Still showing Submitted on April 1? You are not done. Second lottery July 2026. Here is your complete action checklist.
April 1, 2026 is the day the H-1B filing window opens for selected candidates — and the day Submitted status effectively becomes first-round Not Selected. But this is not the end. A second lottery expected in July 2026 offers 60-70% selection odds for remaining Submitted registrations. Here is exactly what to do right now.
Quick Answer: What Does Submitted Mean on April 1?
Submitted on April 1 means you were not selected in the FY2027 first round. You remain in reserve pool and are eligible for the second lottery (reserve selection) expected around July 2026. Historical odds for the second lottery: 60-70% of remaining Submitted registrations get selected. Do not panic — take action now.
| Company | H-1B Filings | Second Lottery Participation |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | 55,150 | Always participates |
| Microsoft | 34,626 | Always participates |
| 33,416 | Always participates | |
| Infosys | 32,840 | Usually participates |
| Deloitte | 18,200 | Always participates |
| JPMorgan | 12,400 | Always participates |
If your status is still Submitted on April 1, execute this checklist immediately:
USCIS conducts a reserve (second) lottery when the initial petition filing window closes and cap numbers remain unfilled. Historically, 15-25% of selected registrations do not result in filed petitions, leaving 12,000-20,000+ slots for reserve selection. The FY2027 second lottery is expected in July 2026 with significantly better per-registration odds than the first round — estimated 60-70% selection rate for eligible Submitted registrations.
No. Submitted means you were not selected in the first round but remain eligible for the reserve (second) lottery expected around July 2026. Historical data shows 60-70% of remaining Submitted registrations receive second-round selection. You are still in the game.
File for STEM OPT immediately if eligible — this gives 24 months of additional work authorization. If STEM OPT is not available, explore cap-exempt H-1B employers (universities, nonprofits, government labs), O-1A if you qualify, or departing to work for your employer's international office while waiting for FY2028.
This depends on your employer. Many large employers (Big Tech, consulting firms) commit to maintaining registrations through the second lottery. Smaller companies may become impatient. Have a direct conversation with HR on April 1 to confirm the employer's commitment to the reserve pool.
Yes. Cap-exempt H-1B petitions can be filed at any time, with no lottery, and processing typically takes 2-3 months (or 15 days with premium). You can hold a cap-exempt H-1B and still receive second lottery selection — there is no conflict between having a cap-exempt H-1B and participating in the cap-subject lottery reserve pool.
Don't put all your eggs in the second lottery basket. Search Wisa for cap-exempt sponsors and keep your options open.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →Submitted means your registration is in the active pool and was not selected in the first round — you remain eligible for the second reserve lottery. Not Selected means USCIS has definitively determined your registration will not receive selection in any lottery round for this fiscal year.
Your employer can withdraw a Submitted registration at any time, which removes you from second lottery eligibility for FY2027. For FY2028, your employer would need to register again during the new registration window (typically March 2027). There is no carryover from one fiscal year's lottery to the next.
No. Having a Submitted registration in the reserve pool does not prevent you from simultaneously pursuing cap-exempt H-1B petitions. You can hold a cap-exempt H-1B position and still receive second lottery selection. If selected, you would file a new cap-subject petition on top of your existing cap-exempt status.
USCIS will update your registration status in myUSCIS from Submitted to Selected if you are chosen in the reserve lottery. Your employer and immigration attorney will also receive notification. Check myUSCIS frequently in July-August 2026 and ensure your employer has not changed contact information.