The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially begun announcing the H-1B lottery results 2026 for the Fiscal Year 2026. Applicants are urged to check their status through their employer, attorney, or directly on the USCIS online portal, as results are being released in batches.
Key Highlights:
Key Dates and Registration Overview
The H-1B registration period for FY 2026 opened on March 7, 2025, and concluded on March 24, 2025. During this time, U.S. employers submitted electronic registrations for foreign skilled workers in key fields like technology, healthcare, and engineering.
This year’s lottery operates under a new beneficiary-centric model, which ensures that each candidate is entered only once, even if multiple companies expressed interest. This was a significant move to reduce duplicate entries and promote fairness in the selection process.
Major Changes Introduced in 2026
- Beneficiary-Centric Selection: Multiple registrations for a single individual are no longer accepted. USCIS now selects unique beneficiaries, not registrations.
- Electronic Registration Requirement: Employers must electronically register applicants before submitting the full petition.
- Registration Fee Hike: The fee has increased from $10 to $215 per beneficiary—a 2050% jump, making it one of the most notable changes to the H-1B program in recent years. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid upfront.
According to USCIS, the fee hike is designed to cover administrative costs and reduce non-serious or speculative registrations.
What Do the Lottery Statuses Mean?
- Selected: You’ve cleared the lottery. Your employer can now file the H-1B petition with full documentation between April 1 and June 30, 2025.
- Submitted: Your registration is still under consideration. USCIS may conduct additional selection rounds if the visa cap isn’t reached.
- Not Selected: If your status remains unchanged past April 1, you were not chosen in the initial round. There’s still a possibility of additional lotteries in the coming weeks.
What to Do If You’re Selected?
Employers must now prepare a complete H-1B petition, including:
- Approved Labor Condition Application (LCA)
- Supporting educational and employment documentation
- Form I-129
Timely submission is crucial to avoid denial. Coordinate with legal representatives for a seamless process.
Alternatives If Not Selected
Applicants not selected in the FY 2026 H-1B lottery may consider:
- Day 1 CPT (Curricular Practical Training)
- Employer-sponsored green cards
- Other visa options like L-1, O-1, or F-1 OPT extensions
It is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney to evaluate alternative pathways.
Top H-1B Sponsors
In previous years, top sponsors included:
- Amazon
- Microsoft
- Infosys
- Tata Consultancy Services
- Emerging firms like OpenAI, TikTok, and Scale AI
The H-1B lottery results 2026 mark a new era of reform in U.S. skilled immigration. From higher fees to fairer selection models, USCIS aims to optimize the process for employers and genuine candidates alike.
Applicants are advised to monitor the USCIS portal and maintain communication with their employers to track next steps in the petition phase.
The Hindustan Herald Is Your Source For The Latest In Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Breaking News, And Other News. Please Follow Us On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, And LinkedIn To Receive Instantaneous Updates. Also Don’t Forget To Subscribe Our Telegram Channel @hindustanherald