USCIS has opened the registration for the H-1B lottery for the fiscal year 2027, with a registration deadline set for March 19, 2026. This year marks a significant shift in the selection process, moving from random selection to a merit-based system that considers wage levels.
Key Details:
- Registration deadline: March 19, 2026
- Registration fee: $215 per beneficiary
- New wage-based weighted lottery system:
- Level 4 (highest wages): 4x entry multiplier
- Level 3: 3x entry multiplier
- Level 2: 2x entry multiplier
- Level 1: 1x entry multiplier
- New $100,000 fee for H-1B petitions requiring consular notification
- Limited movement in EB-2 Green Card category status in March 2026 Visa Bulletin
- Proposed changes to asylum work permit waiting period from 180 to 365 days
These changes necessitate careful planning for employers and foreign nationals, emphasizing the importance of wage level determination and compliance with new requirements. Staying informed is essential for navigating the evolving employment-based immigration landscape.
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