When does the H-1B lottery registration open for FY 2027 and how do employers register?

The FY 2027 H-1B registration period runs from March 4, 2026 through March 19, 2026. Employers must submit registrations electronically through the USCIS online portal at https://my.uscis.gov/. To register, the employer (or its attorney) must use a USCIS organizational account, enter required employer and beneficiary details (including passport and wage level information), certify accuracy, and pay the $215 nonrefundable registration fee online. Late submissions are not accepted.

How do I create a myUSCIS account to register for the H-1B Lottery 2027?

Employers register for the H-1B cap through myUSCIS at https://my.uscis.gov/. Employers should create or access an organizational account in advance of the opening date, confirm employer identity details (including FEIN), and coordinate electronically with counsel if represented. Account setup should be completed before March 4, 2026 to avoid last-minute technical or verification delays.

How much does it cost to register for the H-1B lottery in 2026 and how is the fee paid?

The H-1B registration fee is $215 per beneficiary. The fee is nonrefundable, must be paid online during registration, does not guarantee selection, and is separate from the Form I-129 petition filing fees. USCIS details the electronic registration process at https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations/h-1b-electronic-registration-process.

Does offering a higher salary improve H-1B lottery odds and what risks should employers avoid?

Yes, a higher salary can improve selection odds only if the wage legitimately qualifies under higher OEWS wage levels for the job and location. Employers should not artificially inflate wages solely to manipulate lottery odds. Unsupported wage inflation can increase risk of Requests for Evidence (RFEs), fraud investigations, petition denial, or revocation. For Herman Legal Group analysis, see https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/can-employers-increase-salary-to-improve-h1b-lottery-odds/.

What are OEWS wage levels and why do they matter for H-1B Lottery 2027 registration?

OEWS (Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics) wage levels are government-defined prevailing wage tiers used to benchmark salaries by occupation and location. There are four levels: Level I (Entry), Level II (Qualified), Level III (Experienced), and Level IV (Fully competent/Senior). Under the wage-weighted rule, higher wage levels receive greater weighting in the H-1B selection process. Employers can review wage data at https://flag.dol.gov/wage-data.

What information is required during H-1B registration and what mistakes can invalidate a registration?

Employers must provide accurate employer and beneficiary information during H-1B registration. Employer information includes legal name, FEIN, address, authorized representative details, and attorney information (if applicable). Beneficiary information includes full legal name, date of birth, country of birth, country of citizenship, passport number, gender, U.S. master’s degree eligibility, and wage level classification. Errors or inconsistencies can invalidate the registration or create downstream risk in the Form I-129 petition.

Can multiple employers register the same beneficiary for H-1B Lottery 2027?

Yes, multiple employers may submit registrations for the same beneficiary. However, under the beneficiary-centric rule, USCIS will only count each individual once based on passport or travel document information. Duplicate registrations do not increase odds. USCIS overview: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations.

What happens after an H-1B registration is selected and how do employers increase approval odds?

If selected, the employer must file Form I-129 with full supporting documentation. The petition must demonstrate that the position is a specialty occupation, the wage level and offered wage are appropriate and consistent, the employer-employee relationship exists, and the employer can pay the offered wage. Selection does not guarantee approval. Official Form I-129 page: https://www.uscis.gov/i-129.

What are the most important pre-registration steps employers should take to register correctly for H-1B Lottery 2027?

Key pre-registration steps include: (1) setting up the employer’s myUSCIS organizational account early at https://my.uscis.gov/; (2) confirming beneficiary passport details and eligibility, including U.S. master’s degree status; (3) conducting an OEWS wage level analysis using https://flag.dol.gov/wage-data; (4) aligning the job description and requirements with specialty occupation standards; and (5) ensuring the registration information will match the later Form I-129 filing.

Where can employers find an H-1B lottery strategy guide focused on how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 and avoid RFEs?

Employers can start with USCIS’s electronic registration guidance at https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations/h-1b-electronic-registration-process and review Herman Legal Group’s analysis on wage strategy and risk reduction, including https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/can-employers-increase-salary-to-improve-h1b-lottery-odds/. For company-specific strategy, employers can schedule a consultation at https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/book-consultation/.

How to Register for H-1B Lottery 2027: Complete Employer Guide Under the New Weighted Selection Rule

Quick Answer: How to Register for H-1B Lottery 2027

For FY 2027, employers must register electronically for the H-1B cap lottery between March 4 and March 19, 2026, pay a $215 nonrefundable fee per beneficiary, and submit through the USCIS online portal:

Understanding how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 is the first step for employers seeking to navigate the new process effectively. This guide will detail how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 and ensure compliance with new regulations.

Understanding how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 is crucial for employers.

Knowing how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 will provide a strategic advantage in securing necessary talent.

https://my.uscis.gov/

Beginning February 27, 2026, DHS replaces the random lottery with a wage-weighted selection system, meaning higher OEWS wage levels receive greater statistical weighting.

For employers, understanding how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 is now more crucial than ever due to the wage-weighted selection changes.

Official USCIS page:
https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations/h-1b-electronic-registration-process

I. What Changed for FY 2027?

Effective February 27, 2026:

The lottery is no longer purely random

It’s essential to grasp how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 under the new system to maximize selection odds.
Registrations are weighted by highest OEWS wage level exceeded
Level IV wages receive the strongest weighting
Level I wages receive the lowest probability

Wage data source:
https://flag.dol.gov/wage-data

This change transforms H-1B registration into a strategic compliance decision, not just an administrative filing.

II. Step-by-Step: How Employers Register for the H-1B Lottery

Follow these steps on how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 to ensure a successful application.

This section is critical for HR departments and in-house counsel.

Step 1: Create a USCIS Organizational Account

Employers (or their attorneys) must create an account at:

https://my.uscis.gov/

Important:

Organizational accounts are required
Account setup should be completed before March 4

Being well-prepared on how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 will streamline your application process.
Employers and attorneys must coordinate electronically within the system

Step 2: Gather Employer Information

You must enter:

Legal company name
Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
Business address
Authorized signatory information
Employer representative contact details
Attorney information (if represented)

Understanding how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 is vital to avoid errors that could lead to disqualification.

Errors at this stage can invalidate the registration.

Step 3: Gather Beneficiary Information

For each employee:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Country of birth
Country of citizenship
Gender
Passport number
U.S. Master’s degree eligibility
Wage level classification (I–IV)

Under the beneficiary-centric rule, USCIS counts each individual only once, even if multiple employers register them.

Employers should fully understand how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 to improve their chances of approval.

Official overview:
https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations

Step 4: Determine the Correct Wage Level (Now Affects Lottery Odds)

This is the most strategic decision in 2026.

Knowing how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 can impact your selection probability significantly.

Employers must determine whether the position qualifies as:

Level I (entry)
Level II
Level III
Level IV

The offered wage relative to OEWS thresholds impacts selection probability.

DOL wage database:
https://flag.dol.gov/wage-data

Misclassification risks:

Reduced selection probability
RFEs
Denial
Fraud scrutiny if wage inflation is unsupported

Step 5: Submit Electronic Registration

Each employer must understand how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 to ensure their spot in the process.

Inside the USCIS portal:

Enter employer data
Enter beneficiary data
Select wage level
Certify accuracy under penalty of perjury

Each registration requires a separate submission.

Make sure your organization is ready on how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 to enhance the application experience.

Step 6: Pay the $215 Registration Fee

$215 per beneficiary
Nonrefundable
Separate from I-129 filing fees
Must be paid electronically

Failure to properly submit payment invalidates registration.

III. What Happens If Selected?

Once selected, understanding how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 will lead to the next steps in the process.

If selected:

The employer must file Form I-129 with full supporting documentation.

Official form page:
https://www.uscis.gov/i-129

Petition must demonstrate:

Specialty occupation
Proper wage level alignment
Employer-employee relationship
Ability to pay

Earliest start date: October 1, 2026.

IV. Why Pre-Registration Strategy Is Essential in 2026

Companies must master how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027, especially with the upcoming deadlines.

Under the wage-weighted rule, employers must align:

Wage level selected at registration
LCA wage
Petition wage
Job complexity narrative

Inconsistency increases RFE probability.

Artificial wage increases solely to improve lottery odds may trigger scrutiny.

Detailed HLG analysis:
https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/can-employers-increase-salary-to-improve-h1b-lottery-odds/

V. Why Companies Should Hire Experienced Immigration Counsel

Richard Herman, founder of Herman Legal Group, has over 30 years of experience advising employers on complex H-1B strategy.

Under the new rule, employers should consult before:

Assigning wage levels
Structuring job descriptions
Submitting registration
Adjusting compensation
Filing I-129

Schedule consultation:
https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/book-consultation/

VI. Increasing the Odds of Selection and Approval

Selection ≠ Approval.

Employers must optimize for both.

To Improve Selection Probability

Conduct early wage analysis
Properly classify complexity
Avoid Level I if position exceeds entry level
Ensure salary exceeds OEWS threshold for higher level

To Improve Approval Probability

Prepare documentation before selection
Align wage level with duties
Provide organizational charts
Document degree relevance
Ensure internal wage consistency

HLG specialty occupation guide:
https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/h1b-specialty-occupation-guide/

Effective strategies on how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 will help in navigating the complexities of the application.

VII. The H-1B Wage-Weighted Risk Matrix: How USCIS Will Analyze Your Registration

The 2027 cap season is no longer just about getting selected.

It is about surviving adjudication.

Under the new wage-weighted selection system, USCIS will not simply accept the wage level chosen at registration. Officers will compare it against the full petition record after selection.

That means employers must understand not just how wages affect selection, but how wages affect scrutiny.

How USCIS Is Likely to Evaluate Wage-Weighted Registrations

After selection, adjudicators will review:

Does the wage level align with the complexity of the job duties?
Does the employer historically pay similar wages to comparable employees?
Does the Labor Condition Application wage match the registration wage level?
Does the support letter justify the seniority implied by the wage tier?
Does the size and structure of the company support the claimed level of responsibility?

Official wage source:
https://flag.dol.gov/wage-data

Official USCIS specialty occupation guidance:
https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations

Under a weighted system, higher wage tiers increase statistical selection odds — but they also increase expectations.

The Wage-Weighted Risk Matrix

Wage Level	Selection Probability	Likely Scrutiny Level
Level I	Lowest	Moderate (specialty occupation challenges)
Level II	Moderate	Low to Moderate
Level III	High	Moderate (documentation expected)
Level IV	Highest	High (heightened adjudication review)

Why Level IV Can Trigger Scrutiny

When a company claims a Level IV wage, USCIS may expect:

Senior or supervisory authority
Advanced specialization
Independent judgment
Complex project leadership
Corresponding internal salary structure

If the documentation does not support those characteristics, a high wage can become a red flag.

This creates a strategic tension:

Higher wages increase lottery odds.
But unsupported high wages increase denial risk.

Employers must strike a defensible balance.

Practical Employer Strategy Before Registration

Before March 4, 2026, companies should:

By following guidelines on how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027, employers can maximize their compliance efforts.

Conduct an internal wage audit
Compare similar employee salaries
Draft a complexity-driven job description
Prepare organizational charts
Pre-assemble documentation anticipating RFE review

Detailed HLG wage strategy analysis:
https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/h1b-wage-level-strategy-weighted-rule/

This approach converts lottery registration from a gamble into a compliance-managed decision.

VII. Common Employer Mistakes in the 2026–2027 H-1B Cap Season

The new weighted system introduces new failure points. The following mistakes are increasingly common — and avoidable.

Being aware of how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 will help you avoid common pitfalls.

Mistake #1: Selecting Wage Level I to Minimize Salary Exposure

Some employers default to Level I for budget reasons.

Under the weighted rule, this:

Reduces selection probability
May trigger specialty occupation challenges
Suggests entry-level training rather than specialized expertise

If the role truly requires advanced knowledge, Level I may undermine both selection and approval.

Understanding how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 requires a clear strategy to ensure accuracy.

Mistake #2: Artificially Increasing Salary Without Structural Support

Increasing salary immediately before registration — without:

Internal compensation consistency
Documented complexity
Organizational justification

may raise fraud concerns.

USCIS may examine whether the wage increase reflects:

Genuine business need
Or strategic lottery manipulation

HLG analysis on this issue:
https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/can-employers-increase-salary-to-improve-h1b-lottery-odds/

Mistake #3: Failing to Align Registration Data With the Petition

Focus on how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 to avoid any misalignment with petition data.

USCIS will compare:

Wage level selected at registration
LCA wage
I-129 petition wage
Job duties described in the support letter

Any material inconsistency increases RFE probability.

Official Form I-129 page:
https://www.uscis.gov/i-129

Employers should not wait until the last moment to grasp how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027.

Mistake #4: Waiting Until Selection to Prepare Documentation

Selection is not approval.

Employers should prepare before lottery results are released:

Organizational chart
Degree requirement justification
Project descriptions
Payroll records
Client contracts (for consulting companies)

HLG compliance guide:
https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/h1b-visa-requirements/

Early preparation reduces panic-driven errors.

Understanding how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 can play a pivotal role in the selection process.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Backup Immigration Strategy

If not selected, companies should consider:

Cap-exempt employers
O-1 visa eligibility
L-1 intracompany transfers
TN status (for Canadian/Mexican nationals)
STEM OPT extensions

HLG planning guide:
https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/f1-to-h1b-change-of-status/

Employers who build contingency plans protect talent retention.

Employers must learn how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 to strategize effectively.

Why These Sections Matter

Most H-1B articles explain what changed.

Few explain how USCIS officers will think.

The 2027 cap season requires:

Wage selection strategy
Adjudication forecasting
Internal compliance alignment
Documentation readiness

Companies that approach the lottery as a strategic compliance exercise — not a clerical filing — significantly improve both:

Selection probability
Approval probability

For tailored pre-registration strategy:

https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/book-consultation/

Being prepared on how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 is essential before the deadline.

VIII. HLG H-1B Lottery & Weighted Rule Resource Hub

Employers should review the full Herman Legal Group H-1B cluster:

Core Lottery & Weighted Rule Analysis

Registration & Compliance

F-1 / STEM OPT Planning

This internal cluster strengthens employer understanding of:

Wage strategy
Documentation alignment
RFE mitigation
Cap-gap planning
Litigation exposure

A comprehensive understanding of how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 ensures greater compliance.

H-1B Lottery 2027 – Detailed Employer FAQ

1. When does the H-1B lottery registration open for FY 2027?

Be sure to ask questions about how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 during the process.

The FY 2027 H-1B registration period runs from March 4, 2026 through March 19, 2026.

Employers must submit registrations electronically through the USCIS portal at:

https://my.uscis.gov/

Late submissions are not accepted.

2. How much does it cost to register for the H-1B lottery in 2026?

The registration fee is $215 per beneficiary.

The fee is nonrefundable
It must be paid online
It does not guarantee selection
It is separate from the Form I-129 filing fees

Official USCIS registration page:
https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations/h-1b-electronic-registration-process

Employers should detail their strategies on how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 ahead of time.

3. Is the H-1B lottery still random in 2026?

No. Beginning February 27, 2026, DHS implemented a wage-weighted selection system.

Registrations offering higher wages (based on OEWS wage levels) receive greater statistical weighting than lower-wage registrations.

This replaces the purely random lottery system used in prior years.

4. Does offering a higher salary improve H-1B lottery odds?

Yes — but only if the wage legitimately qualifies under higher OEWS wage levels.

Employers cannot artificially inflate wages solely to manipulate lottery odds. Unsupported wage inflation may result in:

Requests for Evidence (RFEs)

Familiarity with how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 will help in avoiding RFEs.
Fraud investigations
Petition denial
Revocation

Detailed HLG analysis:
https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/can-employers-increase-salary-to-improve-h1b-lottery-odds/

5. What are OEWS wage levels and why do they matter?

OEWS (Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics) wage levels are government-defined salary tiers used to determine prevailing wages.

There are four levels:

Level I – Entry level
Level II – Qualified
Level III – Experienced
Level IV – Fully competent / Senior

Under the new rule, higher wage levels receive greater weighting in selection.

Official wage database:
https://flag.dol.gov/wage-data

Preparation involves knowing how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 in a timely manner.

6. What information is required during H-1B registration?

Employers must provide:

Employer Information:

Legal name
FEIN
Address
Authorized representative information
Attorney information (if applicable)

Beneficiary Information:

Full legal name

Addressing how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 should be a priority for all employers.
Date of birth
Country of birth
Country of citizenship
Passport number
Gender
U.S. Master’s degree status
Wage level classification

All information must be accurate. Errors can invalidate the registration.

Employers must ensure their understanding of how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 is accurate to avoid invalid registrations.

7. Can multiple employers register the same beneficiary?

Yes. However, under the beneficiary-centric rule, USCIS will only count each individual once in the lottery.

Duplicate registrations do not increase odds.

Official overview:
https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations

8. What happens after an H-1B registration is selected?

If selected, the employer must file Form I-129 with full supporting documentation.

Official form page:
https://www.uscis.gov/i-129

The petition must demonstrate:

Specialty occupation
Proper wage level
Employer-employee relationship
Ability to pay

Selection does not guarantee approval.

9. What is the earliest start date for FY 2027 H-1B approvals?

The earliest employment start date is October 1, 2026.

USCIS permits a start date on or after October 1, provided it is within six months of petition filing.

10. What is a “specialty occupation” for H-1B purposes?

A specialty occupation is a position that requires:

Theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge
At least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field

Official USCIS definition:
https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations

HLG guide:
https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/h1b-specialty-occupation-guide/

11. Can USCIS deny or revoke an H-1B after selection?

Yes.

USCIS may deny or revoke approval if:

Registration contained false information
Wage level is unsupported
Fee was improperly paid
Petition conflicts with registration data
Employer cannot prove ability to pay

Approval depends on petition quality, not just selection.

12. How can employers increase their chances of H-1B approval?

Employers should:

Conduct wage analysis before registration
Align job duties with wage level
Prepare documentation before selection
Maintain internal wage consistency
Ensure specialty occupation compliance

HLG compliance guide:
https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/h1b-visa-requirements/

13. Should employers hire an immigration attorney for H-1B registration?

Yes — especially under the new wage-weighted system.

An experienced immigration law firm can:

Analyze wage levels
Structure defensible job descriptions
Reduce RFE risk
Ensure registration accuracy
Prepare post-selection strategy

Schedule consultation:
https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/book-consultation/

14. What happens if an employee is not selected?

If not selected:

The employer may try again next fiscal year
The employee may explore cap-exempt employers
Alternative visa strategies may be considered

HLG F-1 to H-1B planning guide:
https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/f1-to-h1b-change-of-status/

15. Can the new weighted selection rule be challenged in court?

Yes. Litigation is expected. However, employers should plan under the assumption that the rule will apply for FY 2027 unless a court issues an injunction.

Employers should finalize their knowledge on how to register for H-1B Lottery 2027 to anticipate any legal challenges.

Employer Action Checklist

Before March 4, 2026:

Create USCIS organizational account
Conduct wage analysis
Confirm specialty occupation compliance
Align internal salary structure
Prepare documentation
Consult experienced immigration counsel

Consult here:
https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/book-consultation/

Final Strategic Takeaway

The FY 2027 H-1B cap season is:

Wage-weighted
Documentation-sensitive
Compliance-intensive
Legally scrutinized

Companies that treat registration as a strategic exercise — not a clerical task — materially improve both:

Selection probability
Approval probability

Employers seeking clarity on wage levels, compliance risk, or petition strategy should consult before March 4.

https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/book-consultation/

H-1B Lottery 2027 Resource Directory

Government, Regulatory Guidance, Studies, Media Coverage & Herman Legal Group Analysis

This curated resource directory provides employers, HR leaders, compliance officers, and journalists with authoritative sources on the FY 2027 H-1B cap season and the new wage-weighted selection rule.

I. Official Government Sources

USCIS – H-1B Specialty Occupations

https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations

Official statutory and regulatory overview of H-1B requirements.

USCIS – H-1B Electronic Registration Process

https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations/h-1b-electronic-registration-process

Step-by-step registration instructions and procedural rules.

USCIS – Form I-129 Petition

https://www.uscis.gov/i-129

Official filing page for the H-1B petition after selection.

USCIS – Policy Manual

https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual

Authoritative source on adjudication standards and specialty occupation analysis.

Department of Labor – OEWS Wage Data

https://flag.dol.gov/wage-data

Prevailing wage database used to determine Level I–IV wage classifications.

Department of Labor – Labor Condition Application (LCA)

https://flag.dol.gov/programs/LCA

LCA filing requirements and compliance obligations.

II. Regulatory & Legal Analysis Resources

Federal Register – H-1B Regulatory Updates

https://www.federalregister.gov

Official rule publication and commentary on wage-weighted selection changes.

USCIS – H-1B Data Hub

https://www.uscis.gov/tools/reports-and-studies/h-1b-employer-data-hub

Public data on employer filings, approvals, denials, and trends.

III. Academic & Policy Research on H-1B Program

National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP)

https://nfap.com

Independent research on H-1B economic impact and labor market trends.

Migration Policy Institute – High-Skilled Immigration

https://www.migrationpolicy.org/topics/high-skilled-immigration

Policy analysis and statistical research on H-1B and skilled migration.

Congressional Research Service – H-1B Visa Program Overview

https://crsreports.congress.gov

Nonpartisan analysis of legislative and regulatory developments.

IV. Major Media Coverage of the Weighted Rule & H-1B Changes

Reuters – U.S. Immigration and H-1B Reporting

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/

Coverage of DHS rulemaking and litigation developments.

Bloomberg Law – Immigration Policy & Corporate Compliance

https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week

Employer-focused analysis of H-1B regulatory changes.

Wall Street Journal – Immigration & Employment Law

https://www.wsj.com/news/business/law

Corporate and labor market impact reporting.

V. Herman Legal Group – H-1B Lottery & Wage-Weighted Rule Cluster

Herman Legal Group has published a comprehensive 2026–2027 H-1B strategy series.

Core Lottery & Weighted Rule Analysis

Registration & Compliance Guides

F-1 / STEM OPT & Cap Strategy

VI. Executive-Level Employer Strategy Resources

Employers planning long-term talent retention should also review:

USCIS Cap-Gap Guidance
https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/students-and-employment/cap-gap-extension
DOL Wage & Hour Division Compliance
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/immigration/h1b

Final Note to Employers

The FY 2027 cap season is:

Wage-weighted
Documentation-sensitive
Litigation-exposed
Compliance-intensive

The employers who succeed are those who rely on:

Primary government sources
Independent policy research
Structured internal documentation
Experienced immigration counsel

For tailored H-1B cap strategy before the March 4, 2026 registration opening:

https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/book-consultation/

Success Stories

How to Register for H-1B Lottery 2027: Complete Employer Guide Under the New Weighted Selection Rule

Table of Contents

Quick Answer: How to Register for H-1B Lottery 2027

I. What Changed for FY 2027?

II. Step-by-Step: How Employers Register for the H-1B Lottery

Step 1: Create a USCIS Organizational Account

Step 2: Gather Employer Information

Step 3: Gather Beneficiary Information

Step 4: Determine the Correct Wage Level (Now Affects Lottery Odds)

Step 5: Submit Electronic Registration

Step 6: Pay the $215 Registration Fee

III. What Happens If Selected?

IV. Why Pre-Registration Strategy Is Essential in 2026

V. Why Companies Should Hire Experienced Immigration Counsel

VI. Increasing the Odds of Selection and Approval

To Improve Selection Probability

To Improve Approval Probability

VII. The H-1B Wage-Weighted Risk Matrix: How USCIS Will Analyze Your Registration

How USCIS Is Likely to Evaluate Wage-Weighted Registrations

The Wage-Weighted Risk Matrix

Why Level IV Can Trigger Scrutiny

Practical Employer Strategy Before Registration

VII. Common Employer Mistakes in the 2026–2027 H-1B Cap Season

Mistake #1: Selecting Wage Level I to Minimize Salary Exposure

Mistake #2: Artificially Increasing Salary Without Structural Support

Mistake #3: Failing to Align Registration Data With the Petition

Mistake #4: Waiting Until Selection to Prepare Documentation

Mistake #5: Ignoring Backup Immigration Strategy

Why These Sections Matter

VIII. HLG H-1B Lottery & Weighted Rule Resource Hub

Core Lottery & Weighted Rule Analysis

Registration & Compliance

F-1 / STEM OPT Planning

H-1B Lottery 2027 – Detailed Employer FAQ

1. When does the H-1B lottery registration open for FY 2027?

2. How much does it cost to register for the H-1B lottery in 2026?

3. Is the H-1B lottery still random in 2026?

4. Does offering a higher salary improve H-1B lottery odds?

5. What are OEWS wage levels and why do they matter?

6. What information is required during H-1B registration?

7. Can multiple employers register the same beneficiary?

8. What happens after an H-1B registration is selected?

9. What is the earliest start date for FY 2027 H-1B approvals?

10. What is a “specialty occupation” for H-1B purposes?

11. Can USCIS deny or revoke an H-1B after selection?

12. How can employers increase their chances of H-1B approval?

13. Should employers hire an immigration attorney for H-1B registration?

14. What happens if an employee is not selected?

15. Can the new weighted selection rule be challenged in court?

Employer Action Checklist

Final Strategic Takeaway

H-1B Lottery 2027 Resource Directory

Government, Regulatory Guidance, Studies, Media Coverage & Herman Legal Group Analysis

I. Official Government Sources

USCIS – H-1B Specialty Occupations

USCIS – H-1B Electronic Registration Process

USCIS – Form I-129 Petition

USCIS – Policy Manual

Department of Labor – OEWS Wage Data

Department of Labor – Labor Condition Application (LCA)

II. Regulatory & Legal Analysis Resources

Federal Register – H-1B Regulatory Updates

USCIS – H-1B Data Hub

III. Academic & Policy Research on H-1B Program

National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP)

Migration Policy Institute – High-Skilled Immigration

Congressional Research Service – H-1B Visa Program Overview

IV. Major Media Coverage of the Weighted Rule & H-1B Changes

Reuters – U.S. Immigration and H-1B Reporting

Bloomberg Law – Immigration Policy & Corporate Compliance

Wall Street Journal – Immigration & Employment Law

V. Herman Legal Group – H-1B Lottery & Wage-Weighted Rule Cluster

Core Lottery & Weighted Rule Analysis

Registration & Compliance Guides

F-1 / STEM OPT & Cap Strategy

VI. Executive-Level Employer Strategy Resources

Final Note to Employers

Recent Resource Articles

ICE Detention in Ohio: How to File a Federal Habeas Corpus Petition When an Immigration Judge Says “No Bond Jurisdiction” (EWI / Matter of Yajure Hurtado)