On March 31, 2026, USCIS announced that it has completed the H-1B lottery selection process for fiscal year 2027. If you or your employer registered for the H-1B cap lottery earlier this year, it's time to check your results and understand what comes next.
What Happened in the FY 2027 H-1B Lottery
USCIS received enough electronic registrations during the initial registration period to reach both the regular H-1B cap (65,000 visas) and the advanced degree exemption, also known as the "master's cap" (additional 20,000 visas for those with US master's degrees or higher).
The agency has now selected enough beneficiaries to fill these numerical allocations and notified all prospective petitioners whose registrations were chosen. You can check your selection status by logging into your online USCIS account where you submitted your initial registration.
Who Can File H-1B Petitions for FY 2027
Only employers whose registrations were selected in the lottery can file H-1B cap-subject petitions for fiscal year 2027. This is a critical point: no selection means no ability to file a petition, regardless of how qualified the beneficiary might be.
If your registration was selected, your employer can file an H-1B petition on your behalf starting April 1, 2026. The filing period will last at least 90 days, giving employers time to prepare their petitions properly.
Important Changes and Requirements for FY 2027
Several key requirements apply to FY 2027 H-1B petitions:
- New Form Required: USCIS will only accept the February 27, 2026 edition of Form I-129 starting April 1. Older versions will be rejected.
- Selection Notice: Your employer must include a copy of the selection notice with the petition.
- Consistent Information: The petition must contain the same identifying and position information as your selected registration.
- Additional Fee: Due to a Presidential Proclamation, H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025, require an additional $100,000 payment as a condition of eligibility.
- Required Evidence: Your employer must provide evidence of your valid passport used during registration and documentation supporting the wage level selected in your registration.
What You Should Do Next
If your registration was selected, here are your immediate next steps:
- Confirm with your employer: Make sure they received the selection notice and are prepared to file your petition.
- Gather documents: Help your employer collect required evidence, including your passport and educational credentials.
- Review job details: Ensure the position details in your petition match exactly what was submitted in your registration.
- Plan timing: Work with your employer to file well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
If your registration was not selected, you may want to consult with an immigration attorney about other potential visa options or strategies for future H-1B seasons.
Remember, being selected in the lottery is just the first step. Your employer still needs to file a complete petition and demonstrate that you and the position meet all H-1B requirements. The selection only gives you eligibility to file – it doesn't guarantee approval.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and individual circumstances vary.
If you have questions about how this affects your case, contact AKT LAW, LLC at (781) 488-0315 or book a consultation at aktimmigration.com
Source: USCIS - FY 2027 H-1B Initial Registration Selection Process Completed
Source: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/fy-2027-h-1b-initial-registration-selection-process-completed