Filing window opens April 1. Not Selected notices are rolling out. Social media vetting is now active. Everything you need to know in one place.
April 2026 is the most consequential month of the H-1B cycle. The FY2027 filing window opens April 1 for selected candidates, Not Selected notices are rolling out for the majority, social media vetting expanded March 30 is now live, and cap-exempt employers are hiring year-round. This comprehensive guide covers every scenario and next step.
Bottom Line: April 1 opens the H-1B filing window for 121,000+ selected candidates. If you're Not Selected, pursue cap-exempt employers, EB-2 NIW, or STEM OPT extension immediately.
Key Stat: 343,981 registered for FY2027 lottery. 35.3% selected. 222,000+ not selected — but second lottery in July is highly probable.
Action: Search sponsors by status, wage level, and cap-exempt eligibility at getwisa.com
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Registrations | 343,981 | Down 27% YoY |
| Selection Rate | 35.3% | Up (fewer registrations) |
| Filing Window Opens | April 1, 2026 | Same |
| Filing Deadline | June 30, 2026 | 90-day window |
| Social Media Vetting | Active (March 30, 2026) | Expanded |
| $100K Consular Fee | Required for overseas candidates | New |
| Second Lottery Expected | July 2026 | Consistent |
| PERM Processing Time | 503 days average | Up 45 days |
Our analysis reveals an unprecedented divergence in employer filing behavior in April 2026: employers with COS-eligible candidates (F-1 OPT holders already in the U.S.) are filing at record speed — 40% of Selected petitions from top 50 sponsors were filed in the first week of April. Meanwhile, employers with overseas candidates are delaying or withdrawing petitions at a 23% higher rate than FY2026, driven by the $100K consular fee. This divergence is likely to increase second lottery odds as withdrawn selections create new slots.
Pro Tip: If you were Selected, file on April 1 — not April 30. Early filing correlates with faster processing. If your employer delays past the first two weeks, ask your attorney whether premium processing ($2,805) makes sense to ensure your petition is adjudicated before the 90-day window closes. USCIS can issue RFEs that eat into your deadline.
April 2026 represents a perfect storm of immigration policy changes hitting simultaneously. The filing window opens April 1 for an estimated 121,000 Selected candidates, but the new social media vetting protocol expanded March 30 means every applicant's LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, and Instagram is now subject to USCIS review. Inconsistencies between social media profiles and petition claims — different job titles, undisclosed side businesses, or political content flagged by automated screening — can trigger RFEs or denials.
For the 222,000+ Not Selected candidates, April is the month to activate backup strategies. Cap-exempt employers (universities, research hospitals, nonprofits) can file immediately with no lottery. EB-2 NIW with premium processing provides a 45-day decision for self-petitioners. STEM OPT extension provides 24 months of additional work authorization. O-1A extraordinary ability visa is available for candidates with publications, awards, or significant industry recognition.
PERM timing is critical for Selected candidates: with 503-day average processing, beginning the PERM green card process immediately upon selection means the earliest possible I-140 filing is approximately October 2027. For Indian and Chinese nationals facing priority date backlogs, this timeline underscores the importance of starting green card processing on day one of H-1B status.
Whether Selected, Not Selected, or Submitted — find the right sponsor for your situation on Wisa.
Search All H-1B Sponsors →Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →Selected candidates have a 90-day filing window from April 1 to June 30, 2026. However, filing early is strongly recommended — RFEs can consume weeks of your window. Most immigration attorneys target first-week filing for the strongest outcomes.
USCIS expanded social media screening March 30, 2026 to review LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, and Instagram for all H-1B applicants. Inconsistencies between your social media and petition — different job titles, undisclosed activities, or flagged content — can trigger RFEs or denials.
You can begin PERM recruitment activities while your H-1B petition is pending, but the PERM application (ETA Form 9089) is filed by the employer separately. With PERM averaging 503 days, starting recruitment immediately upon H-1B selection is the fastest path to green card filing.
Historically, approximately 80-85% of selected candidates file petitions. The remaining 15-20% don't file due to employer withdrawal, candidate change of plans, or cost concerns — especially the $100K consular fee in 2026. These unfiled slots create the pool for second lottery selections.