FY2027 H-1B wage-weighted selection & petition phase
Key Questions
When was the FY2027 H-1B cap lottery completed?
USCIS completed the FY2027 H-1B cap lottery on March 31, reaching the 85,000 visa cap. Petitions opened on April 1-2 with a new wage-weighted selection process.
What is the wage-weighted selection process for FY2027 H-1B petitions?
The process prioritizes higher wages, giving Level IV salaries 4x priority. It aims to favor higher-paid positions during the petition phase starting April 1-2.
What changes are in the new stricter I-129 form for H-1B?
The form requires detailed employer disclosures on qualifications, salaries, LCA history, and more. It includes bans on F-1 to H-1B transitions and increased scrutiny.
Has the DOL proposed wage increases for H-1B and PERM?
Yes, DOL proposes 30-34% hikes for H-1B wages and PERM levels. A $100k fee applies with exceptions, amid healthcare pushback and scrutiny.
How have Big Tech companies' H-1B filings been affected?
Big Tech like Google, Meta, Amazon saw Q1 FY26 filings plunge 30-50%, except Nvidia in AI. This follows tech cuts and rising immigration costs.
What alternatives are Indian H-1B talent considering?
Indian talent is fleeing to Canada and Australia due to GC delays and H-1B changes. U.S. policies contribute to this shift.
Is there a minimum time requirement for H-1B to Green Card via PERM?
No, there is no minimum time requirement for H-1B to GC through PERM. Applications can proceed without time restrictions.
What additional scrutiny is applied to H-1B petitions?
Scrutiny includes social media checks, site visits, and employer history reviews. A new form mandates salary and qualification disclosures.
USCIS FY2027 cap lottery Mar31 complete at 85k; petitions Apr1-2 wage-weighted (4x LvIV priority) new stricter I-129 form employer disclosures quals/salaries/LCA/history bans F-1 H1B transitions DOL 30-34% hikes/PERM $100k fee w/exceptions/healthcare pushback scrutiny/social media/site visits; tech cuts 30-50% exc Nvidia AI; Big Tech Q1 FY26 plunge; Indian talent flight Canada/Aus GC delays; H1B-GC no min time PERM.