The H-1B Lottery Results Are In: A New Wave of Talent is Coming to the U.S.

The first selection period of the H-1B lottery for fiscal year 2026 has come to a close, and we’re filled with excitement and gratitude. We had a 42% selection rate among our cases, and that means so many brilliant, hardworking individuals from around the world are now one step closer to living their dreams and contributing their gifts to the American workforce.

This is more than just a visa process. It’s about opportunity. It’s about people. It’s about purpose. And it’s about the incredible potential that grows when we welcome new talent with open arms.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has received enough electronic registrations to meet the H-1B numerical cap for fiscal year 2026. This includes the advanced degree exemption, also known as the master’s cap. USCIS has randomly selected enough beneficiaries from properly submitted registrations and has already notified petitioners of those who are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition.

If your registration was selected, congratulations! This is a big milestone. You can begin filing your H-1B cap-subject petition starting April 1, 2025. Petitions must be based on a valid registration and must be properly filed at the correct location or online at my.uscis.gov during the filing window. This filing period will be open for at least 90 days.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare to file:

• Only petitioners with selected registrations may file cap-subject H-1B petitions.
• You must include a copy of the applicable selection notice with your petition.
• You also need to submit evidence of the beneficiary’s valid passport or travel document used during registration.
• Most importantly, the petition must still demonstrate eligibility for H-1B approval. The lottery selection gives you the chance to apply, but USCIS will still evaluate whether all the requirements for the H-1B visa are met.

If your registration was not selected, please don’t be discouraged. In past years, the USCIS selected additional registrants later in the year. We know how much heart and hope goes into this process. We are here to support you and explore every possible path forward. Your journey is far from over, and your dreams are still valid.

To everyone stepping into this next chapter, whether filing your petition or planning for the future, we are celebrating with you. The road may have twists and turns, but with the right guidance, love, and belief, so much is possible.

Let’s keep building a future where borders don’t limit brilliance and where talent can rise, no matter where it begins.