FY 2027 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens on March 4

FY 2027 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens on March 4

The FY 2027 H-1B cap initial registration period opens on March 4, 2026. This critical step allows eligible foreign workers and employers to register for the annual H-1B visa lottery to obtain work authorization in the United States. If you are in Smithfield or anywhere in North Carolina or Florida and plan to apply, understanding the process and deadlines is crucial. In this guide, we explain the key dates, what to expect during registration, common mistakes, and how the Vasquez Law Firm can help you navigate the complexities of the H-1B cap process to improve your chances of success.

Understanding the FY 2027 H-1B Cap and Registration Process

The H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant classification that allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. Each fiscal year, the federal government allocates a cap on the number of new H-1B visas, currently 65,000, with an additional 20,000 reserved for individuals who earned advanced degrees from U.S. institutions.

To manage demand, USCIS introduced an electronic initial registration period. The FY 2027 H-1B cap initial registration period opens on March 4, 2026, and generally lasts about two to three weeks. During this time, employers submit basic information about the potential beneficiary online.

This registration system helps USCIS conduct the lottery more efficiently by pre-selecting applicants before they file full petitions. After the registration period closes, if the number of registrations exceeds the cap, USCIS runs a random computerized lottery to select registrations allowed to file H-1B petitions.

For employers and foreign workers in Smithfield, North Carolina, Florida, and nationwide, understanding the registration process and adhering to deadlines is critical to securing the chance to apply for an H-1B visa.

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering for the FY 2027 H-1B Cap

1. Create a USCIS Online Account: Employers must create a USCIS online account to access the H-1B electronic registration system.
2. Complete Employer Information: Provide the employer’s legal name, address, and contact details.
3. Provide Beneficiary Information: Submit basic data about the potential employee, including full name, date of birth, and country of birth.
4. Submit the Registration: Complete and submit the registration during the open initial period starting March 4, 2026.
5. Wait for Lottery Results: USCIS will notify employers electronically if their registration was selected in the lottery.
6. File Full Petition: Selected registrants can file complete H-1B petitions with USCIS within the designated filing window.

Following these steps meticulously improves your chances and avoids delays or disqualification.

Documents and Evidence Checklist

• Employer’s federal employer identification number (FEIN)
• Detailed job description and requirements
• Beneficiary’s resume and education credentials
• Proof of advanced degrees for cap-exempt lottery
• Labor Condition Application (LCA) approved by Department of Labor
• Passport copies and immigration status documents
• Previous work experience letters if relevant
• USCIS Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker

Timeline: What to Expect During the Registration Period

• March 4, 2026: Initial registration period opens.
• Mid to late March 2026: USCIS closes registration and runs lottery.
• Late March to Early April 2026: USCIS notifies registrants of lottery results.
• April to June 2026: Selected candidates’ employers file full H-1B petitions.
• October 1, 2026: Earliest start date for approved H-1B employment under FY 2027 cap.

Costs and Fees: Understanding the Fees for FY 2027 H-1B Applications

• Electronic Registration Fee: A small fee is charged for each H-1B registration submitted by an employer.
• Form I-129 Filing Fee: Standard USCIS filing fee for the H-1B petition.
• American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA) Fee: Applies to most employers based on size.
• Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee: Mandatory fee to prevent immigration fraud.
• Premium Processing (Optional): Additional fee for expedited processing within 15 calendar days.
• Legal Fees: Consultation and petition preparation fees charged by attorneys.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Missing the Registration Window: Mark calendars and submit early because late submissions are not accepted.
• Incorrect or Incomplete Registration Data: Double-check employer and beneficiary information to avoid rejection.
• Waiting to Start the Registration Process: Prepare all information in advance to avoid last-minute errors.
• Failing to Get LCA Approval on Time: Begin Labor Condition Application process early as it is required before filing.
• Underestimating Legal Assistance: Expert legal help can prevent errors that cause denials or delays.
• Misunderstanding the Lottery System: Selection is random; prepare to file quickly if chosen but understand there are no guarantees.
• Neglecting State-Specific Considerations: Immigration rules are federal but local counsel in North Carolina or Florida knows how to address specific practical issues.

If you only remember one thing: Submit your registration early and accurately to secure your chance for the FY 2027 H-1B visa lottery.

Jurisdiction Notes for North Carolina, Florida, and Nationwide

The H-1B visa program is governed federally by USCIS and applies nationwide. However, applicants in Smithfield, North Carolina, and Florida should partner with local immigration attorneys to navigate any state-specific issues or procedural nuances.