The United States has officially pulled the curtain back on the H-1B FY27 visa registration process, and it comes with some massive shifts that every hopeful applicant and employer should track. Starting March 4, 2026, the portal will open for those aiming to secure a spot in the competitive lottery. However, it isn’t just business as usual this year. With the introduction of a hefty $100,000 fee for select employers and a move toward a wage-based weighted selection system, the landscape for skilled migration is changing. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is clearly pivoting toward a “merit-first” approach, prioritizing those with higher salaries and specialized skills. If you are planning to apply from Pakistan or anywhere else, understanding these timelines and the new cost structure is the only way to avoid a last-minute heartbreak.
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H-1B FY27 Visa Registration Important Dates and Costs
| Event | Date / Details |
| Registration Opens | March 4, 2026 (Noon ET) |
| Registration Closes | March 19, 2026 (Noon ET) |
| Selection Notifications | By March 31, 2026 |
| Registration Fee | $215 per beneficiary |
| New Additional Fee | $100,000 (For specific employer categories) |
The Big Change: H-1B FY27 Visa Wage-Based Selection and the $100,000 Penalty
For years, the H-1B lottery felt like a game of luck. This time, luck is being replaced by a weighted system. Essentially, the higher your offered salary (based on the Department of Labor’s four-tier wage levels), the better your chances. A Level 4 wage earner might get four entries into the pool, whereas an entry-level worker only gets one. This “beneficiary-centric” model aims to stop companies from flooding the system with multiple applications for the same person, making the process fairer but much harder for those just starting their careers.
The most talked-about update is the $100,000 fee. Following a presidential proclamation, certain employers—specifically those where a “change of status” isn’t possible and the worker must go through consular processing abroad—will have to pay this massive sum. It’s a move designed to protect the local labor market and ensure that only the most critical roles are filled by foreign talent.
Quick Checklist for Employers
| Step | Action Required |
| Account Setup | Create or update a USCIS Organizational Account. |
| Data Collection | Get valid passport/travel document info (this is your unique ID). |
| Wage Audit | Determine the OEWS wage level for the offered position. |
| Payment | Ensure $215 is ready for the initial electronic registration. |
The application window is narrow—just about two weeks. Since the system often gets slow due to high traffic, waiting until the final day is a risky move. Pakistani IT professionals and engineers, who make up a significant portion of the applicant pool, should ensure their employers are fully aware of the new wage tiers, as this will directly influence their “weight” in the lottery.
FAQs
When exactly can I register for the H-1B FY27 visa?
The registration period starts on March 4, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time and runs until March 19, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time.
Who has to pay the $100,000 fee?
This fee typically applies to employers whose selected beneficiaries cannot change their status within the US and must apply for a visa at a consulate abroad. It is best to consult with immigration counsel to see if your specific case falls under this rule.
Does a higher salary guarantee a visa?
It doesn’t guarantee it, but it significantly improves your odds. Under the new weighted system, higher wage levels receive more entries into the lottery pool.
Can I submit multiple registrations to increase my chances?
No. The system is beneficiary-centric, meaning it uses your passport number as a unique ID. Multiple registrations by the same employer for the same person will be disqualified.
