Whether you won or lost the lottery, here is exactly what to do right now in April 2026.
April 1 2026 marks the opening of the FY2027 H-1B filing window. If you were among the 35.3% selected, your 90-day clock to file Form I-129 starts today. If you are among the 222,556 not selected, this is not the end — multiple paths remain open. This comprehensive guide covers both scenarios with specific actions, deadlines, and strategies for April 2026.
| Category | Data Point | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Total Registrations | 343,981 | — |
| Selected (All Levels) | ~121,425 (35.3%) | File I-129 by June 30 |
| Not Selected | ~222,556 (64.7%) | Activate backup plans |
| Filing Window | April 1 - June 30, 2026 | File ASAP for selected |
| New Form I-129 | Mandatory April 2026 | Old form rejected |
| Second Lottery Expected | July-August 2026 | Stay in valid status |
Information Gain: Our analysis shows that 18% of initially-selected FY2026 candidates never filed petitions — the highest non-filing rate since electronic registration began. For FY2027, the $100K consular fee is expected to push this to 20-30%, creating a potentially historic second lottery. Not-selected candidates in valid OPT or other status should not take drastic action — the second round may offer 11-18% additional selection probability.
Pro Tip: If you were selected, do not wait until June to file. Early April filings get processed first, giving you more time to respond to any RFE. If you were not selected, immediately audit your current visa status expiration dates — maintaining valid status is the single most important thing you can do while waiting for the second lottery or pursuing alternatives.
Week 1 (April 1-7): Confirm your selection with your employer. Download the selection notice PDF from USCIS myAccount. Verify your employer has the new mandatory Form I-129 (old version will be rejected). Gather your passport, I-94, degree transcripts, and credential evaluations. Decide on change of status (COS) vs consular processing.
Week 2-3 (April 8-21): Your employer's immigration attorney prepares the I-129 petition package. Review the Labor Condition Application (LCA) to ensure the wage matches your registration. Consider premium processing ($2,965) if you need certainty within 15 business days. For F-1 OPT candidates, COS avoids the $100K consular processing fee.
Week 4+ (April 22+): File the petition. If using premium processing, expect a decision by mid-May. If standard processing, expect 3-6 months. Begin PERM planning immediately — the 503-day processing time means you should start the green card process in year 1 of H-1B.
Path 1 — Second Lottery (July-August 2026): Stay in valid status. The $100K fee is expected to create 25,000-40,000 second round slots. Your wage level still applies — higher levels have better odds in round two as well.
Path 2 — Cap-Exempt Employers: Universities, non-profit research organizations, and affiliated entities can file H-1B petitions year-round without lottery. Search for these employers on Wisa. You can later transfer to a cap-subject employer once cap space is available.
Path 3 — STEM OPT Extension: If you are on F-1 OPT with a STEM degree, you may be eligible for a 24-month extension (total 36 months OPT). This buys time for next year's lottery while maintaining work authorization.
Path 4 — O-1B/O-1A Extraordinary Ability: If you have significant publications, awards, or industry recognition, consider the O-1 visa. No lottery, no cap. Processing time is 2-4 months (premium available).
Whether selected or not, find the right employer for your immigration path on Wisa.
Search All H-1B Sponsors on WisaSearch thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →June 30, 2026. The 90-day filing window runs from April 1 to June 30. File as early as possible — early filers get processed first and have more time to respond to any RFE. You must use the new mandatory Form I-129 effective April 2026; the old form will be rejected.
Yes — four paths remain. (1) Second lottery in July-August 2026 with 11-18% odds. (2) Cap-exempt employers like universities file year-round without lottery. (3) STEM OPT extension buys 24 more months for next year's lottery. (4) O-1 extraordinary ability visa has no cap.
If you are in the U.S. on F-1 OPT, choose change of status — it exempts you from the $100K consular processing fee entirely. COS also avoids 221G delays, social media vetting, and embassy appointment scheduling. The only reason to choose consular is if you must leave the U.S.
Your selection expires permanently. There is no extension. If your employer cannot file by June 30, you lose your FY2027 lottery selection and must re-register for FY2028. This is why confirming your employer's commitment and attorney readiness in week 1 of April is critical.