The H-1B cap registration period for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 officially closed on March 19, 2026, and employers and applicants entered the selection phase. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has conducted the lottery, and employers have been notified through their online accounts. 

Registrations marked as “Selected” are eligible to move forward with the H-1B process. Beneficiaries cannot check their status independently; employers or their legal representatives will receive the official notification and must take the next steps. With demand continuing to exceed the annual cap, the lottery remains a critical gatekeeping step in the H-1B process.

• If Selected:
  Employers may file a full H-1B petition within the 90-day filing window (April 1 – June 30, 2026).
•  The petition must match the registration, including job title, duties, SOC code, and wage level, as USCIS is increasing scrutiny on accuracy and compliance. Please note that the Beneficiary’s identifying information must also match the information provided in the registration.

If Not Selected:

• The registration will remain in the USCIS system as “Submitted” and remains eligible in the event additional lotteries are run for fiscal year 2027. 
• USCIS may conduct additional selection rounds later in the fiscal year if the number of filed petitions does not meet the annual cap.

Employers should begin preparing documentation immediately if selected, including Labor Condition Applications (LCAs), supporting evidence, and the updated Form I-129. Even small inconsistencies between registration and petition can lead to delays, Requests for Evidence (RFEs), or denials.

For guidance or assistance with H-1B registration or petition preparation, contact our team today at 703-348-1663.

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