The H-1B lottery for FY 2027 (commonly referred to as the H-1B Lottery 2026) is approaching, and USCIS has announced important updates that employers should understand. Below is a breakdown of key dates, fees, new rules, and eligibility requirements, along with practical steps to prepare.

Key H-1B Lottery Registration Dates (FY 2027)

USCIS has confirmed the initial H-1B cap registration period for the 2026 lottery:

• Registration opens: March 4, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
• Registration closes: March 19, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

This registration window is shorter than in prior years, making early preparation especially important. Employers should ensure all required information is provided to immigration counsel before the registration period opens to avoid delays or errors.

USCIS guidance on the registration timeframe is available on its official website.

H-1B Lottery Registration Fees

• Lottery registration fee: $215 per beneficiary
• Additional fees: If selected, employers must pay separate USCIS filing fees when submitting the full H-1B petition

The registration fee is paid at the time of lottery entry and is non-refundable, regardless of selection.

Do You Have to Pay the $100,000 Fee?

Not every case is subject to a $100,000 fee.

There is an exception for individuals applying for a change of status within the United States, which is particularly relevant for:

• F-1 students
• Individuals on CPT or OPT

For many student visa holders transitioning to H-1B status, this fee does not apply, making the change of status process more accessible.

New H-1B Lottery Rules for 2026

Weighted Lottery Selection Process

Under the updated selection framework, a beneficiary may receive multiple entries in the H-1B lottery based on the wage level assigned to the position under Department of Labor guidelines and the applicable O*NET occupation code.

• Wage Level I → 1 lottery entry
• Wage Level II → 2 lottery entries
• Wage Level III → 3 lottery entries
• Wage Level IV → 4 lottery entries

The wage level does not need to begin at the time of registration. Instead, it applies once the H-1B petition is approved and becomes effective — typically October 1, 2026 for first-round selectees in FY 2027.

Rules That Remain the Same

One Entry Per Beneficiary

Each H-1B beneficiary may only be entered once, based on their passport number. If multiple registrations are submitted for the same beneficiary by different petitioners, the registrations may be rejected.

One Registration Period Per Year

The H-1B remains a true lottery system, with only one opportunity to register in March. While USCIS may conduct additional selection rounds later in the year (often in July or October), only beneficiaries who registered during the March window are eligible.

There is no second chance to register after the initial registration period closes.

Master’s Cap Remains in Effect

The U.S. master’s cap continues to provide additional selection opportunities for individuals who earned a qualifying advanced degree from a U.S. institution.

USCIS will:

1. Select a set number of H-1B registrations from the general pool, and
2. Conduct a separate selection for the master’s cap, increasing the chances for eligible applicants.

Specialty Occupation Requirement

All H-1B positions must qualify as a specialty occupation, meaning:

• The role requires at least a bachelor’s degree or higher
• The degree is directly related to the job duties
• The duties are complex and specialized
• Most employers would require a similar level of education for the position

Specialty occupation issues are a common source of RFEs and denials, making designing the role and providing appropriate documentation especially important.

Need Help Preparing for the H-1B Lottery?

H-1B registration, specialty occupation analysis, and compliance with evolving USCIS rules can be complex and highly fact-specific. If you are unsure how these requirements apply to your role or your organization, consulting with an experienced immigration attorney may help clarify your options, maximize your entry into the lottery, and reduce risk.