In what has become a high-stakes moment for skilled professionals across the globe, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially begun releasing the long-awaited H-1B visa lottery results for the Fiscal Year 2026. For hundreds of thousands of international applicants—from India to Ireland, Brazil to Bangladesh—this announcement marks the turning point in their American dream journey.
The Global Rush: What’s the Buzz?
Every year, the U.S. grants a limited number of H-1B visas to highly skilled foreign workers in sectors like IT, engineering, health care, finance, and more. With only 85,000 H-1B visas available and over 500,000 registrations submitted this year, the competition has reached fever pitch.
This year’s lottery was conducted via USCIS’s electronic registration system, and now the status updates are rolling out—causing waves of excitement, anxiety, and anticipation across the world.
How to Check If You’ve Been Selected?
Whether you’re refreshing your inbox or waking up at 3 a.m. in another timezone, here’s how you or your sponsor can check the result:
- Employers and legal representatives who submitted the registration must log in to their myUSCIS account.
- Under the “Submitted Registrations” section, they will see a change in status for each beneficiary.
- Individual applicants cannot check the result directly—so keep in close contact with your employer or immigration attorney.
What Each Status Means – Decoding the H-1B Visa Lottery Result
Selected: Jackpot! You’ve been chosen in the lottery. Now your sponsor has from April 1 to June 30, 2025, to file your full H-1B petition. Get ready to cross the next big milestone.
Submitted: You’re still in the game! This means you weren’t selected in the first round, but USCIS might conduct another selection if not enough petitions are filed. Stay alert.
Not Selected: Unfortunately, you weren’t picked this time. But don’t lose hope—alternative visa options and next year’s lottery await.
⚠️ Denied – Duplicate Registration: Ouch! Multiple registrations for the same applicant from one sponsor violate USCIS rules, resulting in automatic disqualification
What’s Next for the Lucky Ones?
If your registration is marked “Selected,” time is of the essence! The clock starts ticking now:
- Begin assembling your H-1B petition documents: job offer letter, LCA approval, degree certificates, and more.
- Your employer must file the petition with USCIS within the 90-day window.
- If approved, you’re on your way to working and living legally in the United States starting October 1, 2025!
Not Selected? Don’t Panic – Your American Dream Isn’t Over
Millions don’t get selected each year—and yet many still make it to the U.S. Here are a few alternatives:
- Enroll in U.S. universities with CPT/OPT work options
- Explore O-1, L-1, or TN visa pathways depending on your background
- Apply again next year! Each cycle brings new chances.
