H-1B 2027 Registration Opens March 19: $10,000 Fee? Weighted Lottery Explained

H-1B registration for 2027 opens on March 19: $100,000 fee, weighted selection and other details

Every year, tens of thousands of skilled foreign workers—and their employers—hold their breath as the H-1B visa season approaches. For 2027, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially announced that H-1B 2027 registration will open on **March 19, 2026**. But amid the announcement, confusion is spreading online—especially about a rumored “$100,000 fee.” Let’s clear the air once and for all.

No, USCIS is not charging $100,000 for H-1B registration. That claim appears to be a viral misinformation mix-up. The actual registration fee remains **$215 per beneficiary**, as it has been since 2020. However, significant changes *are* coming—including a refined “weighted selection” process that could impact your odds. If you’re planning to apply, this is your essential guide.

Table of Contents

H-1B 2027 Registration: Key Dates

Mark your calendars. The official timeline for the H-1B 2027 cap season is as follows:

  • Registration Period Opens: March 19, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET
  • Registration Period Closes: March 26, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET (7-day window)
  • Selection Notifications: By March 31, 2026
  • Petition Filing Window: April 1 – June 30, 2026 (for selected registrants)

Missing even one deadline means disqualification for the entire fiscal year. Employers must complete registration via the USCIS online account system—paper submissions are not accepted [[1]].

Debunking the $100,000 Fee Myth

Viral posts claiming a “$100,000 H-1B fee” are categorically false. This appears to stem from a misreading of proposed legislation or confusion with corporate compliance penalties unrelated to individual registrations.

Here’s the real cost breakdown for H-1B 2027 registration:

  • Registration Fee: $215 (non-refundable, paid by employer)
  • Base Filing Fee (Form I-129): $460
  • Fraud Prevention Fee: $500
  • ACWIA Fee: $750 (for employers with 1–25 employees) or $1,500 (26+ employees)
  • Optional Premium Processing: $2,805 (for 15-day decision)

Total typical cost: **$1,925–$2,675**—not $100,000. Always verify information through official USCIS channels [INTERNAL_LINK:h-1b-visa-costs-explained].

What Is the Weighted Selection Process?

Since 2021, USCIS has used a “weighted lottery” to prioritize beneficiaries with U.S. master’s degrees or higher. Here’s how it works for H-1B 2027:

  1. All eligible registrations are entered into the general pool (65,000 visas).
  2. Registrations from U.S. advanced-degree holders are first drawn from the general pool.
  3. Those not selected are then placed into a second pool for an additional 20,000 visas (the “master’s cap”).

This gives U.S. master’s degree holders **two chances** to be selected, increasing their odds by up to 16% compared to bachelor’s-only applicants [[2]].

Note: Foreign degrees—even PhDs—do not qualify for the master’s cap unless evaluated as equivalent by a credential service.

Step-by-Step Guide to H-1B 2027 Registration

Employers must follow these steps precisely:

  1. Create or log in to a USCIS online account before March 19.
  2. Provide accurate info: Legal name, EIN, address, and contact details.
  3. Enter each beneficiary’s details: Full name, date of birth, country of birth/citizenship, and highest U.S. degree (if any).
  4. Pay the $215 fee per registration via credit card or ACH.
  5. Submit before the March 26, 2:00 PM ET deadline.
  6. Wait for selection notice by March 31.
  7. If selected, file Form I-129 with supporting documents by June 30.

Tip: Double-check spelling and DOB—errors can lead to rejection even after selection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting duplicate registrations: USCIS will reject all entries for a beneficiary if multiple registrations are filed by the same or different employers.
  • Using personal email for business accounts: Use a company domain to avoid access issues.
  • Waiting until the last minute: System traffic spikes on Day 1 and Day 7 often cause delays.
  • Assuming selection = approval: Selection only grants the right to file; the petition must still meet all legal criteria.

What If You’re Not Selected?

If you don’t get picked in the H-1B 2027 lottery, consider alternatives:

  • OPT/STEM OPT extension (for F-1 students)
  • L-1 intra-company transfer (if you’ve worked abroad for the company)
  • O-1 visa for extraordinary ability
  • Cap-exempt employers (universities, non-profits, research orgs)

You can re-enter the lottery next year—there’s no limit on attempts.

Conclusion: Stay Informed and Act Fast

The H-1B 2027 registration window is short, competitive, and unforgiving of errors. While the $100,000 fee is pure fiction, the real stakes are high: miss a deadline or make a mistake, and you’ll wait another year. Arm yourself with accurate info, prepare early, and consult an immigration attorney if your case is complex. The dream of working in the U.S. is still alive—but it demands precision.

Sources

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