When are the key dates for the FY2027 H1B registration and petition filing period that I should plan around?
FY2027 H1B registration ran from March 4 to 19, 2026, and USCIS confirmed by March 31, 2026 that enough registrations were received for the 85,000 cap. Selected beneficiaries could file petitions from April 1 to June 30, 2026, and employment cannot start before October 1, 2026.
The FY2027 H1B registration ran from March 4 to 19, 2026. Selected beneficiaries then had a petition filing window from April 1 to June 30, 2026.
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration period | March 4 to 19, 2026 |
| USCIS cap confirmation | By March 31, 2026 |
| Petition filing for selected beneficiaries | April 1 to June 30, 2026 |
| Earliest employment start | October 1, 2026 |
What to Remember
- The cap is 85,000, made up of 65,000 regular and 20,000 master's exemption slots.
- A second lottery was possible if the cap was not met by June 30, 2026.
- A new Form I-129 (edition 02/27/26) is mandatory for all FY2027 cap petitions.
My Advice
Mark these dates with your employer and keep your documents ready. Deadlines are strict, so confirm them on the official USCIS page.
Not sure which documents your US visa needs?
Interview prep, funds proof and timelines. Get a checklist for your case.
More Student visa questions
- Is a loan sanction letter from the government regulated Indian Bank accepted for a UK student visa application?
- How much bank balance is needed for an Italy student visa after failing math in 12th grade?
- Can I call my husband on a dependent visa after I go on a student visa for my masters abroad in UK/Ireland?
- Is it possible for my son, who is currently in twelfth grade, to study in New Zealand next year for a Diploma?
- Which is more suitable for my son's master's education: Dubai or the USA, considering cost, location, program variety, post-study work options, and pathways to permanent residency?
- Which countries have less strict or different financial requirements compared to New Zealand, especially regarding funding duration?
- Can other family members act as financial sponsors if my father’s income is insufficient in Germany?
- Is it necessary to include a cover letter explaining my financial arrangement, which combines a loan and personal savings, for my German student visa application?
More USA questions
- What are the chances of getting a conditional offer letter requiring IELTS even if I have a good 12th standard score?
- Which universities in the USA offer MS Engineering Management for a B.Tech Automotive Engineering graduate, Duolingo 120 and ₹80 lakhs budget?
- How much extra should I keep aside for unexpected costs during my MS in the USA?
- By when do I need to submit my application for most UG and PG courses at UCLA?
- Can you track an Employment Pass application on the MOM portal when your employer files it?
- Can I apply for an education loan up to 30 to 35 lakhs or 30 to 40 lakhs budget?
- What are the visa application chances and procedures for USA compared to Australia?
- Is my daughter planning to settle down abroad with permanent residency or just study in Singapore/USA for a Master's?
