Understanding Immigration

Employer Guide to the H-1B Lottery: Registration & Filing Checklist

7 min read
Written by Aarushi Ahuja

A Practical H-1B Lottery Checklist for Employers 

The FY 2027 H-1B lottery season is officially around the corner. With the March 4th registration deadline fast approaching, it’s time to trade the stress for a solid plan. Hiring global talent is one of the best moves a company can make—you just need a clear map to get through the paperwork. 

The 2026 season (for Fiscal Year 2027) brings some of the biggest changes we’ve seen in years, specifically a new "wage-weighted" system that gives higher earners better odds.  We broke down the process to make it all a bit easier.

From the March 4th opening bell to the final filing window, here is exactly what you need to do (and when) to stay compliant and organized.

The 2026 H-1B Timeline

  • March 4, 2026 (12 PM ET): Registration window opens.
  • March 19, 2026 (12 PM ET): Registration window closes.
  • March 31, 2026: Deadline for USCIS to send selection notices.
  • April 1, 2026: First day to file full H-1B petitions.
  • October 1, 2026: Earliest date employment can begin on H-1B status.

Understanding the H-1B Lottery Process

The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialized roles, usually jobs that require at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field. Because there is an annual cap on new H-1B visas, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) runs a lottery when more registrations are submitted than visas available.

Wage-Weighted Selection (New for FY 2027)

The biggest shift this year is that the lottery isn't random anymore. USCIS is now prioritizing higher-paid roles. While everyone still has a chance, candidates offered a "Level IV" wage (the highest tier for their role and location) get four entries into the pool, while "Level I" (entry-level) candidates get one entry. Higher wage levels receive more entries and therefore stronger odds of selection.

You can check your wage level and odds using our H-1B Lottery Odds Calculator to get a better idea of what to expect.

Important: Wage level determinations are legal determinations tied to proper SOC code classification and prevailing wage analysis — not simply salary amount. Employers should work with experienced immigration counsel to determine the correct SOC code and wage level. Misclassification can lead to RFEs, denials, audits, wage liability, or allegations of misrepresentation.

Master’s Cap Advantage

Candidates who hold a qualifying U.S. master’s degree or higher are entered into:

  1. The regular 65,000 visa lottery, and
  2. If not selected, a second lottery for the additional 20,000 advanced degree visas.

This effectively gives eligible master’s degree holders two chances at selection, increasing overall odds.

Master’s cap eligibility should also be confirmed with immigration counsel, as not all graduate programs qualify.

H-1B Eligibility and Filing Requirements

Before entering the lottery, make sure both the position and the candidate qualify.

Employer Requirements

  • The role qualifies as a specialty occupation
  • The offered wage meets the required prevailing wage level
  • A valid employer-employee relationship exists
  • The company is prepared to file required forms and maintain compliance records

Employee Requirements

  • Holds at least a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field
  • Meets the education and experience requirements for the role
  • Has a valid passport and accurate biographical information
Important Note: Working with an experienced immigration attorney is strongly recommended for all stages of the H-1B process.The H-1B lottery involves complex legal determinations — particularly around SOC code selection, prevailing wage levels, and specialty occupation analysis — that require immigration law expertise. Errors can lead to RFEs, denials, or compliance issues.Ellis streamlines the process for you: we also complete and submit H-1B electronic lottery registrations at no legal cost, coordinating directly with your team to ensure compliance and quality from day one.

Step-by-Step H-1B Lottery Process

Step 1: Pre-Registration & Strategy (Now – March 3)

Goal: Identify your candidates and determine your "Wage Level."

Beginning 2026, the lottery is weighted based on salary. High-earners have significantly better odds of being picked.

  • Finalize Your Candidate List: Identify H-1B applicants, including anyone on OPT/STEM OPT or others who need to transition to H-1B.
  • Determine the Wage Level: Determine what wage level your candidate is under. Candidates at Level IV get four entries in the lottery, while Level I (entry-level) get only one. The easiest way to do this is to use the H-1B Lottery Odds Calculator to see how your offer stacks up.
  • Review Job Duties: Ensure the role qualifies as a "Specialty Occupation" (typically requires a specific bachelor’s degree).
  • Confirm USCIS Access: Log in to your USCIS Organizational Account. If you don't have one, set it up with these instructions.

Step 2: Electronic Registration (March 4 – March 19)

Goal: Get your entries in accurately and on time.

  • Submit Beneficiary Details: You’ll need the candidate’s full legal name, date of birth, and passport number.
  • Enter the Wage Level: Select the level (I-IV) that your offered salary meets. Caution: USCIS will cross-reference this with your later filing; don't "inflate" this level to get more entries.
  • Pay the Registration Fee: It’s $215 per candidate.
  • Quality Check: Typos in passport numbers are a common error. Double-check every field before submitting.
  • Ellis handles this for you — at no cost: Ellis completes and submits H-1B electronic registrations on your behalf, conducts built-in quality checks, and coordinates with your legal team to reduce errors and risk. 

Step 3: Lottery Selection (Late March)

Goal: Monitor results and prepare for the win.

Step 4: Full Petition Filing (April 1 – June 30)

Goal: Turn that selection into a valid visa.

  • File the LCA: Submit a Labor Condition Application to the Dept. of Labor (takes ~7 days).
  • Assemble the Packet: Collect the signed Form I-129, the certified LCA, and the employee’s educational transcripts/diplomas.
  • Pay Filing Fees: Standard fees include the I-129 fee ($780), the Fraud fee ($500), and the ACWIA fee ($750 or $1,500).

Note: The $100k "Proclamation" Fee: Note that certain candidates outside the U.S. (consular processing) may be subject to a $100,000 supplemental fee per a 2025 Presidential Proclamation. Most in-country "Change of Status" filings are currently exempt.

Step 5: USCIS Review and Adjudication

Goal: Respond quickly to updates from USCIS.

What to do:

Processing times vary. RFEs can extend the timeline significantly.

Step 6: Onboarding & Compliance

Goal: Start work legally and keep your records ready for an audit.

  • Update Form I-9: On Oct 1 (or the approved start date), update the employee’s I-9 with their new H-1B info.
  • Create the Public Access File (PAF): You must keep a file containing the certified LCA, wage documentation, and proof of notice to other employees.
  • Stay Compliant: If the employee’s worksite changes or their job duties shift significantly, you may need to file an H-1B Amendment.

H-1B Lottery Document Checklist

Keep this data ready in a secure spreadsheet to make registration a breeze:

For the Company

  • Legal Company Name & EIN
  • Headquarters Address
  • Authorized Signatory details (Name, Title, Email)
  • SOC Code & Wage Level for the specific role

For the Employee

  • Full Name (must match Passport)
  • Date of Birth & Country of Citizenship
  • Passport Number & Expiration Date
  • Highest Degree & Field of Study

H-1B Lottery Documents Checklist

Gather these documents required for H-1B visa registration before the lottery opens.

For the Employer

  • Legal company name
  • Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Company address
  • Authorized signatory’s name, title, email, and phone number
  • Job title
  • Work location(s)
  • Offered wage range

For the Employee

  • Passport information (full legal name, expiration date, issuing country)
  • Gender
  • Date of birth
  • Country of birth
  • Country of citizenship
  • Highest degree earned
  • Field of study

Having this H-1B lottery checklist ready helps ensure smooth registration and faster petition preparation if selected.

After Selection in the H-1B Lottery

If selected, move quickly. Filing for an H-1B visa requires submitting Form I-129, the certified LCA, government filing fees, and supporting evidence of the job and candidate’s qualifications.

Post-Selection Action Checklist:

  • Confirm filing window deadline
  • Finalize and certify LCA
  • Prepare full petition packet
  • Conduct internal quality review
  • Submit before deadline
  • Track case status after filing

Careful preparation at this stage improves the likelihood of approval and reduces delays.

Conclusion

The H-1B lottery process can feel complex, but with early preparation and a clear checklist, employers can move forward with confidence. From gathering documents and completing registration to monitoring H-1B visa lottery results and filing the full petition, each step matters.

By using a structured H-1B lottery checklist and the right technology, companies can reduce risk and improve their chances of success. To simplify your H-1B process and support your global hiring strategy, contact Ellis today.

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