Published: February 27, 2026
Are you ready for the upcoming FY2027 H-1B season? The initial registrations for the FY 2027 H-1B cap begin at noon Eastern on March 4. It will accept entries through midday ET on March 19, 2026. The new rule issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) prioritizes H-1B registrations for higher-wage positions.
That means you’re more likely to be selected when registered for higher-paying roles. Since filings for the H-1B visas have shifted from the random lottery to a wage-weighted selection system, understanding the changes is crucial to prepare and increase your selection odds.
Essential Changes H-1B Applicants Should Know
A new rule issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has changed the process of selecting H-1B visa applicants from a randomized lottery to a wage-based selection. Below are the essential changes to know about the weighted wage-based H-1B selection process.
- Since more entries are granted to registrations with higher wage levels, you have a higher chance of getting selected when applying for higher-paying roles.
- Although allowed to register at multiple wage levels, the lowest wage level applies when the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) calculates your selection entries.
- While multiple employers can still submit separate registrations for the same person, you are only selected once in the lottery.
- Employers are required to provide specific and accurate job details as part of the H-1B registration.
- Upon selection, employers must verify the basis of the selected wage. If there are any inconsistencies, USCIS may request evidence (RFE) or deny the petition outright.
Strategies to Maximize Your H-1B Selection Odds
Understanding how the H-1B selection process works can help increase your odds. The following are some strategies to further maximize your chances of selection:
- Apply for positions with a higher prevailing wage as they are prioritized in the lottery.
- Ensure accurate details, particularly job titles, Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes, and work locations, are provided during initial registration to avoid issues later.
- Coordinate with an H-1B employer to align with the new wage-based H-1B selection process.
- Stay informed about updates from the DHS and USCIS to adapt strategies according to the latest rules.
- Acquire legal guidance from an experienced immigration lawyer to ensure compliance to the recent H-1B rules.
Ensure Proactive H-1B Compliance With ALG Lawyers
The new H-1B requirements can make the registration process more complex. Regardless of multiple registrations or weighted lottery entries from employers, the system only counts the beneficiary as once toward the 65,000 regular or 20,000 master’s cap limits.
Thus, working with a credible Los Angeles immigration lawyer is essential for accurate filing and proactive compliance. Our team at ALG Lawyers has years of experience handling a wide range of immigration matters. Contact us now for precise and timely H-1B registration.
FAQs on What To Know Before Filing for the FY2027 H-1B Cap
How is the wage level determined to prioritize H-1B registrations?
The DHS prioritizes H-1B registrations by wage level using the US Department of Labor’s (DOL) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. The system categorizes wages into four distinct levels (I-IV) by comparing specific job requirements to benchmarks in O*NET-SOC (Occupational Information Network – Standard Occupational Classification).
Are changes to work location, SOC, or wage level allowed after H-1B registration?
After submitting the registration, you can no longer make changes to work location, SOC code, and wage level. They must remain consistent when you file the H-1B petition. Any inconsistencies may result in delays or denials of your petition.
When can you start working if your H-1B petition is approved?
Suppose you work inside the US and have received H-1B approval as a Change of Status (COS). In that case, you can begin working on the date specified in the approval notice, typically October 1 for H-1B cap cases.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)