CLIENT ALERT

CSG Law Alert: 2027 H-1B Lottery Window to Open March 4, 2026

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year (FY) 2027 H‑1B cap lottery will open on March 4, 2026, and run through March 19, 2026. CSG Law’s Immigration Group is closely monitoring developments related to the H‑1B cap season and is available to assist employers with evaluating potential candidates, preparing registrations, and navigating recent regulatory changes.

FY 2027 H‑1B Cap – Key Information:

Registration Period

1. The initial H‑1B registration period will open at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 4, 2026, and close at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 19, 2026.
2. Registrations must be submitted electronically through a USCIS online account.
3. A $215 registration fee is required for each beneficiary.

USCIS Online Accounts

1. Employers and representatives who do not yet have a USCIS online organizational account may create one now, with assistance from their CSG team. Note that beneficiary information and registrations cannot be submitted until March 4, 2026.

Lottery Selection Process

1. If USCIS receives more registrations than available H‑1B cap numbers, it will conduct a weighted random selection process based on wage levels.
2. USCIS has indicated that it intends to notify account holders of selection results by March 31, 2026.
3. If registrations do not exceed the cap, all properly submitted registrations for unique beneficiaries will be selected.

Potential $100,000 Fee

1. USCIS has announced that, pursuant to a recent H‑1B proclamation, employers with a selected registration may be required to pay an additional $100,000 fee as a condition of filing an H‑1B cap‑subject petition, if applicable.
2. The newly announced $100,000 H‑1B fee is generally limited to certain beneficiaries outside the United States. Employers sponsoring individuals already in the U.S. who are eligible to file a change of status are not expected to be subject to this fee under current guidance.
3. Additional guidance on eligibility and implementation is expected.

Employers considering sponsorship for the FY 2027 H‑1B cap should begin identifying potential candidates and gathering relevant information as early as possible. Advance planning is particularly important in light of the new selection methodology and potential additional filing costs.

CSG Law will continue to monitor USCIS announcements and provide updates as further details become available. For more information, please contact a member of the CSG Law Immigration Group or visit the USCIS website.

Clara Bergnier

Caroline Murphy