USCIS Completes H-1B Visa Selection for Fiscal Year 2027

Overview of H-1B Visa Selection Process

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has finalized the selection for H-1B visas for the fiscal year 2027, reaching the annual limit of 85,000 beneficiaries. This selection process encompassed both the standard cap and the advanced-degree exemption lottery. USCIS has informed petitioners whose registrations were chosen, allowing them to submit H-1B cap-subject petitions.

The H-1B visa program is extensively utilized by American companies, especially in the tech industry, to recruit foreign talent. A significant number of H-1B visa holders are Indian professionals, including engineers and medical practitioners. According to USCIS, “H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2027, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption, can be filed starting April 1, 2026, provided they are for a selected beneficiary and based on a valid registration.”

The filing period will be open for a minimum of 90 days, and petitioners are encouraged to include a copy of the selection notice with their applications. USCIS will also accept the updated Form I-129, which was revised on February 27.

Currently, the H-1B program allocates 65,000 visas under the regular cap annually, with an additional 20,000 set aside for applicants who possess a master’s degree or higher from U.S. institutions. Recent modifications to the selection process have introduced a wage-based model, prioritizing candidates with higher salaries and specialized skills. This adjustment aims to align visa distribution with labor market needs and minimize program misuse.

Additionally, the policy framework includes a notable fee provision, which may impose a charge of $100,000 in specific situations when employers sponsor foreign workers. This measure seeks to reduce excessive dependence on international hiring and encourage domestic recruitment. USCIS has stated that petitions must correspond with the information provided during the registration process, including job-related and identifying details. Petitioners must also submit proof of the beneficiary’s valid passport or travel document used during registration, along with evidence supporting the selected wage level. The agency stressed that only those with selected registrations are permitted to file petitions under the FY 2027 cap.