02/16/2026
FY 2027 H-1B cap registration opens in early March. If your company plans to sponsor employees or candidates this season, there are significant new registration requirements to address before the window opens.
1. Important Dates
- Registration Period: March 4 (12:00 PM ET) – March 19, 2026 (12:00 PM ET)
- Lottery Results: Expected by March 31, 2026
- Petition Filing Window: April 1 – June 30, 2026
- Earliest Start Date: October 1, 2026
2. H-1B Lottery Overview
The H-1B program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals for specialty occupations that typically require at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field. Because demand exceeds the annual cap, USCIS uses an electronic registration and lottery to determine which employers may file H-1B petitions.
3. Key Changes - this year requires more front-loaded planning. For each candidate, registration now requires:
- Wage Level (I–IV): Based on government wage data for the specific role and location.
- Work Location: Identifying the “area(s) of intended employment,” including remote work and/or other sites where applicable.
- SOC Code: A government job category code based on the position’s actual duties.
- Passport details
The most critical change is wage-weighted selection. Higher wage levels now provide more entries in the lottery:
· Level I: 1 entry
· Level II: 2 entries
· Level III: 3 entries
· Level IV: 4 entries
In general, the higher the wage level, the better the odds. However, USCIS will use the lowest wage level for that person if: (1) the job has more than one work location, the lowest-wage location controls; or (2) more than one employer registers the same person, the lowest wage level from any employer controls.
U.S. advanced degree (“master’s cap”) reminder: Some candidates with qualifying U.S. master’s degrees (or higher) may also be eligible for the advanced degree selection process, which can improve overall chances.
4. Next Steps for Employers
If your company may sponsor this season, these are the most useful internal steps to take now:
- Identify candidates
- Define roles and work locations
- Confirm salary ranges
- Calendar all deadlines
5. How We Can Support You
The Law Office of Victoria V. Kuzmina provides comprehensive H-1B support, including strategy, wage-level analysis, job classification, registration submissions, and petition filing. You may schedule a strategy session here: https://calendly.com/kuzmina/consultation-45-minutes.
Disclaimer:
This newsletter is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All information is subject to change without notice. Reading this newsletter does not create an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case. Please consult qualified counsel regarding your company’s particular situation before taking action.
