After submitting an H-1B registration, one of the most common questions from employers and applicants is: When will the lottery results be released?
While the registration period may only last a few weeks, the waiting period that follows can feel much longer. Understanding the expected timeline and what to watch for can help reduce uncertainty and ensure you are ready to act once results are announced.
When Are H-1B Lottery Results Typically Released?
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) typically releases H-1B lottery results in late March following the close of the registration period.
For the 2026 H-1B cap season, applicants can generally expect:
- Late March 2026: Initial selection notifications
- By March 31, 2026 (typical target): USCIS completes the first round of selections
Employers and their legal representatives are notified through their USCIS online accounts.
How to Check H-1B Lottery Results
H-1B lottery results are not sent directly to beneficiaries. Instead, they are accessible through the employer’s (or attorney’s) USCIS registration account.
Each registration will show one of the following statuses:
- Selected: Chosen in the lottery and eligible for petition filing
- Submitted: Still in consideration (may be selected in a later round)
- Not Selected: Not chosen (after all lottery rounds are complete)
- Denied/Invalidated: Registration was rejected due to duplication or error
Employers should monitor their accounts closely during the last week of March.
What Happens After Selection?
If a registration is marked as Selected, the employer may proceed with filing the H-1B petition.
Key next steps include:
- Filing a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the U.S. Department of Labor
- Preparing Form I-129 and supporting documentation
- Submitting the petition within the designated filing window
The filing period typically runs from April 1 through June 30.
What If You Are Not Selected?
If a registration remains in Submitted status, there is still a possibility of selection in a second or third lottery round if USCIS does not receive enough petitions.
If ultimately Not Selected, employers and applicants should consider alternative options, such as:
- Cap-exempt H-1B opportunities
- TN, O-1, or L-1 visa classifications
- STEM OPT extensions (if applicable)
Planning ahead is critical to maintaining work authorization.
Will There Be Multiple Lottery Rounds in 2026?
In recent years, USCIS has conducted additional lottery rounds when initial selections did not result in enough filed petitions.
While not guaranteed, additional rounds may occur:
- Mid to late summer (July–August)
- Depending on how many selected petitions are actually filed
Applicants with “Submitted” status should continue monitoring updates throughout the year.
Common Mistakes During the Waiting Period
During this phase, employers and applicants often:
- Assume they will be notified individually (they must check the portal)
- Wait too long to begin preparing documentation
- Fail to plan backup visa strategies
- Misinterpret “Submitted” as an approval or denial
Staying informed and proactive can prevent unnecessary delays.
Conclusion
H-1B lottery results are typically released in late March, but preparation should begin well before then. Whether selected or not, having a clear plan ensures that employers and applicants can move forward quickly and strategically.
Understanding the process, and acting early, can make a significant difference in navigating the H-1B cap season successfully.
Key Takeaways
- H-1B lottery results are usually released in late March
- Results are available through employer or attorney USCIS accounts
- Selected applicants must file petitions between April and June
- “Submitted” status may still lead to later selection
- Backup plans are essential if not selected
Sources:
- USCIS – H-1B Electronic Registration Process
- USCIS – H-1B Cap Season
- USCIS – Form I-129
- U.S. Department of Labor – H-1B Program
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If you have questions regarding H-1B Visas, we invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Please read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
REBECCA KROLL is an Associate Attorney at Richards and Jurusik who practices exclusively in U.S. immigration law, focusing on both business and family-based immigration. She assists clients with employment-based visas, marriage and family cases, and the U.S. citizenship process. (Full Bio)
