USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also established changes to the H-1B visa selection process for fiscal year 2027.
International students in the US, especially those transitioning from Optional Practical Training (OPT) to long-term work authorization, along with employers who rely on foreign professionals, will closely monitor developments in the coming weeks. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed the opening of the initial H-1B registration process for the fiscal year 2027 cap and outlined key updates on fees and selection criteria.
At the same time, the US government has announced a temporary expansion of the H-2B nonimmigrant worker program, adding more than 64,000 visas by fiscal year 2026 to address labor shortages in specific industries.
USCIS stated that the H-1B cap registration window will open on March 4 at 12 noon Eastern Time and close on March 19 at 12 noon Eastern Time. During this period, employers and authorized representatives must submit records electronically through a USCIS online account and pay a non-refundable fee of $215 for each beneficiary. The agency expects to issue selection notices by March 31.
USCIS has confirmed that all registrations must be submitted online. Employers who do not have an existing USCIS organizational account must create one before submitting entries. The agency will not accept paper submissions at any stage of the process.
Possible additional charge on selected requests
In outlining the timeline, USCIS also commented on the recent proclamation restricting the entry of certain nonimmigrant workers. The agency clarified that the measure does not affect the H-1B electronic registration stage. However, employers whose records are selected and who move forward with requests subject to the cap may be required to pay an additional fee of up to $100,000 before filing, subject to eligibility and future guidance. If implemented, the surcharge would significantly increase the cost of sponsoring foreign professionals.
USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also established changes to the H-1B selection process for fiscal year 2027. The revised approach aims to give preference to the highest-qualified and highest-paid applicants, with the stated goal of protecting the wages, working conditions, and job prospects of American workers.
If registrations exceed the annual H-1B limit, USCIS will apply a weighted selection system rather than a purely random lottery. Under this model, records tied to higher salary levels and skill categories may receive greater consideration. The change is of particular importance for international OPT graduates who rely on H-1B approval to remain employed in the US after their post-study work period.
The H-2B program will receive a temporary increase for fiscal year 2026
On the other hand, the United States government approved a one-time increase in the allocation of H-2B visas. On January 30, DHS and the Department of Labor (DOL) issued a temporary final rule allowing up to 64,716 additional H-2B visas for fiscal year 2026. The authority applies only to the current fiscal year and will not automatically extend to future years.
According to the official announcement, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of Labor, will make these additional visas available to employers who face or are likely to face serious and lasting financial harm if they are unable to hire enough workers.
