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USCIS Sets March 4–19 H‑1B Registration Under New Wage‑Weighted System

Employers now confront higher fees plus stricter verification with new data disclosures.

Overview

  • USCIS will accept FY2027 H‑1B registrations from noon ET March 4 through noon ET March 19, with selection notices expected by March 31.
  • Each registration costs $215 and must state the offered DOL wage level, SOC code, intended worksite area, and a bona fide job attestation under penalty of perjury.
  • The new selection model multiplies entries by wage level and by U.S. advanced‑degree status, with a Level 4 job plus a qualifying advanced degree receiving eight total entries.
  • After selection, employers must document how the wage level was determined, and a new, more detailed H‑1B petition form becomes mandatory on April 1, 2026.
  • Selected employers generally have until June 30 to file, DHS and DOL signal heightened audits through Project Firewall, and a separate $100,000 proclamation fee still applies to certain consular or entry filings despite ongoing legal challenges.