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USCIS Completes the FY 2027 H‑1B Lottery: What Employers and Beneficiaries Should Do Next

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USCIS Completes the FY 2027 H‑1B Lottery: What Employers and Beneficiaries Should Do Next

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it completed the H‑1B cap selection process for Fiscal Year 2027. Employers who submitted registrations can now view selection results in their USCIS online accounts, and those with selected registrations may begin preparing H‑1B petitions for filing.

The agency has not yet released the total number of registrations submitted for FY 2027. However, as in prior years, demand exceeded the number of available H‑1B visas, and not every registration was selected. Understanding what this announcement means—and what steps should follow—is critical for both employers and foreign national workers.

How to Check Selection Results

USCIS is notifying employers and attorneys through the online H‑1B registration system. Each registration will show one of several statuses, including “Selected” or “Submitted.”

  • Selected registrations are eligible for petition filing
  • Submitted registrations were not selected in the initial round but may still be considered if additional selections occur

Only the sponsoring employer or its legal representative can access these results.

Filing Window for Selected Registrations

For registrations marked as Selected, USCIS has provided a filing window from April 1 through June 30, 2026. During this period, the employer must submit a complete H‑1B petition for the named beneficiary. Failing to file within this window will result in the loss of the selected H‑1B slot.

Will There Be Additional Lottery Rounds?

USCIS has indicated that if it does not receive enough approvable petitions during the filing period to meet the annual cap, it may conduct additional selection rounds later in the year. At this stage, no further selections have been announced.

What Selected Beneficiaries Should Do Now

Selection alone does not grant H‑1B status. It simply allows the employer to move forward with filing a petition. Employers and beneficiaries should begin preparing immediately, including:

  • Confirming job details and eligibility
  • Coordinating Labor Condition Application (LCA) filings
  • Gathering supporting documentation
  • Reviewing timing issues for status changes or travel

Early preparation helps reduce the risk of delays or missed deadlines.

Options for Those Not Selected

For individuals whose registrations were not selected, alternative strategies may still be available depending on their background and immigration history. These may include cap‑exempt H‑1B employment, other nonimmigrant visa categories, or longer‑term planning for future cap seasons.

Because options vary significantly by individual, legal guidance is often essential at this stage. Delgado Rompf Bruen LLC is happy to meet with sponsoring employers or foreign national employees to discuss their options.

Please contact our office to schedule a consultation appointment. During your consultation, our attorneys will review your immigration options with you and answer any questions you may have.

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(312) 216-5116

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