H1B 2027 Lottery Results Are In: Filing Underway + DOL Prevailing Wage PERM Changes

USCIS has completed the FY 2027 H-1B cap lottery and issued selection notifications, opening the petition filing window on April 1, 2026, for a minimum 90-day period. Employers must immediately verify selected beneficiaries through their USCIS online accounts and begin preparing petitions without delay, prioritizing business-critical roles and F-1 OPT/STEM employees nearing work authorization expiration. A critical compliance change for this cycle is the mandatory use of the new Form I-129 (edition 02/27/26). Petitions filed on prior versions will be rejected outright. In addition, USCIS is applying heightened scrutiny to ensure petition details—including beneficiary name, passport information, job duties, work location, and wage level—align precisely with the original registration. Even minor inconsistencies may result in denial or revocation. Employers should also assess exposure to the $100,000 supplemental fee under current Presidential Proclamation requirements. Higher volumes of Requests for Evidence (RFEs) are expected, along with potential site visits and audits, particularly for Level 1 wage cases and third-party placements. Backup strategies for unselected candidates—such as cap-exempt H-1B options, L-1, O-1, or TN visas—should be evaluated proactively. Of particular relevance to EB-3 applicants, the Department of Labor has proposed major changes to prevailing wage calculations affecting both H-1B and PERM labor certification programs. Shifts in prevailing wage methodology can directly impact PERM filing eligibility and employer costs for EB-3 sponsorship, making it essential for employers and applicants in the pipeline to monitor this rulemaking closely. Additionally, the State Department has expanded its Visa Bond Pilot Program to additional countries, and a new advisory has been issued warning of fraudulent websites mimicking Thailand's Digital Arrival Card system. Travelers and applicants should exercise caution and use only official government portals for any immigration-related submissions.