The clock is ticking for companies planning to sponsor foreign workers in the U.S.

The registration window for the FY 2027 H-1B visa lottery closes on March 19 at 12 PM (ET). That leaves very little time for employers to complete, review, and submit their entries.

And here’s the thing. The final days are usually messy. Heavy traffic on the system can slow things down or even cause technical glitches. Submitting early is not just a suggestion. It can save you from last-minute trouble.

What Employers Should Do Before the H-1B Deadline

If a company plans to file H-1B visa registrations, a few basics need to be in place.

First, employers must have an active account on the USCIS online system. This is where everything happens, from drafting to final submission.

Next, they should already know who they want to sponsor. Waiting until the last moment to decide on candidates can lead to errors or missed deadlines.

There is also an important rule for applicants. Each candidate must use the same passport or travel document across all registrations. If different documents are used, all entries for that person could be rejected.

Once registrations are drafted, they need to be reviewed and signed quickly. Delays at this stage can cost a spot in the lottery.

Big Change This Year: Wage-Based Lottery

This year brings a major shift. Instead of a fully random system, the U.S. is moving to a weighted lottery based on salary levels.

Here’s how it works:

• Level 4 (highest salary): 4 chances
• Level 3: 3 chances
• Level 2: 2 chances
• Level 1 (lowest salary): 1 chance

So, higher-paid roles now have better odds of selection. This change could reshape hiring strategies, especially for companies offering lower entry-level wages.

What Happens After March 19

Even with the new system, demand is expected to exceed the annual cap of 85,000 visas far. Two rounds of selection will still take place:

• First round: Regular cap (65,000 visas)
• Second round: For applicants with U.S. master’s degrees (20,000 visas)

Results are expected by March 31, 2026. If selected, employers can then move to the next step. Filing the full H-1B petition.

Petition Filing Timeline

Selected candidates can have their petitions filed starting April 1, 2026.

The filing window will run until at least June 30, 2026, though exact deadlines will be mentioned in selection notices.

Some cases need faster action. For example, international students on OPT may need their petition filed before their work permit expires to avoid gaps in employment.

A Costly New Rule Employers Should Note

There’s another update that may catch some employers off guard.

If a candidate’s status cannot be changed within the U.S. and requires consular processing, a $100,000 fee could apply. This is unless the employer qualifies for an exemption.

This does not affect lottery registration, but it can impact the final decision to proceed with a candidate.

Final Thought

The H-1B process has always been competitive. This year, it is also more strategic.

Between the new wage-based system and tight timelines, planning matters more than ever. For employers, the safest move right now is simple. Finish early, review carefully, and submit without delay.