H-1B Winners Reminder: Make Sure Your Employer Has Filed Before June 30

If you’ve been selected in the FY 2026 H-1B Lottery, congratulations, that’s a major first step toward working in the U.S. But don’t stop there. To actually secure your H-1B visa, your employer must file the complete petition with USCIS by June 30. If they don’t, your selection becomes void and you’ll lose the chance to activate your H-1B status this year.

Now is the time to take action. Here’s what you should do:

1. Confirm your employer has filed the petition

Reach out to your HR team or immigration lawyer and ask if your Form I-129 has been submitted. Once USCIS receives the petition, they’ll issue a receipt number that starts with WAC, LIN, SRC, or EAC. If you haven’t seen that receipt yet, it’s worth checking in.

(Sample of Receipt, pc: RedBus2US)

2. Be ready to provide supporting documents

Your employer might ask you to prepare and submit the following materials:

• Job offer letter
• Degree certificate and transcripts
• Copy of your passport
• I-20(s), I-94 record, and EAD card (if applicable)
• Social Security Number
• Detailed job description, showing your role qualifies as a specialty occupation

3. Choose your activation method

There are two main ways to activate your H-1B after approval:

• Change of status in the U.S.: Most applicants choose this. If approved, your H1B will automatically take effect on October 1.
• Consular processing: If you prefer to travel before October or remain on OPT longer, this option allows you to activate your visa by getting a stamp abroad and reentering the U.S.

4. Track your case status

Once filed, you can monitor your petition status online at the USCIS website using your receipt number or use an app like Case Tracker.

5. Check for cap-gap extension (if you’re on OPT)

If your OPT ends before October 1 and your H-1B petition is filed on time, you may qualify for a cap-gap extension. This automatically extends your work authorization until the start of your H-1B. You can ask your DSO to issue a new I-20 that reflects the extension.

Second H-1B Lottery in 2026 FY?

Don’t give up just yet. In past years, USCIS has held second lotteries to reallocate unused H-1B slots from candidates who never completed the filing process. If that happens again this year, we can expect a second lottery between July and September. So if your USCIS status still says “Not Selected,” keep an eye out, there’s still a chance.

You can also visit USCIS official website to see which companies have the most H-1B beneficiaries approved, and you can consider these companies as the next step moving forward.

The June 30 filing deadline is non-negotiable. If you or your employer are unsure about anything, now’s the time to get support. Make sure everything is submitted properly to avoid missing this opportunity.

If you have questions or need help preparing the necessary documents, feel free to reach out. We’re here to guide you through the final stretch.

If you are facing struggles and have a lot of questions, you can discuss them with peers on the GoElite Forum!