H-1B Lottery Process: Step-by-Step Guide

The H-1B visa is a popular work authorization that allows U.S. employers to hire skilled foreign professionals in specialized fields. However, due to high demand and an annual cap, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) uses a lottery system to determine who can apply for the visa each year. If you’re considering an H-1B visa, here’s what you need to know about the lottery process, key dates, and possible alternatives if you’re not selected.

What is the H-1B Cap?

Each fiscal year, USCIS issues 65,000 H-1B visas, with an additional 20,000 visas reserved for applicants holding advanced degrees from U.S. institutions. However, certain organizations, such as universities and research institutions, are exempt from this cap, meaning they can sponsor employees without going through the lottery.

H-1B Lottery Process: Step-by-Step Guide

The H-1B lottery process follows a structured timeline:

1. Electronic Registration – Employers must register their candidates through the USCIS online portal. For the FY 2025 cycle, registration was open from March 1-18, 2024.

2. Random Selection Process – If the number of registrations exceeds the cap, USCIS conducts a random lottery. In 2024, the first selection occurred on March 29, with a second round on August

3. Petition Submission – Employers of selected candidates file Form I-129 and supporting documents within 90 days.

4. Processing and Approval – USCIS reviews petitions and grants H-1B status to approved applicants, with work authorization beginning on October 1 of the corresponding fiscal year.

H-1B Lottery 2026: Important Dates

For those looking to apply for the FY 2026 lottery, here are the key deadlines:

• March 7, 2025 – Registration opens

• March 24, 2025 – Registration closes

• By March 31, 2025 – USCIS notifies employers of selection results

How to Register for the H-1B Lottery

To enter the lottery, both employers and applicants must create USCIS accounts. The process involves submitting required details and paying a $215 registration fee. Since the window for registration is short, early preparation is crucial.

Understanding H-1B Lottery Results

After registration, USCIS updates applicants on their lottery status. Here’s what each status means:

• Submitted – Successfully registered but not yet selected.

• Selected – Eligible to file an H-1B petition.

• Not Selected – Application not chosen in the lottery.

• Denied – Registration invalid due to multiple submissions by the same employer.

• Invalidated-Failed Payment – Payment issue caused registration failure.

What If You’re Not Selected? What are the Alternative Visa Options?

If your H-1B registration isn’t selected, there are other visa options to consider:

• L-1 Visa – For employees transferring within multinational companies.

• O-1 Visa – For individuals with extraordinary abilities in their field.

• TN Visa – For Canadian and Mexican professionals under NAFTA/USMCA.

• F-1 OPT/STEM Extension – Students on an F-1 visa with Optional Practical Training (OPT) may qualify for extensions.

The H-1B visa lottery process can be highly competitive, but understanding the steps and preparing early can improve your chances. For those who aren’t selected, exploring alternative visa pathways may provide other opportunities to work in the U.S. Employers and applicants should stay updated on USCIS announcements to ensure timely registration and compliance with immigration laws.

For more information, contact our office at Askew & Associates, P.A. by calling 954-546-2699.

Disclaimer: this blog post is not intended to be legal advice. We highly recommend speaking to an attorney if you have any legal concerns.