Selected, Not Selected, Submitted — what each means right now. Second round possibility. Cap-exempt next steps. Final notices by March 31. Everything in one place.
This is your single comprehensive reference for H-1B FY2027 lottery results week, updated for March 28, 2026. Whether you are selected, not selected, or still seeing 'Submitted,' this guide covers everything: what each status means, what happens next, the second round possibility, key filing deadlines, cap-exempt alternatives, and the backup visa strategies available if the lottery did not go your way. FY2027 is a pivotal year — registrations hit a 6-year low at 343,981, the wage-weighted lottery is entering its full stride, and the new $100K consular fee is changing the calculus for international candidates.
Quick Answer — Everything You Need to Know March 28, 2026: FY2027 lottery registrations: 343,981 (down 27%). Overall selection odds: 35.3%. Selections still releasing through March 31. If your portal shows "Submitted" today, you have NOT been officially not-selected yet. Selected candidates must file I-129 April 1 – June 30, 2026. H-1B employment start: October 1, 2026. Second round possible in July 2026. New Form I-129 mandatory April 2026. The $100K consular processing fee is REAL but applies only to consular cases — F-1 OPT change of status is EXEMPT.
| Metric | FY2027 Data | vs FY2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Total registrations | 343,981 | Down 27% |
| Overall selection rate | 35.3% | Up from ~26% |
| Level 1 odds | 15% | Wage-weighted |
| Level 2 odds | 31% | Wage-weighted |
| Level 3 odds | 46% | Wage-weighted |
| Level 4 odds | 62% | Wage-weighted |
| Registration fee | $215/slot | New in FY2025 |
| Lottery closed | March 19, 2026 | On schedule |
| Notifications through | March 31, 2026 | Still ongoing |
| Petition filing window | April 1 – June 30, 2026 | 90 days |
SUBMITTED — Still in play: Your registration is in the USCIS system and was accepted into the lottery. As of March 28, "Submitted" does NOT mean you were not selected. USCIS is still releasing batches through March 31. Your status can change to "Selected" tonight, tomorrow, or by March 31. Check the myUSCIS portal at 6-8 AM Eastern each morning for overnight batch updates.
SELECTED — Congratulations: You won the FY2027 H-1B lottery. Your employer should have been notified via their organizational account (often before your individual account updated). Download the official selection notice PDF from your portal immediately. Your employer must file Form I-129 with a certified LCA between April 1 and June 30, 2026. The LCA wage level must match your registration wage level. Your H-1B employment can begin October 1, 2026.
NOT SELECTED — First round over, second possible: You were not chosen in the FY2027 first round. This is final for the first round. However, with registrations at a 6-year low of 343,981, a second round is possible if first-round petition filings fall short of the 85,000 cap. USCIS would announce a second round in July 2026. Your registration automatically remains eligible — no action needed. Separately, begin exploring backup strategies now.
INELIGIBLE — Problem with registration: USCIS flagged your registration. This could be due to a duplicate submission (same person registered by multiple employers violating the rules), invalid information, or a fraud flag. Your employer's immigration attorney should address this immediately.
New Form I-129 Mandatory April 2026: USCIS released a revised Form I-129 that is mandatory for all H-1B petitions filed on or after April 1, 2026. The new form includes additional wage level attestation sections and requires more detailed documentation of the specialty occupation. Employers and attorneys should download the new form NOW — old forms will be rejected.
$100K Consular Processing Fee: A $100,000 additional fee applies to H-1B approvals that require consular processing (visa stamp at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad). This fee is REAL and effective for FY2027 petitions. HOWEVER — it does NOT apply to beneficiaries who are already in the U.S. and file for change of status. F-1 OPT students and J-1 exchange visitors on change of status are completely exempt. This is a critical distinction that is being misreported in many places.
Social Media Vetting Expanded March 30, 2026: USCIS expanded social media screening effective March 30, 2026. H-1B petitioners and beneficiaries may have their public social media reviewed as part of the adjudication process. This affects petition filings going forward. Standard advice from immigration attorneys: make your social media private, avoid political commentary, and ensure your professional profiles are consistent with your petition claims.
221G Mumbai Delays 90+ Days: If you are processing through Mumbai consulate, 221G administrative processing delays have averaged 90+ days since January 2026. If you need consular processing, plan accordingly and avoid scheduling critical travel during pending 221G status.
This week (March 28-31): Wait until March 31 before concluding you were not selected. Check the portal at 6-8 AM ET daily. If still showing Submitted on April 1, you were not selected in the first round.
April 2026 — Explore cap-exempt options: Universities, nonprofit research organizations, and government research entities are cap-exempt — they can file H-1B petitions any time, with no lottery, and petitions can start immediately. If a cap-exempt employer offers you a role, your H-1B can be approved within weeks. See our cap-exempt guide.
April-May 2026 — Alternative visa strategies: O-1A extraordinary ability (no cap, no lottery, 3-6 month processing); EB-2 NIW self-petition (no employer needed, 8-14 months); Canada Express Entry (PR in 6-12 months); L-1 intracompany transferee (if employer has Canadian/other operations); TN visa (for Canadians and Mexicans); E-3 (for Australians).
July 2026 — Watch for second round announcement: If first-round petition filings fall short of the 85,000 cap, USCIS will announce a second round. You are automatically eligible — no action needed. Odds would be roughly 4-6% given the math.
FY2028 planning: Registration opens approximately February 2027. Start planning now: target a Level 3 or Level 4 role (46-62% odds), search sponsors on Wisa, and identify employers with strong sponsorship track records at higher wage levels.
Selected? Find your employer's filing history on Wisa. Not selected? Get your AI visa strategy and find Level 3-4 sponsors for FY2028. 45,000+ verified companies, real DOL data, free to search.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →It means USCIS has not yet communicated a decision to you. It does NOT mean you were not selected. Selections are being released in batches through March 31. Check the myUSCIS portal at 6-8 AM Eastern on March 29, 30, and 31. Only after April 1 arrives with no status change can you conclude you were not selected in the first round.
No. The $100,000 additional fee applies only to H-1B petitions that require consular processing — getting a visa stamp at a U.S. embassy abroad. If you are in the U.S. on F-1 OPT and filing for change of status (no consular visit required), you are completely exempt from the $100K fee. This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the FY2027 rule changes.
Selected employers must file Form I-129 with USCIS between April 1 and June 30, 2026. Filing before April 1 is not accepted. Filing after June 30 forfeits the selection. The 90-day window gives employers and attorneys time to obtain a certified LCA, prepare the I-129 package, and submit. Premium processing ($2,805) guarantees a 15-business-day decision.
It depends on your background. The fastest options are: (1) Cap-exempt H-1B at a university, nonprofit research org, or government research entity — no lottery, can start immediately. (2) O-1A extraordinary ability visa — no cap, 3-6 month processing, requires strong credentials. (3) EB-2 NIW self-petition — no employer needed, 8-14 months, strong for STEM PhD holders. Also consider whether your employer has Canadian offices for an L-1 bridge strategy. Use Wisa's AI Visa Strategy tool for a personalized recommendation.