Overview
- Effective February 27, 2026, the rule is set to govern the March FY 2027 H‑1B cap registration window.
- Selection odds scale by OEWS wage tier: Level IV gets four entries, Level III three, Level II two, and Level I one.
- Employers must list the SOC code, area(s) of intended employment and the highest OEWS wage level met, and USCIS may deny or revoke petitions if the registration choices were not appropriate.
- The lowest qualifying wage level controls when multiple employers register the same beneficiary, when a salary range is offered, or when multiple worksites are listed.
- USCIS is expected to issue operational guidance, legal challenges are possible, and attorneys expect the separate $100,000 consular H‑1B fee to reduce high‑volume filings by staffing firms and potentially lift overall selection rates.