IMMIGRATION UPDATE:
FY 2027 H-1B VISA LOTTERY: REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS & KEY CHANGES
Navigating the U.S. immigration system requires precision and foresight, especially when securing top talent for your business. We wanted to share some important updates and information regarding the upcoming Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 H-1B lottery updates, including an H-1B visa overview, changes to the selection process, registration timelines, and fees. For businesses in Baton Rouge and Lake Charles, understanding these shifts is critical. The competition for skilled workers is fierce, and being prepared for the FY 2027 H-1B cap lottery can make the difference between securing a key employee and waiting another year. Learn about these coming changes and more with The Scott Law Firm.
H-1B Visa Overview and Registration Timeline
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to sponsor foreign nationals in specialty occupations. Each fiscal year, Congress makes 85,000 H-1B visas available: 65,000 under the regular cap, and 20,000 reserved for individuals with a U.S. master’s degree or higher.
The initial H-1B visa registration period for fiscal year (FY) 2027 is expected to start the first week of March and remain open for approximately two weeks.
As we approach the FY 2027 H-1B cap registration season, now is the time for Louisiana employers to review their hiring needs and identify potential candidates. Waiting until the registration window opens can lead to rushed errors that jeopardize your chances.
Changes to the H-1B Lottery Selection Process (FY 2027)
Beginning February 27, 2026, USCIS will implement a weighted selection system, replacing the purely random lottery. Under this new system, registrations will receive multiple entries based on the Department of Labor wage level assigned to the position:
- Wage Level 4: 4 entries
- Wage Level 3: 3 entries
- Wage Level 2: 2 entries
- Wage Level 1: 1 entry
This change is intended to prioritize higher-skilled, higher-paid positions and help protect U.S. wage standards.
Wage level one is typically tied to entry-level positions, while wage level four is for senior-level positions. As a result, the salary offered for a position could affect the odds of being selected. This makes it more important than ever to consult with an H-1B filing lawyer to ensure your job offers are structured correctly and competitively.
Note: This new weighted selection process will likely be challenged in court, which could delay or stop its implementation.
Beneficiary-Centric Selection
USCIS will continue to enforce a beneficiary-centric selection process, meaning each foreign worker will only have one chance in the lottery, even if multiple employers submit registrations on their behalf. USCIS will ensure that each registrant is only entered into the lottery once based on their passport information or travel document information.
Registration Process and Fee
To participate in the H-1B lottery, employers and their attorneys must have active myUSCIS accounts to complete the registration. Additionally, employers must register electronically through myUSCIS.gov and pay a nonrefundable $215 registration fee for each person being registered.
Required registration information includes:
- Employer’s legal name, employer identification number (FEIN), and address.
- Employer’s authorized representative contact information.
- Foreign worker’s full name, date of birth, country of birth, country of citizenship, gender, and passport number.
- Whether the foreign worker holds a U.S. master’s degree or higher.
- Employer’s attorney information.
- Job offer details, including job title, salary, and job duties.
- Foreign worker wage level information (I, II, III, or IV).
Gathering this information early is a crucial part of any H-1B lottery employer guide. Missing data points or incorrect passport numbers can lead to immediate disqualification. Working with a dedicated H-1B registration process lawyer ensures that every detail is verified before submission.
Additional Things to Consider
- The $100,000 H-1B Proclamation Fee only applies to certain H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025.
- This fee does not apply to individuals changing status within the United States (for example, from F-1 to H-1B).
- The Proclamation Fee may be avoided if the petition qualifies for a National Interest Exception, supported by evidence demonstrating that:
- The beneficiary’s employment in H-1B status is in the national interest of the United States;
- There is no available U.S. worker to fill the position;
- Requiring payment of the fee would significantly undermine U.S. interests; and
- The beneficiary does not pose a threat to U.S. security or public welfare.
- If selected, USCIS now permits a start date on or after October 1, as long as it is within 6 months of the petition filing.
- USCIS may deny or revoke H-1B visas if the registration contains false information or if the registration fee is not properly paid.
Secure Your Talent With Confidence
The landscape for H-1B lottery registration 2027 is complex, but you do not have to navigate it alone. Whether you are a tech firm in Baton Rouge or an industrial company in Lake Charles, having a strategic partner is essential.
If you have any questions about the FY 2027 H-1B lottery or would like assistance with your process, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help!
Whether you need an experienced H-1B lawyer to manage the entire petition or just guidance on registration, The Scott Law Firm is committed to your success.
- Baton Rouge: (225) 400-9976 | 10636 Linkwood Ct, Baton Rouge, LA
- Lake Charles: (337) 214-1731 | 3430 Common St, Lake Charles, LA
