H-1B Visa 2027: USCIS Opens Registration as Wage-Based Selection Replaces Lottery

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the first registration window for the 2027 H-1B visa cap, marking a major shift in how applications will be selected. The biggest change is that the system is moving away from a random lottery and towards a wage-weighted model, where higher-paying jobs get better chances.

The registration window will open at 12 noon ET on March 4 and close at 12 noon ET on March 19. Employers and authorised representatives must register each worker online through a USCIS account. Each registration will cost US$215 per beneficiary.

Only registrations submitted within this period will be considered.

How the New H-1B Selection System Works

Under the previous system, every registration had roughly the same chance of being selected, and the process relied mainly on a lottery. This year, USCIS will apply a new wage-based selection method if registrations exceed the annual cap.

The new model gives more weight to applications offering higher wages. Instead of one entry per person, higher wage levels can receive multiple entries.

Here is how the new system changes selection weight:

This means entry-level applicants (Wage Level I) are expected to face the biggest impact, with selection chances dropping sharply.

Visa Cap Remains the Same

Despite the new method, the total number of visas has not changed.

The H-1B cap still includes:

• 65,000 visas under the regular quota
• 20,000 additional visas for applicants with a US master’s degree or higher

So, while the selection rules have changed, the number of available visas remains limited.

When Employers Will Get Results

Once the registration period closes, USCIS will run the selection process. Employers will be informed through their USCIS online accounts by March 31.

Selected employers can then file full H-1B petitions starting April 1. The filing window is usually around 90 days.

Higher Costs Add Another Barrier

Along with the new wage system, the Trump administration has also tightened the programme through higher costs and stricter controls. A major development has been the introduction of a US$100,000 fee for certain overseas H-1B filings, making the process far more expensive for many employers.

Read more: Tata Trusts Set to Revisit Neville Tata’s Appointment on February 15.

Conclusion

The 2027 H-1B registration cycle marks a clear shift towards prioritising higher-paid roles. While the changes aim to encourage better wages and reduce misuse, they also make the H-1B route much harder for entry-level workers, especially those applying for Wage Level I roles.

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