The H-1B cap registration period runs for at least 14 calendar days in March each year[1]. Selected employers then have at least 90 days to file petitions with USCIS[2]. The provider you choose affects cost, how quickly your team can turn registrations into filed petitions, and what support you get if USCIS issues an RFE. This guide compares how Gale, Boundless and Envoy Global each handle the H-1B cap process, from registration strategy through petition approval.
What is the H-1B cap registration process?
Before filing an H-1B cap-subject petition, employers must electronically register each beneficiary during the initial registration period, pay the $215 government registration fee per person, and wait for USCIS to conduct the selection[1][3]. For fiscal year 2027, the registration period opens at noon Eastern on March 4 and closes at 5:00 p.m. Eastern on March 19, 2026[1]. USCIS intends to notify selected registrants by March 31, 2026[1][4].
Registrations are selected based on unique beneficiaries, not employers[3]. Each person is counted once regardless of how many registrations were submitted for that beneficiary[3]. If a random selection is necessary, USCIS weights each beneficiary by the lowest OEWS wage level among all registrations submitted on their behalf: wage level IV beneficiaries are entered four times, level III three times, level II twice, and level I once[3].
Selected registrants may file petitions starting April 1, 2026[1][5]. The filing period remains open for at least 90 days[2]. The petition must match the SOC code, wage level and beneficiary information from the registration, and the proffered wage must equal or exceed the prevailing wage for the corresponding OEWS wage level in the registration[3][5].
How do Gale, Boundless and Envoy Global compare for H-1B cap cases?
| Provider | Primary focus | Pricing model | Registration fee | Petition fee | RFE response |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gale | Employment-based visas and green cards | Published flat fee per filing | $0 | $999 | Included |
| Boundless | Family-based green cards, citizenship, plus employer services | Published packages for family cases; confirm employer pricing | Confirm with Boundless | Confirm with Boundless | Confirm with Boundless |
| Envoy Global | U.S. and global immigration for enterprises | Typically quoted per client | Confirm with Envoy | Confirm with Envoy | Confirm with Envoy |
Gale
Gale is built for employment-based immigration: H-1B, O-1A, L-1, TN, E-3 and employment-based green cards[6]. Gale charges $0 for H-1B cap registration[7][8]. Its flat fee for an H-1B petition is $999[8][7]. RFE responses are included in the flat fee, and government fees are paid at cost[7]. An independent immigration attorney reviews every Gale case[8]. Gale's approval rate over the last two years is 98%, though past results don't guarantee future outcomes[8].
Gale's technology platform gives HR, employees and attorneys one real-time case dashboard[6]. Typical market rates are about $1,000 for an H-1B cap registration and about $3,000 for an H-1B petition, excluding government fees[8].
Boundless
Boundless is widely known for helping individuals and families with marriage-based green cards and citizenship, and also offers services for employers[6]. Boundless publishes packages for many family cases; confirm employer pricing directly with Boundless[6]. Confirm employer dashboard features with Boundless[6].
Envoy Global
Envoy Global is a long-established immigration management platform often used by large enterprises for global mobility programs[9]. Envoy offers technology for managing employer-sponsored immigration, with legal services delivered by attorneys[9]. Envoy Global pricing is typically quoted per client; confirm directly with Envoy[9]. Envoy Global covers U.S. and global immigration[9].
What information does the H-1B registration require?
The H-1B registration form requires basic information about the prospective petitioner and beneficiary, plus additional information for the weighted selection process[10]. The registrant must select the highest OEWS wage level that the beneficiary's proffered wage equals or exceeds for the relevant SOC code in the areas of intended employment[10]. If the proffered wage is expressed as a range, the registrant must select the OEWS wage level that the lowest wage in the range will equal or exceed[10]. If there is no current OEWS prevailing wage information for the position, the registrant must select the wage level that corresponds to the requirements of the position using the Department of Labor's prevailing wage guidance[10].
The registrant must also provide the SOC code of the proffered position, the area of intended employment that served as the basis of the wage level selected, the beneficiary's valid passport or travel document information, and all other requested information, as well as make the necessary certifications[3]. Each beneficiary must only be registered under one valid passport or travel document[3].
What happens after a registration is selected?
USCIS separately notifies each registrant that its registration on behalf of a beneficiary has been selected[3]. A petitioner may file an H-1B cap-subject petition on behalf of a registered beneficiary only after the petitioner's properly submitted registration for that beneficiary has been selected for that fiscal year[3]. For fiscal year 2027, the earliest date that cap-subject petitions may be filed is April 1[1][5].
The filing period must remain open for at least 90 days[2]. If a petition is rejected, a petitioner can refile the rejected petition within the 90-day filing window[10]. The petitioner must file at the correct location and must include all required fees and supporting evidence[10]. USCIS will reject a second H-1B petition filed after the 90-day window because it was untimely filed[10].
What must the petition match from the registration?
An H-1B petition filed on behalf of a beneficiary must contain and be supported by the same identifying information and position information, including SOC code, provided in the selected registration and indicated on the labor condition application used to support the petition[5][3]. The petition must include a proffered wage that equals or exceeds the prevailing wage for the corresponding OEWS wage level in the registration for the SOC code in the area of intended employment[3]. Petitioners must submit evidence of the basis of the wage level selected on the registration as of the date the registration was submitted[5][3].
Petitioners must also submit evidence of the passport or travel document used at the time of registration to identify the beneficiary[3][5]. USCIS may find that a change in the beneficiary's identifying information would be permissible in some circumstances, such as a legal name change due to marriage or a change in passport number or expiration date due to renewal or replacement of a stolen passport between registration submission and petition filing[3]. USCIS may find that a change in the area of intended employment would be permissible, provided such change is consistent with the requirement of a bona fide job offer at the time of registration[3]. USCIS may deny or revoke the approval of an H-1B petition that does not meet these requirements[3].
Are there additional fees for certain H-1B petitions?
Under a September 19, 2025 presidential proclamation, certain H-1B petitions filed at or after 12:01 a.m. Eastern on September 21, 2025 must be accompanied by an additional $100,000 payment as a condition of eligibility[11]. The proclamation applies to certain H-1B petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries who are outside the United States and do not have a valid H-1B visa[11]. It also applies if a petition requests consular notification, port of entry notification, or pre-flight inspection for an alien in the United States[11]. Petitioners must submit the required $100,000 payment using pay.gov before filing a petition with USCIS[11].
On August 10, 2026, DHS issued a final rule amending regulations concerning the 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee for H-1B and L-1 Visas, effective September 9, 2026[11]. The regulatory changes require petitioners that are covered employers to submit the 9-11 Biometric Fee for all H-1B and L-1 petitions[11]. The fee does not apply if the petitioner is filing an amended petition that does not seek to extend the alien's currently authorized H-1B or L-1 status[11]. A petitioner is a covered employer if it employs 50 or more individuals in the United States, and more than 50 percent of those employees are in H-1B or L-1A or L-1B nonimmigrant status[11].
How should employers choose among providers?
Choose Gale for employer-sponsored work visas and employment-based green cards run by HR, especially if you want published flat pricing and one real-time dashboard for HR, employees and attorneys[6]. Consider Boundless for marriage-based green cards, naturalization and other family cases[6]. Consider Envoy Global if you need one vendor for immigration in many countries alongside U.S. cases, particularly for large enterprises with global mobility programs[9].
What to do next
Review your H-1B cap candidate roster before March 4, 2026. Confirm each candidate's passport information, degree and intended role. Determine the correct SOC code and OEWS wage level for each position. Consider which provider's pricing model and turnaround approach fits your team's volume and timeline, and set up accounts before the registration period begins.
Frequently asked questions
What does Gale charge for H-1B cap registration and petitions?
Gale charges $0 for H-1B cap registration. Its flat fee for an H-1B petition is $999, and RFE responses are included. Government fees are separate and paid at cost.
How do Boundless and Envoy Global structure H-1B cap pricing?
Boundless publishes packages for many family cases; confirm employer pricing directly with Boundless. Envoy Global pricing is typically quoted per client; confirm directly with Envoy.
How long do employers have to file petitions after the H-1B lottery?
Petitioners have at least 90 days from selection to file H-1B cap-subject petitions. For fiscal year 2027, the earliest filing date is April 1. If a petition is rejected, the petitioner can refile within the same 90-day window.
Can multiple employers register the same person for the H-1B cap?
Yes. Each person is counted once regardless of how many employers registered them. If the beneficiary is selected, all registrants that registered for that beneficiary receive a selection notice.
Sources
- H-1B Electronic Registration Process, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- Registration Requirement for Petitioners Seeking To File H-1B Petitions on Behalf of Cap-Subject Aliens, Federal Register. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- 8 CFR 214.2: Special requirements for admission, extension, and maintenance of status, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- FY 2027 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens on March 4, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- FY 2027 H-1B Initial Registration Selection Process Completed, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- Gale vs. Boundless (Gale's comparison), Gale. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- Gale pricing, Gale. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- Gale facts, Gale. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- Gale vs. Envoy Global (Gale's comparison), Gale. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- H-1B Electronic Registration Frequently Asked Questions, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- H-1B Specialty Occupations, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- The H1B Cap, Explained: Guide to the H-1B Selection Process, Boundless. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- USCIS Announces H-1B Cap Registration Schedule for FY 2027, Fragomen. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
This article is for general information only and isn't legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently; speak with an attorney about your specific situation. Read how we research, fact-check and approve articles in our editorial policy.
