What Our Clients Should Expect
The H-1B Fiscal Year 2027 registration period is coming to a close, and we want to provide a quick update to our clients regarding the deadline and what to expect in the coming weeks.
Registration Deadline: 5:00 PM Eastern Time
The H-1B electronic registration period will close today at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. All registrations must be submitted through the USCIS online system before the deadline.
If your H-1B registration was prepared and submitted by our team at Apfel Law Group, there is nothing further you need to do at this time. Our office has been actively monitoring the submission process to ensure all filings were completed successfully and in accordance with USCIS requirements.
When to Expect Lottery Results
Once registration closes, USCIS will begin the selection process. Historically, selection notices are issued by the end of March, and we expect updates to begin appearing in USCIS online accounts over the coming weeks.
Our office will:
- Monitor the USCIS system for status updates,
- Review each case as results are released, and;
- Our office will communicate directly with both the employer and the employee to provide the outcome and outline the next steps.
We will notify you as soon as your case status is updated.
What Happens If Your Registration Is Selected
If your registration is selected, the next phase will be preparation and filing of the full H-1B petition. Our team will begin preparing documentation immediately to ensure a timely and complete submission.
We will provide detailed instructions and request any remaining documentation needed to finalize the filing. Our goal is always to file well in advance of USCIS deadlines to avoid unnecessary risk or delays.
Important Changes This Fiscal Year
USCIS is implementing a weighted selection system that prioritizes registrations based on the offered wage level. Higher wage levels may receive additional entries in the selection process, increasing their likelihood of being selected.
Will There Be Additional Selection Rounds This Year?
In recent years, USCIS has conducted additional selection rounds when initial selections did not result in enough filed petitions to meet the annual cap. However, because this is the first year USCIS is using a wage-weighted selection process, it is not yet clear whether the agency will conduct additional rounds in the same manner as in prior years.
Our office will continue monitoring USCIS announcements and system updates throughout the spring and summer. If additional selections occur, we will notify affected clients immediately.
Our Commitment to Keeping You Informed
We understand that the H-1B process can be stressful and that timing is critical. If we assisted with your registration, please be assured that your case is being actively monitored. There is no need to reach out for status updates unless you have a specific concern.
We will continue to provide direct updates as soon as USCIS releases additional information regarding selections, filing timelines, or procedural changes.
Not a current client? Our team assists employers and foreign nationals nationwide with H-1B filings and long-term immigration planning. Reach out to our team at Apfel Law Group today to see how we can support your case.