The annual H-1B lottery remains one of the most consequential events in U.S. business immigration. With demand consistently exceeding the 85,000 available slots, employers and prospective H-1B workers must plan strategically to maximize their chances. Here is everything you need to know about the FY2027 H-1B lottery.
Key Dates for the FY2027 H-1B Lottery
- Registration period opens: Early March 2026
- Registration period closes: Late March 2026
- Lottery results announced: Late March to early April 2026
- Petition filing window: April 1 through June 30, 2026
- Earliest employment start date: October 1, 2026
How the Lottery Works
Since FY2024, USCIS has used a beneficiary-centric selection process. This means each unique beneficiary receives one chance in the lottery regardless of how many employers register them. This change was designed to combat the previously widespread practice of multiple registrations for the same individual.
The selection process occurs in two rounds:
- First round: All eligible registrations compete for the 65,000 regular cap
- Second round: Unselected registrations for beneficiaries with a U.S. master’s degree or higher compete for the additional 20,000 advanced degree exemption
Registration Requirements
Employers must submit an electronic registration for each prospective H-1B worker during the registration period. Each registration requires:
- Employer information and FEIN
- Authorized representative information
- Beneficiary’s legal name, date of birth, country of birth, country of citizenship, passport number, and gender
- Whether the beneficiary qualifies for the U.S. advanced degree exemption
- $215 registration fee per beneficiary (increased from $10)
Selection Odds
In recent years, USCIS has received between 400,000 and 780,000 registrations for approximately 85,000 available slots. The overall selection rate has ranged from approximately 11% to 27%. The exact odds for FY2027 will depend on the total number of registrations submitted.
Strategy Considerations
Cap-Exempt Employers: Employees of institutions of higher education, nonprofit research organizations, and government research organizations are exempt from the H-1B cap. No lottery participation required.
Concurrent Filing with Cap-Exempt and Cap-Subject Employers: A worker employed by a cap-exempt employer can simultaneously be registered for the lottery by a cap-subject employer.
Alternative Visa Options: If not selected, consider O-1 (extraordinary ability), L-1 (intracompany transfer), E-2 (treaty investor), or TN (USMCA professional) visas as alternatives.
If You Are Selected
Selected employers have 90 days from April 1 to file the complete H-1B petition (Form I-129) with all supporting documentation. Premium processing ($2,805) is available for a 15-business-day response.
If You Are Not Selected
Unselected registrations receive no further consideration for that fiscal year. Employers should immediately evaluate alternative visa strategies. Workers currently in valid status (such as F-1 OPT) should ensure they maintain their existing status.
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