H1B FY2027 Timeline (Filing in 2026)
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| February 2026 | USCIS announces registration dates and any fee changes |
| March 2026 | Electronic registration period opens (typically 2-3 weeks) |
| Late March – April 2026 | Lottery results announced — selected registrations notified |
| April 1 – June 30, 2026 | Filing window for selected petitions (Form I-129) |
| April – December 2026 | USCIS processing (2-8 months regular, 15 days premium) |
| October 1, 2026 | Earliest H1B start date for FY2027 |
| October 2026+ | Consular processing / visa stamping (if outside US) |
Complete Cost Breakdown
| Fee | Amount | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Registration fee | $215 | Employer |
| Base filing fee (I-129) | $780 | Employer |
| Asylum Program fee | $600 (small employer) / $4,000 (large) | Employer |
| Fraud Prevention fee | $500 | Employer |
| ACWIA training fee | $750 (≤25 employees) / $1,500 (>25) | Employer |
| Premium processing (optional) | $2,805 | Employer or Employee |
| Attorney fees | $2,000 – $5,000+ | Employer (usually) |
| Visa stamping fee (DS-160) | $185 | Employee |
| SEVIS reciprocity fee | Varies by country ($0-$200+) | Employee |
Step-by-Step H1B Process
Step 1: Find a Sponsoring Employer
The H1B is employer-sponsored — you cannot self-petition. Your employer must be willing to file the petition and pay the associated fees. The position must require at least a bachelor's degree in a specialty occupation.
Step 2: Electronic Registration (March)
Your employer (or their attorney) submits an electronic registration during the registration period. This costs $215 per beneficiary. Each registration enters the lottery.
Step 3: Lottery Selection
USCIS conducts a random lottery from all registrations. The annual cap is:
- 65,000 regular cap
- 20,000 additional for US master's degree or higher (advanced degree exemption)
- Cap-exempt: universities, nonprofit research organizations, government research organizations
Step 4: Petition Filing (April – June)
If selected, your employer files Form I-129 with all supporting documents within the 90-day filing window. Key documents include:
- Form I-129 + H supplement
- Labor Condition Application (LCA) — certified by DOL
- Degree certificates + transcripts
- Resume/CV
- Passport copy
- 2 passport-style photos (2×2 inch)
- Employer support letter
- Specialty occupation evidence
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Make H1B Photo — €3 →Step 5: USCIS Processing
| Processing Type | Timeline | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Regular processing | 2-8 months | Included in filing fees |
| Premium processing | 15 business days | $2,805 additional |
USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if they need additional documentation. This pauses the clock and you typically get 60-87 days to respond.
Step 6: Approval & Visa Stamping
Once approved, if you're already in the US (e.g., on OPT), your status changes on October 1. If you're outside the US, you need to attend a visa interview at a US consulate.
For the consular interview, you'll need:
- DS-160 confirmation page
- I-797 approval notice
- Valid passport
- 2×2 inch passport photo (same specs as I-129)
- Original degree certificates
- Employment offer letter
H1B Cap-Exempt Employers
These employers can file H1B petitions year-round without going through the lottery:
- Institutions of higher education (universities)
- Nonprofit organizations affiliated with universities
- Nonprofit research organizations
- Government research organizations
After H1B Approval: What's Next?
| Milestone | Timeline |
|---|---|
| H1B initial validity | 3 years |
| H1B extension | Up to 3 more years (6 total) |
| Green Card (PERM) filing | Can start anytime during H1B |
| H1B beyond 6 years | Possible if I-140 approved or PERM filed 365+ days ago |
Common H1B Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the registration window — it's only open for 2-3 weeks
- Not having the LCA certified before filing I-129
- Insufficient specialty occupation evidence
- Degree evaluation issues for foreign degrees
- Starting work before October 1 (or before approval if cap-exempt)
- Not maintaining valid status while waiting for H1B
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