The H-1B FY 2026 (calendar year 2025) lottery registration period officially closed at 12:00 PM EST on March 24, 2025. Between March 24 and March 31, USCIS has been notifying employers and attorneys of lottery outcomes through their online accounts.
If you still not received any news, the chances are you are not selected for this year, but don't worry too much; keep reading to find out what is the odds for a second round lottery and what to do if you are not selected.
FY2026 H1B Selection Rate
Early insights from immigration attorneys and industry watchers on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn suggest that this year’s selection rate hovers around 35%, based on large sample sizes from major immigration law firms and tech communities. Fragomen, one of the largest immigration firms in the U.S., noted that selection notices started arriving promptly and that many employers have already received bulk updates on selected candidates.
Immigration attorney @KhuranaLaw (on X) noted:
“We’re seeing an estimated 35–37% selection rate across our clients. USCIS has not released official numbers yet, but this is based on hundreds of registrations.”
If you or your employer submitted an H-1B registration, it's time to confirm your status and begin planning your next steps. Whether you've been selected or not, it’s essential to understand the process ahead—how to check your results, what actions to take if selected, and what alternatives are available if not. We’ll also explore whether a second-round lottery might be on the horizon for this year.
On the Chinese social media platform REDNOTE, several immigration law firms shared their clients' H-1B selection data over the weekend. Their reported results closely align with those seen on Twitter and other U.S.-based platforms, pointing to an estimated selection rate of around 35% as well.
Where to Check H-1B Lottery Results
As an individual H-1B beneficiary, you cannot check your lottery results directly. Only the employer or attorney who submitted your registration can access your lottery result. Therefore, you can find out your H-1B results only through your employer or authorized representative.
Here is how they can check:
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Log in to the USCIS online account used to submit the H-1B registration.
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Navigate to the "My Cases" or "H-1B Registrations" section.
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Each registration will have one of the following statuses:
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Selected – Your registration was selected in the lottery.
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Submitted – Your registration was received and remains in the system. It has not been selected or marked as not selected yet.
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Not Selected – Your case was not selected.
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Denied – The registration was invalid (e.g., duplicate submission).
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If you have not heard back from your employer or attorney by the end of March, it is reasonable to follow up. Here is how to ask professionally:
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Wait Until Late March: Most employers will receive notifications between March 24–31. Do not reach out too early—give them time to process the results.
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Know Who to Contact: If your case is being handled by an external law firm, the update may come through them. If you are unsure who to ask, your HR or manager is a good starting point.
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Send a Polite Email: Keep it brief and respectful. Here is a sample message you can use:
Email Template
Subject: H-1B Lottery 2025 – Follow-up on Registration Status
Dear [Manager’s Name] / [HR Representative’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I’m writing to kindly follow up on the H-1B FY 2025 lottery registration submitted on my behalf. I understand that USCIS is releasing lottery results between March 24 and 31, and I just wanted to check if there are any updates regarding my case.
Thank you again for your support during this process. Please let me know if any further information is needed from my side.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
What to Do If You’re Not Selected in the H-1B Lottery
If your H-1B registration status says “Not Selected,” it can feel like a major setback—but you may still have another chance. Before exploring alternative visa options, let’s talk about the potential for a second-round lottery.
Is a Second H-1B Lottery Possible?
Yes. In recent years, USCIS has held second and even third lottery rounds when there were not enough timely and complete filings from selected candidates in the initial round. This typically happens when:
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Employers fail to submit the full H-1B petition within the 90-day window
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Candidates withdraw or don’t meet eligibility
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There's an unusually high denial rate
During the Trump administration, H-1B denial rates surged due to stricter adjudication policies and increased scrutiny of job roles and employer-employee relationships. Although denial rates have decreased under the Biden administration, the precedent shows that unclaimed H-1B slots are not uncommon and could again lead to a second lottery round, possibly in July to September.
📌 Good news: If your registration remains in “Submitted” status, it will stay in the system and be automatically included if a second draw happens. No need to reapply or pay again.
What to Do If You're Not Selected (and a Second Round Doesn’t Happen)
While hoping for a second draw is reasonable, it’s also wise to plan proactively. Many highly skilled workers who aren’t selected in the first round successfully pivot to alternative visa strategies. Here are your best options:
1. Day 1 CPT (Curricular Practical Training)
Day 1 CPT programs allow you to continue working full-time while pursuing another degree, keeping your F-1 status active. These programs are especially popular among students transitioning from OPT who still wish to remain in the U.S. and employed.
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✔ Legal work authorization from Day 1
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✔ Maintain status while gaining a new credential
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❗ Tuition and academic requirements apply
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❗ Not all programs are reputable—do your research
[🎓 What Is Day 1 CPT?]
[📅 Book a Free Consultation]
2. Cap-Exempt H-1B
Cap-exempt H-1Bs are available through:
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Nonprofit colleges/universities
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Nonprofit research institutions
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Organizations affiliated with higher education
These petitions can be filed at any time of year and don’t go through the lottery system.
3. L-1 Visa (Intra-Company Transfer)
If your current or future employer has a foreign office, you might qualify for an L-1 visa by working abroad for 12+ months before transferring to the U.S.
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✔ No cap or lottery
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✔ Up to 7 years of work authorization
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❗ Employer must support the transfer
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❗ You’re tied to that company
4. O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)
If you’ve demonstrated excellence in your field—such as published work, industry awards, or advanced degrees—an O-1 visa may be within reach.
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✔ No lottery
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✔ Great for STEM, arts, business, and academia
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❗ Strong documentation and attorney support required
5. Dependent Work Visas (H-4, L-2, J-2 with EAD)
If your spouse holds an eligible visa, you may qualify for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) as a dependent:
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✔ Work for any employer
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✔ Easier to maintain status
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❗ Your status depends on your spouse’s visa
Don't Forget: OPT Grace Period
If you're finishing your OPT, remember the 60-day grace period after your end date. During this time, you must take action to maintain legal status—like enrolling in a CPT-eligible program or transitioning to a different visa.
[📘 OPT to Day 1 CPT: A Practical Guide]
Final Thoughts
Not being selected in the H-1B FY 2026 lottery can feel discouraging—but it doesn’t mean your journey in the U.S. has to end.
This year’s estimated selection rate of 35% means many qualified professionals are in the same position. Fortunately, there are still multiple options available—from a potential second-round lottery, to practical visa alternatives like Day 1 CPT or cap-exempt H-1B roles.
The key is to stay proactive. Whether that means exploring new academic programs that allow you to keep working, seeking employment with a nonprofit organization, or consulting an immigration attorney about the O-1 or L-1 visa, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution—but there is a path forward.
Need help navigating your options?
🎯 Book a free consultation with our experienced advisors for personalized recommendations on:
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Day 1 CPT universities
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Visa strategies based on your background
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Status planning after OPT
You’re not alone—and with the right plan, you can keep moving forward in your career and immigration journey.