Each year, tens of thousands of skilled foreign workers place their hopes on a process that has nothing to do with exams, interviews, or direct competition—but chance. The H1B lottery results determine whether highly educated professionals from around the world will get the opportunity to work legally in the United States. And for many, it’s a moment that shapes careers, lives, and entire futures.
But beyond the basic idea of a “lottery,” the details are often opaque, even to those applying. How does the H1B lottery actually work? When do results come out? What are your chances? What happens after selection—or rejection? This article offers a clear, comprehensive, and timely explanation of the H1B lottery process and what applicants can expect after the results are released.
H1B Lottery Results Checker
Enter your case number to check the lottery status
Understanding the H1B Visa and Why a Lottery Exists
The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa category that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring theoretical or technical expertise. It is most commonly used in fields like technology, engineering, finance, healthcare, and academia.
Why a Lottery?
Because demand for the visa far exceeds the annual cap set by the U.S. government.
| Category | Annual Cap |
|---|---|
| Regular Cap | 65,000 visas |
| Master’s Cap (U.S. advanced degree holders) | 20,000 additional visas |
When U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receives more applications than the combined 85,000 slots, a random selection process (the lottery) is conducted to determine who can proceed.
The Timeline of the H1B Lottery Process
To navigate the H1B process, it’s important to understand the sequence of events. Here’s a general timeline for a fiscal year (e.g., FY2026 H1B season):
| Stage | Estimated Date |
|---|---|
| Employer Registration Opens | March 1 |
| Registration Closes | March 17 |
| Lottery Results Released | March 31 (or earlier/later depending on USCIS timing) |
| Petition Filing Period (if selected) | April 1 to June 30 |
| Work Start Date (if approved) | October 1 (start of new fiscal year) |
All dates are approximate and subject to change depending on USCIS policy updates or system delays.
How the H1B Lottery Is Conducted
The process starts with online registration. Employers must create an account with USCIS and register each potential beneficiary. Each registration includes:
- Beneficiary name
- Passport number
- Country of birth
- Whether the person qualifies for the U.S. master’s cap
Once the registration window closes, USCIS conducts the lottery in two rounds:
1. Regular Cap Lottery
All registered applicants, regardless of degree level, are entered. 65,000 are randomly selected.
2. Master’s Cap Lottery
Applicants with a U.S. master’s or higher degree who weren’t selected in the first round are entered here. 20,000 additional selections are made.
This system gives U.S. master’s degree holders two chances to be selected.
Understanding H1B Lottery Results
When lottery results are announced, USCIS notifies employers (or their legal representatives) through their online accounts. There are three possible outcomes:
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Selected | The registration was picked in the lottery. Employer can now file an H1B petition. |
| Not Selected | The registration was not chosen. No further action can be taken this cycle. |
| Submitted | Registration remains in the system in case a second round is needed. |
In some years, USCIS conducts multiple lotteries (called “second round” or “third round” selections) if selected registrants fail to submit petitions.
The Odds: What Are Your Chances?
The odds of being selected vary by year, depending on the number of registrations.
| Fiscal Year | Registrations Received | Overall Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | ~308,000 | ~28% |
| 2023 | ~483,000 | ~17% |
| 2024 | ~780,000+ | ~11% |
| 2025 | ~470,000 (new multi-employer fraud checks introduced) | ~20% (estimated) |
USCIS has recently begun cracking down on multiple submissions for the same applicant across different employers. This is expected to improve fairness and reduce inflated registration numbers, potentially increasing selection odds for legitimate applicants.
What Happens If You Are Selected?
Being selected in the lottery is not the final step—it’s the beginning of the formal petition process.
Step 1: File Form I-129
Employers have 90 days to file the full H1B petition, including:
- Completed Form I-129
- Labor Condition Application (LCA) approved by the Department of Labor
- Supporting documentation (degree, job offer letter, etc.)
- Filing fee
Step 2: Petition Processing
Petitions can be filed via regular or premium processing (extra fee for 15-day turnaround). USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if documentation is unclear.
Step 3: Approval and Status Change
If the petition is approved, and if the beneficiary is already in the U.S. (e.g., on an F1 OPT visa), their status can change automatically on October 1.
For those abroad, the approval triggers a visa interview and stamping at a U.S. consulate before travel.
What If You’re Not Selected?
For those not selected in the H1B lottery, several alternatives may be explored:
1. OPT and STEM OPT Extension
Students on F1 visas can use Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM extensions to work temporarily while reapplying in future H1B cycles.
2. Cap-Exempt H1B Jobs
H1B cap rules do not apply to employers like:
- Universities and affiliated nonprofits
- Government research organizations
- Nonprofit research institutions
These entities can file H1B petitions year-round without being limited by the lottery.
3. O-1 Visa
Available for individuals with extraordinary ability in science, education, business, or arts.
4. L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa
For employees transferring from a foreign branch of a multinational company.
5. Apply Next Year
Applicants can register again next March, assuming employer sponsorship is renewed.
Common Misunderstandings About H1B Lottery Results
“The lottery is based on merit or salary.”
False. The lottery is random. Only after selection does USCIS evaluate salary and job criteria.
“Being selected means I’m guaranteed a visa.”
False. Selection only allows you to submit a petition. USCIS may still deny the petition for lack of eligibility.
“You can increase your odds by applying through multiple employers.”
Not anymore. As of 2024, USCIS has cracked down on duplicate or collusive entries, and submitting through multiple unaffiliated employers could lead to disqualification.
H1B Lottery Results and Legal Risks
Recent policy changes have increased scrutiny on employers and applicants. Legal risks include:
- Misrepresentation by employers
- Fraudulent job offers
- Failure to maintain job after approval
Employers and applicants alike should ensure they are compliant with immigration law, provide genuine employment offers, and avoid using third-party services that promise to “increase your chances.”
Second and Third Rounds: What Are They?
In years when not all selected registrants submit full petitions (due to withdrawal, ineligibility, or no action), USCIS may conduct additional selection rounds later in the year.
| Round | Timing | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| First Round | March | Main lottery |
| Second Round | July–August (if needed) | Fill unused slots from non-filing |
| Third Round | October–November (rare) | Final sweep before new fiscal year begins |
Being marked as “Submitted” means your registration is still eligible for later selection.
How Employers Can Prepare for Lottery Results
Employers should begin preparing before results are released, especially if they’ve sponsored multiple candidates. Recommended actions:
- Collect documentation early
- Confirm job roles and salaries meet H1B standards
- Have legal counsel on standby
- Notify candidates immediately upon selection
- Consider alternative immigration pathways for non-selected employees
The Human Side of the Lottery
Behind every registration is a story—a graduate hoping to build a career, a family awaiting stability, a company seeking a key team member. The randomness of the H1B lottery introduces a unique emotional element into an already complex immigration system.
Whether it ends in celebration or disappointment, the release of H1B lottery results is one of the most pivotal moments in the immigration journey for foreign talent in the U.S.
Looking Ahead: Possible Reforms and Changes
The U.S. immigration system is under constant review, and several proposals have been floated to reform the H1B lottery:
1. Wage-Based Selection
A Trump-era rule proposed prioritizing applicants with higher salaries. It was vacated by federal courts but may resurface in a revised form.
2. Point-Based Systems
Similar to Canada or Australia, this would assess candidates based on education, experience, and field of expertise.
3. Increased Cap
There is ongoing discussion to raise or modernize the H1B cap, especially for STEM workers.
4. Anti-Fraud Technologies
USCIS is investing in digital verification tools to reduce fake employers and collusion in the lottery process.
Until significant changes are made, the current system—with its randomness and regulation—remains the gatekeeper to employment-based immigration in the U.S.
Conclusion: Navigating the Complex World of H1B Lottery Results
The H1B lottery is more than just a digital coin toss. It’s a high-stakes process embedded in immigration law, economic demand, global talent pipelines, and human aspiration. For employers and foreign professionals alike, understanding how the lottery works—and what happens after the results—is critical for making informed, timely, and lawful decisions.
While the system remains imperfect, preparation, transparency, and legal compliance offer the best path forward—regardless of where the lottery results land.
FAQs
1. When are H1B lottery results typically announced?
H1B lottery results are usually released by March 31 each year, shortly after the registration period closes in mid-March. Employers are notified via their USCIS online accounts.
2. What does “Selected” status mean in the H1B lottery?
“Selected” means the applicant’s registration was chosen in the lottery. The sponsoring employer can now file a full H1B petition within the designated filing window (usually April–June).
3. Can I be selected in a second or third lottery if I wasn’t picked initially?
Yes. If USCIS doesn’t receive enough petitions from the first round of selections, they may conduct additional lotteries later in the year. Registrations marked “Submitted” remain eligible.
4. What are my options if I’m not selected in the H1B lottery?
Alternatives include reapplying next year, using OPT/STEM extensions, seeking cap-exempt H1B roles, or exploring other visas like L-1, O-1, or TN (for certain nationalities).
5. Does having a U.S. master’s degree improve my chances in the lottery?
Yes. Applicants with a U.S. master’s degree are entered into two separate lotteries, giving them a statistically higher chance of selection compared to bachelor’s degree holders.
