A Complete Guide to H1B Visa Lottery Results, [2025]

Key Takeaways:

1. In 2025, the H-1B registration window ran from March 7 to March 24, with selected candidates being notified starting March 31. Selection allows your employer to file the complete petition, but does not guarantee visa approval.

2. The US Master’s Cap continues to provide an advantage for applicants with a US master’s degree or higher. Those not selected in the regular lottery get a second chance in the additional 20,000-slot master’s cap lottery.

3. Employers of selected applicants have 90 days from notification to submit the complete I-129 petition. Missing this deadline or submitting incomplete documentation will result in the voiding of the lottery selection.

4. For FY 2026, USCIS reported around 343,981 eligible registrations and implemented stricter beneficiary-centric rules to reduce duplicate entries and ensure a fairer selection process for all applicants.

Are you pinning your hopes on an H-1B visa to build your career in the United States? Then, understanding the H-1B visa lottery process is the first and most crucial step. Every year, hundreds of thousands of skilled foreign professionals submit registrations and compete for a limited number of H-1B visas, making the lottery one of the most anticipated and nerve-wracking moments of the immigration journey. Since applications are accepted only once a year, knowing exactly how the lottery works, what the results mean, and what steps to take next can make all the difference between success and having to start over next year.

As someone who has closely tracked the latest USCIS announcements and industry updates, I can share first-hand insights into the H-1B lottery results for 2026. Whether you’re an applicant waiting for results or simply planning, this guide will help you understand the process clearly and prepare for what comes next.

What is the H1B Visa Lottery?

The H-1B visa lottery is a system used by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to randomly select individuals eligible to proceed with an H-1B visa application from a large pool of registrants. Each year, the number of visas is capped at 65,000 under the regular cap and an additional 20,000 for candidates holding a US master’s degree or higher. Because the demand far exceeds the supply, the lottery ensures fairness in the selection process.

Once the lottery is completed, USCIS announces the results through its online portal. For FY 2026 (the lottery was conducted in 2025), the registration window ran from March 7 to March 24, and selected candidates began receiving notifications around March 31, 2025. If selected, applicants’ employers have 90 days from April 1 to file the complete I-129 petition with all supporting documents.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of hopefuls from across the globe register for the H-1B visa lottery, but only a fraction are picked. For 2025, USCIS received approximately 343,981 eligible registrations and implemented new beneficiary-centric rules to prevent duplicate entries and ensure a fairer system.

So, how exactly are entries selected? And what happens if you don’t make it through the lottery? Let’s dive deeper into the H-1B visa lottery process.

How Does the H1B Visa Lottery Work?

The H-1B visa lottery is not based on a first-come, first-served system. Registrations are submitted during a set window, and USCIS conducts a random selection to determine which applicants can proceed with filing their H-1B petitions. For FY 2026 (the lottery was undertaken in 2025), the registration window ran from March 7 to March 24, and selected candidates were notified starting March 31, 2025.

H1B Visa Lottery Quota FY 2026

H-1B applications are categorized by cap type, often indicated during registration for USCIS processing.

Regular Cap: Also known as the H-1B1 cap, this category has 65,000 visas available annually. For 2025, USCIS received more than enough registrations to fill these slots, reflecting the continued high demand for H-1B visas.

US Master’s Cap: An additional 20,000 visas are reserved for applicants holding a US master’s degree or higher. Those applicants first enter the regular lottery. If not selected, they are given a second chance in the master’s cap lottery, providing extra opportunities for highly skilled candidates.

C/S Cap: Applications from Treaty country nationals are marked separately as C/S cases.

Once the registration window closes in March 2025, USCIS conducts the H-1B visa lottery to determine which applicants advance in the process. The regular lottery includes 65,000 visa slots, but there’s an extra advantage for those with a US master’s degree; they get two chances. First, they get entry into the regular lottery, and if not selected, they’re automatically considered for a second lottery with an additional 20,000 slots reserved for advanced degree holders.

Those selected in the lottery are notified starting March 31, 2025, and are then invited to file their full H-1B petitions. Employers usually have 90 days from the date of notification to submit Form I-129 along with all supporting documents.

If you don’t make it in the first round, don’t lose hope; USCIS sometimes holds additional selection rounds if spots remain open. Since the H-1B program is highly competitive, taking time to understand the process and preparing your application early can make a big difference, especially if you’re planning to apply for the 2026 H-1B season.

H-1B Visa Lottery Application Process

The application process for an H-1B visa consists of three stages: registration, lottery selection, and filing the petition. Registration involves submitting your information, including personal details, work experience, employer identification number, and educational background, through an online portal.

You must also submit documents such as your passport number and relevant degree certificates at this stage. This is a mandatory step, and applicants who fail to register with USCIS are not eligible for the Visa.

The lottery selection process is conducted electronically by the Department of State. It randomly selects a certain number of applications from the pool of registered applicants based on the prevailing annual quotas. Successful registrations are then notified by USCIS and invited to submit their petition.

This stage requires the applicant to provide additional documents and information, like a job offer letter, salary details, and other supporting documents. If approved, the petition is forwarded to US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) for further processing.

The last phase involves verifying all necessary paperwork and following due procedure before granting the Visa. After being given, the H1B visa is valid for three years and can be renewed for an additional six years. It might be extended beyond that period in some instances, such as those involving green card applications.

Registration Process for the H1B Visa Lottery

The USCIS holds the H-1B lottery randomly after the closing date. The timelines for the H1B visa lottery begin with filing the H1B registration and end with the applicant’s employment with the H1B sponsoring employer. The following are the steps and specified dates for the H-1B Visa FY 2026.

Step 1: Online USCIS Account

Employers (or their authorized representatives) must hold a valid USCIS online account and use it to submit registrations. Creation or conversion of organizational accounts should be completed before the registration window opens.

Step 2: Registration & Fee Payment

• Registration opens at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on March 7, 2025.
• Registration closes at 12:00 p.m. ET on March 24, 2025.
• For each beneficiary the employer supports, the employer must:
• Submit the beneficiary’s information through the registration portal.
• Pay the required registration fee of US $215 per beneficiary (for FY 2026).
• This fee is paid by the employer (or their agent) — not the beneficiary.

Step 3: Lottery (Selection) Period

• After the registration window closes, USCIS conducts the random, “beneficiary-centric” lottery (selecting unique beneficiaries rather than purely registrations).
• USCIS intends to notify selected registrations by March 31, 2025 at the latest.
• Registrations not selected will remain in “Submitted” status and may be eligible for subsequent selection if necessary.

Step 4: Petition Filing Window

• For selected beneficiaries, the earliest date to file a cap-subject petition is April 1, 2025. ([USCIS][4])
• The filing window is at least 90 days from that date. For FY 2026, petitions were being filed through June 30, 2025 (online filings extended to July 1 evening ET in that year) for many cases.

Step 5: Employment Start Date

Even if the petition is approved, employment under the cap-subject H-1B for FY 2026 cannot commence earlier than October 1, 2025.

Step 6: Organization & Beneficiary Data Submission

Employers should maintain compliance, public-access files, and ensure accurate record-keeping (especially in light of enhanced oversight).

During registration, employers (or their legal representatives) must provide required information about both the employer organization and the intended H-1B beneficiary (passport/travel document information, degree/qualification details, etc.).

H-1B Lottery Results Date (Quick Recap)

The following is a list of important dates to keep in mind for the FY 2026 H-1B cap season (employment beginning October 1, 2025):

April 1, 2025: The earliest date that FY 2026 H-1B cap-subject petitions can be filed with USCIS for selected beneficiaries.

February 24, 2025: Petitioners and registrants can begin creating or upgrading their USCIS organizational accounts at 12:00 p.m. ET.

March 7, 2025: H-1B registration period opens for the FY 2026 lottery at 12:00 p.m. ET.

March 24, 2025: H-1B registration period closes at 12:00 p.m. ET. No new registrations will be accepted after this time.

By March 31, 2025: USCIS notifies selected registrants of their lottery results. Registrations not selected will remain in “Submitted” status in case of additional selections.

H1B Processing Time: Regular, Premium, Expedited

Given the high demand for the H-1 B visa, USCIS has designed three different processing paths, depending on the application’s urgency and the service center’s location.

Regular Processing Time

• The regular processing time for an H1B visa ranges from 1 to 6 months.
• Depending on the location of the service center, processing times may vary.
• For example, the average H1B visa processing time taken by the Nebraska and California Service Centers is 2.5 to 4.5 months. The Vermont Service Center typically takes 12 to 15 months to process an H1B visa.

Premium Processing Time

• Employers who wish to expedite their case can do so by paying an additional processing fee of $1,225, along with Form I-907, which is attached to the petition.
• Premium processing guarantees an H1B visa within 15 days of petition submission.
• In the event of any lapses, USCIS is obligated to refund the additional fees.

Expedited Processing Time

The cases that fall under the following categories are treated with priority and utmost urgency. The responsibility of submitting relevant documents that substantiate the claim for urgency lies with the employer.

• If the US employer is bearing severe financial losses due to the delay of H1B visa processing for the applicant’s petition.
• In case of an emergency.
• In light of humanitarian reasons and causes.
• If the petition belongs to a US nonprofit organization and impacts US cultural and social interests.
• The petition is from the US government and holds national interest.
• If the petition is of intrinsic interest to USCIS.

H1B Visa Lottery Application Fees

The H-1B visa lottery application fees have increased for the 2026 filing season. The registration fee is now $215 per beneficiary for employer-sponsored applications. This non-refundable fee must be paid before submitting the registration and remains due even if the application is rejected or not selected in the lottery. The total H-1B filing cost can now range from $2,745 USD to over $10,000 USD, depending on the employer’s size, category, and whether optional services are selected. Below are the updated fee components for FY 2026:

• H-1B Registration Fee: $215 to be paid by the employer
• Base Filing Fee: $780 to be paid by the employer
• ACWIA Fee: $750 (for employers with 1–25 US employees) or $1,500 (for 26+ employees), paid by the employer
• Fraud Prevention & Detection Fee: $500 – payable by the employer
• Public Law 114-113 Fee (if applicable): $4,000 for employers with 50+ employees and more than 50% on H-1B or L-1 status
• Premium Processing Fee (Optional): $2,805 payable by either the employer or applicant
• Immigration Attorney Fee: Varies between $500 and $3,000, typically paid by the employer

Note: A new proposed one-time $100,000 employer fee for certain new H-1B petitions (effective after September 21, 2025) is under review and may apply depending on future DHS/USCIS regulations.

H-1B Electronic Registration Process

In 2020, USCIS launched the electronic registration process (ERP) for the H-1B Visa cap, making it easier and faster for employers to apply. Instead of dealing with piles of paperwork, companies and their representatives can now register their candidates online with just a few details about the employer and each beneficiary.

When the system first began, the registration fee was only $10 per beneficiary. However, starting with the FY 2026 H-1B cap season, USCIS has raised the registration fee to $215. While the increase is significant, the online process still saves time and effort compared to traditional paper submissions.

During the initial registration period, which usually stays open for at least 14 days each fiscal year, employers and attorneys submit their electronic registrations through a USCIS online account. Once the window closes, USCIS conducts the lottery to select which registrations can move forward. Only those chosen in the lottery are invited to file full H-1B petitions.

Overall, the electronic registration system has simplified the process, reduced paperwork, and made the H-1B cap process more efficient and transparent for both employers and applicants.

Helpful Read: Buying House on H1B Visa

H-1B Cap Registration Process Update

• USCIS receives thousands of applications each year. Thus, when selecting the application, it considers specific parameters, such as historical data related to approvals, revocations, denials, and other applicable factors, to calculate the number of petitions required to meet the H-1B cap for the given year. 
• To obtain an accurate number, it also considers the number of registrations that need to be shortlisted to achieve the projected number of petitions required to meet the limit. This calculation also incorporates those applicants who still need to file the petition despite being selected.
• Often, when the number of filings is low from the initial selection, USCIS conducts a second round of selection to reach the projected cap on visa limits. For example, in the year 2024, USCIS initially selected a certain number of registrations, but due to a lower-than-expected filing rate, it conducted a second lottery in July 2024 to ensure the cap was met. This process helps USCIS maintain the target number of H-1B approvals each fiscal year.

For the FY 2026 H-1B visa lottery, there were a total of 343,981 eligible registrations after removing duplicates and invalid entries. These registrations represented approximately 336,153 unique beneficiaries. From this pool, 118,660 unique beneficiaries were selected, resulting in 120,141 total registrations being chosen in the initial lottery round. This reflects a selection rate of roughly 35.3% of unique beneficiaries]. On July 18, 2025, USCIS confirmed that it had received enough petitions to meet the FY 2026 cap of 65,000 regular H-1B visas and 20,000 advanced degree visas, and that no additional rounds of selection would be conducted.

Background H1B Lottery FY 2025 Season

Congress initiated the H1B Visa category to ensure the employment of high-skilled professionals in the US. As a result, US employers were able to attract the most skilled people from across the globe with the help of an H-1 B visa.

The procedure for an H1B Visa can be initiated only by a US-based employer on behalf of any prospective applicant. The applicant must possess relevant skills and a bachelor’s degree to work in the US.

Over the years, the demand for H-1 B visas has skyrocketed, prompting USCIS to conduct a random selection process known as the H-1 B lottery. The number of applicants selected depends on the annual capping.

Fiscal Year Background

The US federal fiscal year (FY) runs from October 1 through September 30 of the following calendar year. That means, for example, FY 2025 began on October 1, 2024 and ends on September 30, 2025. This scheduling influences the timing of the H-1B cap (cap-subject) registrations, selections and petitions.

FY 2025 H-1B Cap Season (for employment beginning October 1, 2025):

• The initial registration period opened in early March 2024, and selected registrants became eligible to have a cap-subject H-1B petition filed beginning April 1, 2024.
• USCIS announced that it had reached the FY 2025 H-1B cap (the 65,000 regular cap plus the 20,000 advanced-degree exemption) on December 2, 2024.
• Under the new “beneficiary-centric” selection process (where registrations are selected by unique beneficiary rather than by registration), the number of registrations dropped significantly and multiple registrations per beneficiary were dramatically reduced.
• A second random selection round was announced for FY 2025 for the regular cap (but not for the advanced-degree exemption, which had already been projected to be met).

FY 2026 H-1B Cap Season (for employment beginning October 1, 2026):

• USCIS opened the electronic registration window for FY 2026 from noon ET on March 7, 2025 through noon ET on March 24, 2025.
• During that period, USCIS selected 118,660 unique beneficiaries, resulting in 20,141 selected registrations in the initial selection for the FY 2026 H-1B cap.
• USCIS has confirmed that it has now received enough petitions to meet the FY 2026 cap (65,000 regular + 20,000 advanced-degree) and that no additional selection rounds are planned.
• In terms of statistics: the number of eligible registrations dropped to 343,981 for FY 2026 versus 470,342 for FY 2025 (a ~26.9% reduction). The number of unique beneficiaries in FY 2026 was approximately 336,153.

What this means for registrants and employers?

Employers must ensure they file the H-1B petition during the filing window specified in the selection notice, and must include a copy of the selection notice, beneficiary passport/travel document used at registration, and evidence of eligibility for H-1B classification.

Only those registrants whose status shows “Selected” may have an H-1B cap-subject petition filed on their behalf for the applicable fiscal year.

If a registration is marked “Not Selected”, that particular registration does not make the beneficiary eligible to be sponsored under the cap for that fiscal year.

Read More: H1B Mortgage Guide

How to Check H1B Lottery Results, 2025?

1. To check your H1B lottery results for 2026, log in to the USCIS site and go to the “My Case Status” page.

• Type your case number. Then click on “Check Status.”
• If your case number has been selected, it will show, “The petition has been selected in the lottery.”
• Check Your I-797 Form.
• Use an H1B Tracker.
• See if USCIS has Processed Your Fee Check.
• Look for Your Receipt Number.
• You can also call the USCIS Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.

What are the Odds of Being Selected for the H1 B Lottery?

Out of every approximately four H-1B cap registrations received by USCIS during the FY 2026 registration period, about one registrant was selected in the H-1B lottery, a selection rate of roughly 25%.

H-1B Visa Lottery: Procedure Post Selection

If your luck shines upon you and you get selected in the lottery. USCIS will notify you and ask you to file an H1B Cap Petition. The following items are required to file the petition.

• Labour Condition certificate from your employer.
• Application ETA-9035 (LCA) to the United States Department of Labour for certification.
• Employer’s agreement to pay you a similar amount to that of other employees in that position.
• Employer’s agreement to provide you with working conditions that will not negatively impact colleagues.
• There was no ongoing strike or shutdown when the Labour Condition Application was being filed.
• Once the certification has been given, your employer has to submit a Non-immigrant Worker Petition form I-129, supporting documentation, and a certified LCA to the relevant USCIS service center.
• Upon approval of the Non-immigrant Worker Petition, you may apply for the visa through the Online Non-immigrant Visa Application system form DS-160.
• You will need to attend an interview at your local US Embassy or Consulate to obtain your Visa.

What Happens if You are Selected for the H-1B Lottery?

The H-1B visa lottery is a process for selecting individuals for the H-1B visa program. If you are selected in the lottery, it means that USCIS has accepted your application, and you will be allowed to file an I-129 H-1B petition. Once your petition is approved, you will be required to attend a visa interview at a US consulate or embassy. H1B Visa holders will have the right to reside and work in the US for up to three years, after which they can extend it for up to six years.

H1B Visa Lottery-Filling Tips.

The H-1B lottery occurs only once each fiscal year, so applicants and their sponsors, including employers and immigration attorneys should make the strongest possible case. To maximize your chances of selection and avoid unnecessary mistakes, keep the following points in mind:

• Check all forms and documents carefully: Ensure every form is complete and all supporting documents are accurate. Minor errors can lead to delays or rejections.
• Pay the registration fee: For FY 2026, registrants or their authorized representatives must pay a $215 non-refundable H-1B registration fee per beneficiary before submitting a registration.
• Submit petitions at the right time: Wait until the official submission window opens (usually in April), and file as early as possible within it.
• Meet eligibility criteria: Make sure the beneficiary has the required degree or specialized experience for the job.
• Confirm the job qualifies for H-1B: Not all positions meet the H-1B specialty occupation requirements.
• Avoid duplicate registrations: submit only one registration per position and employer*. Multiple registrations for the same beneficiary may result in automatic rejection.
• Timing of employment: Submit registrations only for jobs that start at least 6 months after the visa start date.
• Offer the prevailing wage: Selection may consider the prevailing wage, so employers should ensure the salary meets or exceeds the legal minimum for that role and location.

By following these guidelines, you can reduce the risk of errors, avoid unnecessary delays, and improve your chances of a successful H-1B lottery application.

H-1B Visa Requirements

H-1B visa requirements are quite stringent and must be met by anyone wishing to work in the US on an H-1 B visa. To qualify for an H1B visa,

• Applicants must have a valid job offer from a US employer that is willing to sponsor them.
• At least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, and proof of their ability to perform the offered job.
• In addition, applicants must demonstrate that they have the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to successfully perform the job duties specified by their employer for the visa application to be considered.
• Applicants must also provide evidence of their English language proficiency and may need to undergo a criminal background check, depending on the job requirements.
• Furthermore, having the required documents and certifications necessary for a particular profession may also be essential for an H1B visa application. For example, suppose a person is applying for a visa to work as a doctor. In that case, they must have a valid medical license from their current country of residence, as well as certification from the US Department of Education and/or a specialized professional licensing board.
• Lastly, all H1B visa applicants must pay an application fee to cover the administrative costs associated with processing and reviewing their visa application. The fee is determined by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is responsible for adjudicating visa applications. It is crucial to note that the payment must be made before any application will be considered.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is crucial to take all necessary steps to ensure a successful H1B visa application. To avoid unnecessary delays or rejections, employers and applicants should be aware of the various requirements, fees, and regulations associated with applying for an H-1 B visa. It is also essential for employers to ensure that they are offering the highest prevailing wage in a particular area, thereby increasing their chances of success in the H1B visa selection process. By following these tips, both employers and applicants can ensure a smooth and successful H-1 B application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

About the author:

Debjit Saha is the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of HomeAbroad. With a passion for technology and a deep understanding of US immigration laws, he strives to empower individuals in their journey to the United States. He is also a Certified Immigration Expert.

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