The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations. Because demand far exceeds the annual visa cap, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) runs a lottery to determine which applicants may proceed.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how the H-1B cap lottery works, the timeline for FY 2026, how to register, and what options exist if you’re not selected.
H-1B Lottery:
- Cap Limit: 65,000 standard H-1B visas + 20,000 for applicants with U.S. advanced degrees
- Electronic Registration Fee: $215 per beneficiary (USCIS fee update)
- Selection Basis: One entry per unique beneficiary (“beneficiary-centric” model)
- Expected Multiple Rounds: USCIS may conduct multiple lotteries to fill the cap
- Collaboration Support: Organizational accounts for employers and attorneys streamline submissions
Read Also: U.S. EB-1 Visa Explained – Immigration Path for Individuals
Visa Details:
When USCIS receives more H-1B registrations than the annual cap allows, it conducts a randomized lottery to select which foreign nationals can file a full H-1B petition. This helps ensure a fair and transparent process while maintaining regulatory limits.
H-1B Cap Working:
- Regular Cap: 65,000 visas
- Advanced Degree Exemption: Additional 20,000 visas for holders of U.S. master’s degrees or higher
- Cap-Exempt Employers: Institutions of higher education, nonprofit research organizations, and government research entities are exempt from these limits
Estimated Timeline:
| Step | Estimated Date Range |
|---|---|
| Registration Period Opens | Mid-March 2026 |
| Registration Deadline | Late March 2026 |
| First Lottery Results Announced | Early April 2026 |
| Second Lottery (if needed) | August 2026 |
| Petition Filing Window | April 1 – June 30, 2026 |
| H-1B Employment Start Date | October 1, 2026 |
Registeration for H-1B Lottery:
- Create USCIS Online Accounts: Both employer and beneficiary need accounts
- Submit Registration: Employer enters basic info about the job and the beneficiary
- Pay Fee: $215 registration fee per beneficiary
- Confirmation: Receive a confirmation number to track lottery status
Selection and Notification:
- If selected, the registration will show “Selected” in your USCIS portal
- If not selected, status will remain “Submitted” or change to “Not Selected” after final round
- Invalid statuses include:
- Denied: Duplicate registrations
- Invalidated – Failed Payment: Payment error during submission
After Selection:
Employers of selected beneficiaries must:
- File Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker)
- Submit supporting documents
- File within the 90-day window provided by USCIS
What If You’re Not Selected?
Applicants not selected in the lottery may:
- Use the 60-day grace period (if previously working on OPT or other status)
- Explore alternative options:
- O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)
- L-1 Visa (Intra-company Transfer)
- F-1 STEM OPT Extension (if eligible)
- Cap-Exempt H-1B Employers
See Boundless’ Alternative Visa Guide for a detailed comparison.
Benefits:
- Access to Global Talent Pool
Enables U.S. companies to hire highly skilled foreign professionals in STEM, healthcare, finance, and more. - Support for Specialized Roles
Ideal for filling roles requiring unique technical or niche expertise not readily available in the domestic labor market. - Employer-Led Sponsorship
The employer controls the petition and ensures that the job role and qualifications align with business needs. - Electronic Registration Saves Time and Costs
The $215 online registration system reduces paperwork and allows pre-screening of candidates before filing full petitions. - Multiple Lottery Rounds Increase Chances
If not selected in the first round, employers may still have a chance through second or third draws if visa slots remain unfilled. - Cap-Exempt Opportunities Provide Flexibility
Employers collaborating with universities or research institutions may bypass the cap entirely through cap-exempt filings. - Retention of OPT/STEM Talent
H-1B allows continued employment for F-1 students transitioning from OPT or STEM OPT, minimizing workforce disruption. - Pathway to Long-Term Retention
H-1B visa holders may later apply for employment-based green cards, providing long-term talent stability. - Work Authorization for Dependents
Spouses of H-1B workers (H-4 visa holders with EADs) may be eligible to work, offering added stability for employees. - Enhanced Global Competitiveness
Hiring top international talent helps companies innovate, scale faster, and compete more effectively in the global market.
Boundless:
Boundless supports companies and employees through the H-1B registration and petition process. While we are not a law firm, we partner with licensed immigration attorneys to provide affordable, reliable legal review.
Learn more or schedule a consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What happens if my employee is selected in the lottery?
If selected, the employer has 90 days to file the full H-1B petition (Form I-129) with supporting documentation and required fees.
Can an employer submit multiple registrations for the same employee?
No. Submitting more than one registration for the same individual by the same employer will result in a denial of all associated entries due to duplicate submission rules.
What is the H-1B visa cap for FY?
The H-1B visa cap is set at 65,000 for the general pool, with an additional 20,000 for foreign nationals holding a U.S. master’s degree or higher. This cap applies to for-profit employers not exempt under the cap.
