US announces 2027 H-1B visa timeline with new qualification-based selection model

 

El Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de Estados Unidos Initial registration for visas will open from March 4 to 19, 2026 H-1B of fiscal year 2027. According to the global mobility expert firm EMSThe process will prioritize highly qualified profiles with high salaries to strengthen the US labor market.

 

Calendar and registration requirements for fiscal year 2027

 

According to the data provided by EMS, a company with more than 35 years of experience in expatriate management, the online registration period will officially begin at noon (Eastern Time) on March 4th 2026Employers and companies interested in hiring foreign talent under this quota will have until March 19. to complete the registration of their beneficiaries.

 

The process requires petitioners to use an official online account and proceed to pay the corresponding fees. EMS It emphasizes that notifications regarding the candidates selected in this draw will be communicated through official channels before the end of March 2026.

 

H-1B Process Milestone (FY 2027)	Deadline
Opening of the electronic registry	March 4th 2026 (12:00 PM ET)
Registration period closes	March 19th 2026 (12:00 PM ET)
Notification of selected candidates	Before March 31th 2026
Responsible entity	USCIS

 

New weighted selection system and regulatory changes

 

One of the most significant updates for this cycle is the implementation, by the Departamento de Seguridad Nacional, of a system of weighted selectionThis mechanism is designed to give preference to those professionals who have higher levels of education and receive the most competitive salaries in their respective sectors.

 

This measure, as it points out EMS from their experience in services of Immigration y EoRIts fundamental objective is "Strengthen the protection of wages and working conditions" of the local workforce in Estados Unidosensuring that the visa program attracts the highest value-added talent.

 

Likewise, the corporate sector must take into account the repercussions of the proclamation issued in September 2025 by Donald TrumpUnder this new legal framework, certain selected applications could face the payment of a significant additional feewhich will be a prior and indispensable requirement for the formal submission of the visa application.

 

The role of consulting in international mobility

 

Given the increasing regulatory complexity in Norteamérica, EMS The firm recommends that organizations develop an early registration strategy. The firm, which manages more than 8.000 services annually, emphasizes the importance of transparency and efficiency in complying with current regulations at every stage of the immigration process.

 

• Prioritizing profiles with high salary levels.
• Comprehensive management of procedures through digital platforms.
• Strict adherence to deadlines USCIS to avoid exclusions.

 

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about H-1B visas 2027

Which profiles have the best chance of being selected this year?
Under the new weighted system, candidates with higher professional qualifications and salary proposals in the highest ranges will be given priority in the selection.

What is the exact deadline for registration?
The system will be enabled exclusively from noon onwards. March 4. until noon March 19th 2026, Eastern Time Estados Unidos.

Are there any new costs associated with the process?
Yes, in addition to the standard registration fee, some requests may be subject to a significant additional payment derived from the regulations issued by Donald Trump in September 2025.