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H-1B Visa Lottery Results FY 2026: How to Check Your Status & Next Steps
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 1
H-1B Visa Lottery FY 2026: Complete Guide to Checking Results
The H-1B visa lottery results for FY 2026 are now being released by USCIS, and thousands of applicants are eagerly waiting to see if they’ve been selected. If you or your employer participated in the registration process, understanding how to check your H-1B lottery status and what comes next is crucial.
This guide covers everything you need to know—from interpreting your application status to exploring backup options if you’re not selected.
How to Check Your H-1B Visa Lottery Status for FY 2026
Unlike other USCIS applications, you cannot check your H-1B lottery status independently. Only the employer or their legal representative (attorney) who submitted the registration can access the results. Here’s how the process works:
Employer/Lawyer Logs into USCIS Account
They must visit my.uscis.gov and log in using their organizational account.
Navigate to the H-1B Registrations section to view the status.
Possible Status Updates
✅ Selected – Your registration was chosen in the lottery.
🔄 Submitted – Still in the pool; may be picked in a second lottery.
❌ Not Selected – Not chosen in the initial round.
⚠️ Denied – Registration was invalid due to duplicate filings.
💳 Invalidated-Failed Payment – Payment didn’t process.
When Will Results Be Fully Released?
USCIS began notifying selected applicants on March 27, 2025.
Most results will be out by March 31 or April 1, 2025.
A second lottery may occur later if not enough petitions are filed.
Pro Tip: If your status remains "Submitted" after April 1, it likely means you weren’t selected in the first round.
What to Do If You’re Selected in the H-1B Lottery FY 2026
If your status shows "Selected," congratulations! Here’s what happens next:
1. Employer Must File a Full H-1B Petition
Deadline: June 30, 2025 (exact dates will be in the selection notice).
Required documents:
Form I-129 (H-1B petition)
Certified Labor Condition Application (LCA)
Proof of specialty occupation and beneficiary qualifications.
2. Track Your Petition Status
Once filed, you’ll get a 13-digit receipt number to track progress on the USCIS Case Status Online tool.
Approval means you can start working on October 1, 2025.
3. Prepare for Possible RFEs (Requests for Evidence)
USCIS has increased scrutiny, so ensure all documents are accurate.
What If You’re Not Selected in the H-1B Lottery?
Don’t panic—there are still options:
1. Wait for a Second Lottery (If It Happens)
In FY 2025, USCIS conducted a second lottery in August 2024.
If initial selections don’t meet the 85,000 cap, another draw may occur.
2. Explore Alternative Visa Options
O-1 Visa – For individuals with extraordinary abilities.
L-1 Visa – If you work for a multinational company.
Day 1 CPT – Continue working while studying (F-1 visa).
Cap-Exempt H-1B – Available for universities/nonprofits.
3. Consider Employer-Sponsored Green Cards
EB-2/EB-3 green cards offer a long-term solution.
H-1B Visa Lottery FY 2026: Key Dates & Historical Trends
Event | Date |
Registration Opens | March 7, 2025 |
Registration Closes | March 24, 2025 |
Lottery Selection | March 25-30, 2025 |
Initial Results Released | March 27 - April 1, 2025 |
H-1B Petition Deadline | June 30, 2025 |
Earliest Work Start Date | October 1, 2025 |
Historical Selection Rates
FY 2025: ~26% initial selection rate (114,017 out of ~442,000).
FY 2024: Record 758,994 registrations, making odds tougher.
FY 2026: Expected to remain highly competitive.
Final Thoughts: Maximizing Your Chances
The H-1B visa lottery FY 2026 is highly competitive, but staying informed improves your chances.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Check with your employer/lawyer for status updates.✔ If selected, file the petition before the deadline.✔ If not selected, explore alternative visas or a second lottery.
For official updates, visit the USCIS H-1B page.
Good luck—hope to see you in the U.S. soon!
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