2026 H-1B Lottery (FY2027)
Navigate the H-1B Lottery with Confidence
How we help
Expert case assessment, strategic lottery positioning, seamless registration, and complete petition filing — we navigate the new H-1B rules so you don't have to.
Expert case assessment, strategic lottery positioning, seamless registration, and complete petition filing — we navigate the new H-1B rules so you don't have to.
HOW IT WORKS
2026 Lottery (FY 2027)
HOW IT WORKS
The New Rules
Proclamation, Sept 19th
The $100,000 H-1B Fee
A new $100,000 fee applies to H-1B petitions for employees outside the U.S. (consular processing).
Employees already in the U.S. on temporary visas like F-1 OPT, J-1, or TN are likely exempt from this fee.
Final Rule, Dec 29th
Wage Weighted Selection
The new lottery system weighs candidates by their salary and location, assigning wage levels 1-4.
Higher levels receive more lottery entries, improving their odds of selection.
Preparing for the H-1B Lottery
The new H-1B lottery rules create better odds for employers who understand the changes and act strategically.
The $100k fee and wage-weighted system will reduce total lottery entries while favoring higher-wage positions.
If you have employees on temporary visas like F-1 OPT, J-1, or TN, we can help you navigate this year's lottery and maximize your chances of selection.
Prefer to talk with an attorney?
Timeline
2026 Lottery (FY 2027)
Timeline
What to Expect
Official USCIS lottery registration period included below.
Candidate Review
JAN 1–MAR 3
Lottery Registration
MAR 4–19
Petition Prep & Filing
APR 1–JUN 30
Case Adjudication
JUL 1–SEP 30
Provide employee details. We review eligibility, optimize wage positioning to improve lottery odds, and set up your USCIS account.
Pricing
Pricing options
suited for your team
Pay per filing
For smaller teams or first-time lottery participants.
- Ellis Platform Access
- Case Review
- Legal Consultation
- H-1B Lottery Registration
- H-1B Petition Filing
- Overnight Shipping
- RFE & NOID Response
- Mock Interview with Former Consular Officer
- USCIS Lottery Registration Fee ($215)
- USCIS Filing Fees
- Certified Translation (if necessary)
- Degree Evaluation (if necessary)
- Expert Letter (if necessary)
Subscription
For scaling teams with ongoing visa needs and growing headcount.
- Ellis Platform Access
- Case Review
- Legal Consultation
- H-1B Lottery Registration
- H-1B Petition Filing
- Overnight Shipping
- RFE & NOID Responses
- Mock Interview with Former Consular Officer
- USCIS Lottery Registration Fee ($215)
- Unlimited Filings for H-1B, H-1B1, E-3, TN, J-1
- Spouse and Child Change of Status Filings
- USCIS Filing Fees
- Certified Translation (if necessary)
- Degree Evaluation (if necessary)
- Expert Letter (if necessary)
- J-1 Sponsor Organization Fees
H-1B FAQ
Still have questions about the H-1B lottery? Our immigration experts are here to help.
Testimonials
Ellis is an exceptional immigration partner, delivering fast and knowledgeable service. Their platform makes the process easier than anything I've experienced in over a decade and a half of hiring international candidates to tech companies.
From start to finish, Ellis kept us informed and confident, tailoring their approach to our company's specific needs with remarkable attention to detail and results. Their unwavering commitment to client success truly sets them apart in an industry too often marred by complexity.
Ellis turned immigration into a competitive advantage for us. Being able to say "we've got your visa covered" helped us close top candidates we otherwise might have lost.
Why choose Ellis?
Approach
The H-1B process is stressful enough without waiting days for updates or guessing about costs. Ellis provides direct attorney guidance, smart technology to avoid errors, and a clear view of every step, unlike the delays and opacity of traditional firms.
- Dedicated Attorney
- AI-driven accuracy
- Live Dashboard
- Empathetic Comms
- High Paralegal Ratios
- Manual Tracking
- Opaque Pricing
- Slow Replies
- Dedicated Attorney
- AI-driven accuracy
- Live Dashboard
- Empathetic Comms
- High Paralegal Ratios
- Manual Tracking
- Opaque Pricing
- Slow Replies
U.S. Immigration Solved
Let Ellis help your team navigate the H-1B Lottery.
U.S. Immigration Solved
Let Ellis help your team navigate the H-1B Lottery.
What now
Let's discuss your immigration needs
and build a solution that works.
Start today