US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that it received a sufficient number of electronic registrations for unique beneficiaries during the initial registration period to meet the FY 2027 H‑1B numerical cap, including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap).
USCIS has completed the selection process and has notified all registrants with selected beneficiaries that they are eligible to file H‑1B cap‑subject petitions for FY 2027. Registration status results are available in each registrant’s USCIS online account. Additional information can be found on the H‑1B Electronic Registration Process webpage.
H‑1B Petition Filing Period
Petitioners with selected registrations may begin filing FY 2027 H‑1B cap‑subject petitions starting April 1, 2026, provided the petition is based on a valid selected registration. Only employers with selected beneficiaries are permitted to submit cap‑subject H‑1B petitions this fiscal year.
The filing window will remain open for at least 90 days, as specified in the individual selection notices. Each petition must be:
- Properly filed at the correct USCIS filing location or online at my.uscis.gov
- Submitted within the filing period stated on the selection notice
- Accompanied by a copy of the applicable H‑1B selection notice
Required Form I‑129 Edition
USCIS released a new edition of Form I‑129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, dated 02/27/26.
Effective April 1, 2026, USCIS will only accept the 02/27/26 edition of Form I‑129 for all FY 2027 H‑1B cap‑subject petitions.
Petitions submitted using previous editions of the form will be rejected.
Consistency Requirements and Supporting Evidence
An H‑1B cap‑subject petition must contain the same identifying information and job details as provided in the selected registration. Petitioners must submit:
- Evidence of the beneficiary’s valid passport or travel document used during registration
- Documentation supporting the wage level selected at the time of registration
USCIS advises employers to carefully review the “How to Ensure You Properly File Your H‑1B Cap‑Subject Petition” guidance to avoid discrepancies that could result in rejection or denial.
$100,000 Presidential Proclamation Fee Reminder
Under the Presidential Proclamation Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers, certain H‑1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025, must include an additional $100,000 payment as a condition of eligibility. Petitioners should review the H‑1B Specialty Occupations page for detailed requirements and applicability.
Final Note on Eligibility
Selection in the H‑1B registration process only establishes eligibility to file a cap‑subject petition. Employers must still submit all required documentation and independently demonstrate eligibility for H‑1B approval in accordance with Form I‑129 instructions and applicable regulations.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.