H-1B FY27 Visa Registration Set to Open March 4: New Rules, Higher Fees, and What Applicants Must Know

According to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the H-1B electronic registration window will open on March 4, 2026, and will remain open until March 19, 2026. As always, demand is expected to far exceed supply — but this year comes with new selection rules, stricter oversight, and a controversial potential $100,000 additional fee for certain employers.

Let’s break down everything you need to know in simple terms.

What Is the H-1B Visa — and Why Is It So Important?

The H-1B visa allows US employers to hire foreign professionals for specialty occupations — roles that require advanced knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree. These typically include jobs in:

• Information Technology
• Engineering
• Healthcare
• Finance
• Research and analytics

For international students and professionals, the H-1B is often the primary pathway to working long-term in the United States, and eventually pursuing permanent residency.

The challenge? The US government issues only 85,000 new H-1B visas each year, while registrations often cross several hundred thousand.

H-1B FY27 Registration Timeline (Official Dates)

Here are the key dates confirmed so far:

• Registration opens: March 4, 2026 (12:00 PM Eastern Time)
• Registration closes: March 19, 2026 (12:00 PM Eastern Time)
• Registration fee: $215 per beneficiary
• Selection notifications: Expected by March 31, 2026

Only employers whose registrations are selected will be allowed to file a complete H-1B petition.

Online Registration Is Mandatory — No Exceptions

Just like recent years, all registrations must be submitted online through a USCIS account.

Important things employers should prepare for:

• Companies must have a USCIS organizational account
• Immigration attorneys can manage registrations on behalf of employers
• Beneficiary details and fee payments can only be submitted after March 4
• No paper filings are allowed at the registration stage

This system is designed to reduce fraud, eliminate duplicate entries, and improve transparency.

New H-1B Selection Rules for FY27

This year, the selection process has been refined by the Department of Homeland Security to make it more balanced and fair.

How the selection will work:

• If total registrations exceed the annual cap, USCIS will run a weighted selection process
• Selection will be based on unique beneficiaries, not the number of registrations submitted for the same person
• If registrations do not exceed the cap, all valid registrations will be selected — and no lottery will be needed

The goal is to discourage bulk or duplicate filings and ensure that each candidate gets a fair chance.

Master’s Cap Still Available — But No Shortcuts

The advanced degree exemption, commonly called the master’s cap, is still in place.

This means:

• Candidates with a US master’s degree or higher are eligible for an additional pool of 20,000 visas
• However, they must still go through the registration and selection process
• Selection happens first under the master’s cap, then under the regular cap if not selected

So while having a US master’s degree improves chances, it does not guarantee selection.

The $100,000 Fee: What’s Going On?

One of the biggest talking points for FY27 is the possible additional $100,000 fee for certain employers.

This fee is linked to a presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, titled “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers.”

What is confirmed so far:

• The extra fee does NOT apply to registration
• It may apply after selection, before filing the full H-1B petition
• Only employers meeting specific criteria will be affected
• USCIS has promised to release detailed eligibility guidelines before March 4

This could significantly impact hiring decisions, especially for companies that rely heavily on foreign talent.

What Happens After Registration?

Once the registration window closes:

1. USCIS reviews all valid entries
2. A selection process is conducted if needed
3. Employers and lawyers receive results through their USCIS accounts
4. Selected employers can file full H-1B petitions during the filing window
5. Unselected registrations remain on hold in case additional rounds are conducted

Why This Matters So Much for Indian Professionals

India continues to be the largest source of H-1B applicants, especially in IT, software, and engineering roles.

Any change in:

• Selection rules
• Employer costs
• Compliance requirements

has a direct impact on Indian students, OPT holders, and working professionals planning a future in the US.

If the $100,000 fee is enforced broadly, some employers may become more cautious — making it even more important for candidates to work with reputable, compliant employers.

How Applicants and Employers Should Prepare Now

With March 4 approaching, preparation is key.

Employers should:

• Set up USCIS accounts early
• Review eligibility for potential additional fees
• Coordinate closely with immigration attorneys

Applicants should:

• Confirm employer readiness
• Keep documents updated
• Stay alert to official USCIS announcements

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The H-1B FY27 season brings a mix of clarity and complexity. While timelines are clearly defined and the online system is streamlined, new selection rules and the possibility of a massive additional fee introduce uncertainty.

For both employers and applicants, early planning, accurate information, and transparency will be the biggest advantages this year.

March 4 is closer than it seems — and being prepared could make all the difference.