The H-1B lottery 2026 FY result is completed!
The results for the H-1B lottery 2026 FY have started rolling out! USCIS began updating the results in the myUSCIS system from last Tuesday. Wondering if you were selected? Employers (or lawyers) need to log in to the myUSCIS website using the account created at the time of lottery registration to check the case status.
This year, the H-1B lottery results have introduced a notable change. According to insights from our corporate immigration attorneys, the selection rate has climbed to around 35%. This indicates that the total number of registrations might have decreased this year, potentially due to policy changes or shifts in eligibility criteria, though we are still waiting for official statistics from USCIS to confirm this.
How to check the result?
H-1B Selected Notice
myUSCIS system is the only way to check if you've been selected! Participants cannot check their lottery status through USCIS's online case system themselves.
- If selected, your status will show "Selected"
- If a submission was duplicated, your status will show "Denied"
- If not yet selected, your status will continue to show "Submitted"
MyUSCIS
If you are selected, how to file the H1B petition?
For those selected from H-1B lottery 2026 FY, employers must submit the H-1B petition to USCIS between April 1 and June 30. Unlike previous years where USCIS designated a mailing location on the selection notice, employers now have the option to submit online or by mail. If opting for mail, employers should check USCIS's website for the appropriate mailing address based on the company's location.
This year, during the H-1B lottery 2026 FY registration, applicants were required to provide their passport numbers. Therefore, when preparing the H-1B I-129 form, employers will need to accurately fill in the applicant's passport number and expiration date.
USCIS is expected to increase immigration application fees starting April 1, 2025. With the H-1Bapplication, an additional asylum program fee will be required. A group of lawyers representing clients has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, hoping the court will order USCIS to halt the new fees. Until a court decision is made, the new fees must be paid as mandated.
What might occur under the new regulation launched on January 17, 2025?
Starting this year, several updates to the H-1B visa process could impact your application strategy:
1. Prioritization Based on Salary Level
The U.S. government is considering assigning H-1B spots based on wage levels. If your position falls under Level 1 (the lowest wage tier), your chances of approval may decrease.
2. Updated Definition of “Specialty Occupation”
The definition of a “specialty occupation” has been tightened. Now, the role must require highly specialized knowledge, and the applicant must hold a degree directly related to the field.
3. Stricter Compliance Checks
To prevent misuse of the H-1B program, USCIS is ramping up audits and site visits. Both employers and applicants must ensure that all submitted materials are accurate and fully compliant with regulations.
What can you do if you are not selected?
Facing rejection in the H1B lottery 2026 FY can be disheartening, yet it opens the door to a plethora of alternatives.
One such option is the O1 visa, designated for individuals who demonstrate extraordinary ability in their field. For those involved in intra-company transfers, the L1 visa supports employees in managerial roles or with specialized knowledge. Another avenue is the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver), tailored for professionals whose endeavors are deemed beneficial to the U.S. on a significant scale.
Moreover, considering educational programs that offer Day 1 CPT might present a viable solution to work in the U.S. while furthering your academic pursuits.
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