tied to a recent Department of Homeland Security final rule. If registrations for unique beneficiaries exceed the cap, the agency will conduct a weighted selection that prioritizes higher‑paid, higher‑skilled roles, rather than a pure random draw. The agency also flags a presidential proclamation that, in certain cases involving beneficiaries outside the United States, may require an additional $100,000 fee before filing. Employers should review the proclamation and any DHS guidance carefully to understand applicability and exceptions.
Set up or confirm access to USCIS organizational accounts well before March 4, and coordinate with counsel on beneficiary details. Because selections occur after the window closes, there’s no advantage to filing on day one—but there is risk in waiting until the last minute. Prepare core information early (company details, beneficiary identifiers, and job data you plan to rely on at petition stage) to avoid avoidable errors.
Remember that registration is mandatory for cap‑subject filings. If selected, petitioners must follow USCIS filing instructions precisely and meet the timelines stated on selection notices. Employers that routinely hire international graduates or professionals in specialty occupations should use the next days to inventory candidates, validate wage levels and worksite plans, and align internal sign‑offs so registrations can be submitted smoothly during the March 4–19 window.