FY 2027 H-1B Initial Registration Selection Process Completed
As of March 31st, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough electronic registrations for unique beneficiaries during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year 2027 H-1B numerical allocations (known as the H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap).
USCIS selected enough beneficiaries with properly submitted registrations to reach the H-1B cap and notified all prospective petitioners with selected beneficiaries that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for those beneficiaries. Registrants’ online accounts will display their registration status. For more information, visit the H-1B Electronic Registration Process page.
H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2027, including those petitions eligible for the advanced degree exemption, may be filed with USCIS beginning April 1, 2026, if filed for a selected beneficiary and based on a valid registration. Only petitioners with registrations for selected beneficiaries may file H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2027.
An H-1B cap-subject petition must be properly filed at the correct filing location or online at my.uscis.gov and within the filing period indicated on the relevant selection notice. The period for filing the H-1B cap-subject petition will be at least 90 days. Petitioners must include a copy of the applicable selection notice with the FY 2027 H-1B cap-subject petition.
On Feb. 27, 2026, USCIS published a new edition of Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (edition date 02/27/26). Beginning April 1, USCIS will only accept the 02/27/26 edition of Form I-129. All H-1B cap subject petitions for FY 2027 must use this edition of the form.
An H-1B cap petition filed on behalf of a beneficiary must contain and be supported by the same identifying information and position information as the selected registration. Petitioners must submit evidence of the beneficiary’s valid passport or travel document used at the time of registration to identify the beneficiary and evidence of the basis of the wage level selected on the registration as of the date that the registration underlying the petition was submitted.
The Presidential Proclamation Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers requires certain H-1B petitions filed at or after 12:01 a.m. Eastern on Sept. 21, 2025, to be accompanied by an additional $100,000 payment as a condition of eligibility. See the Presidential Proclamation on Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers section on our H-1B Specialty Occupations page for additional details.
Petitioners filing H-1B cap petitions on behalf of selected beneficiaries based on their valid registration must still submit evidence as provided in the Form I-129 instructions and establish eligibility for petition approval, as registration and selection only pertain to eligibility to file the H-1B cap-subject petition.
Wilner & O’Reilly offers free first consultations at our offices in Costa Mesa, Riverside, Fresno, Sacramento, and San Diego, California; Salt Lake City and Orem, Utah; Phoenix, Arizona, and Boise, Idaho. If you need further assistance with the filing of your H-1B petition, or if you weren’t selected and need help navigating your options, please do not hesitate to contact us.
FAQ
What does it mean that the H-1B cap has been reached for FY 2027?
USCIS has received enough electronic registrations to fill all available H-1B cap slots, including both the general cap and the advanced degree (master’s) exemption, for Fiscal Year 2027. No additional registrations will be accepted for this cycle.
How do I know if my beneficiary has been selected in the H-1B lottery?
USCIS updates online accounts for all registrants. If your beneficiary was selected, the account will indicate eligibility to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for that beneficiary. You will also receive an official selection notice.
When can we file H-1B cap-subject petitions for selected FY 2027 beneficiaries?
You may begin filing H-1B cap-subject petitions on behalf of selected beneficiaries starting April 1, 2026. The filing window will remain open for at least 90 days from that date.
Who is eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for FY 2027?
Only those petitioners whose beneficiaries were selected in the FY 2027 H-1B registration lottery and who have a valid registration may file an H-1B cap-subject petition during the designated filing period.
Which edition of Form I-129 should we use for FY 2027 H-1B cap petitions?
Starting April 1, 2026, all FY 2027 H-1B cap-subject petitions must use the new 02/27/26 edition of Form I-129. Any other edition will not be accepted by USCIS for this cap season.
What supporting documents must we provide with the H-1B petition?
You must submit the selection notice, proof of the beneficiary’s valid passport or travel document used at registration, documentation confirming the position and wage level as indicated during registration, and evidence that the position qualifies as a specialty occupation for which the beneficiary is qualified.
Does the information in the H-1B petition need to match the registration?
Yes, all identifying and position information in your H-1B petition must exactly match the selection registration submitted during the initial lottery. Inconsistencies can lead to petition denial or rejection.
Where do we file the H-1B cap petition?
You can file at the correct physical USCIS address provided for Form I-129, or you may submit online at the USCIS website, as indicated in your selection notice. Ensure you use the proper filing location to avoid delays or rejection.
What is the new $100,000 payment requirement for certain H-1B petitions?
The Presidential Proclamation requires some H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025, to include an additional $100,000 payment as a condition of eligibility. This applies to certain categories only, so make sure to check whether your case is affected.
Does registration guarantee approval of the H-1B petition?
No, registration and selection only make you eligible to file the petition. USCIS will review your H-1B petition for eligibility and compliance; approval is granted only if all requirements are met and supporting documents are sufficient.
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