FY 2026 H1B Visa Lottery: Selection and Alternatives
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FY 2026 H1B Visa Lottery: Selection and Alternatives

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The FY 2026 H-1B lottery is complete. If you were not selected, you still have options. This guide explores top alternatives to the H-1B for U.S. employment.

What to Do If You Don’t Get Selected in the H-1B Lottery
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What to Do If You Don’t Get Selected in the H-1B Lottery

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Didn’t get selected in the H-1B lottery? Explore detailed alternatives like TN visas, cap-exempt H-1Bs, L-1, O-1, and other work visa options to keep your U.S. immigration plans alive.

Does an I-140 Approval Exempt You from the H-1B Cap?
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Does an I-140 Approval Exempt You from the H-1B Cap?

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Many people believe that an approved I-140 petition allows them to bypass the H-1B visa cap. However, even with I-140 approval, you are still subject to the H-1B lottery if switching from a cap-exempt to a cap-subject employer. Understanding the distinction is essential to avoid immigration status issues during your transition.

H-1B Visa Lottery: Beneficiary-Specific Non-Transferable

H-1B Visa Lottery: Beneficiary-Specific Non-Transferable

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Selection in the H-1B visa lottery is the first step for obtaining an H-1B visa. This selection is formally acknowledged through the USCIS Form I-797C, or Notice of Action, which signifies a successful lottery outcome and initiates the journey toward filing the H-1B visa petition. Understanding the non-transferability of the lottery selection tied explicitly to the named beneficiary is essential.