How USCIS sends selection notices, what they look like, employer vs beneficiary notification order, and exactly what to do next
The H-1B FY2027 selection notification process can be confusing — especially if this is your first time through the lottery. This guide covers every aspect of how USCIS communicates selection results, the difference between employer and beneficiary notifications, what the actual notices look like, and the step-by-step process after receiving your result.
Quick Answer: USCIS sends H-1B selection notifications through the USCIS online account (not email or mail). Employer/attorney accounts update first, typically 12-48 hours before beneficiary accounts. Status changes from "Submitted" to "Selected" or "Not Selected." After selection: employer has until June 30, 2026 to file the I-129 petition. Use premium processing ($2,805) for a 15-business-day decision.
| Company | H-1B Filings | Notification Method | Typical Response Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | 55,150 | Immigration team emails beneficiary | Same day as portal update |
| Microsoft | 34,626 | Legal team contacts HR, then beneficiary | Within 24 hours |
| 33,416 | Immigration counsel contacts directly | Same day | |
| Infosys | 32,840 | Batch email to beneficiaries | 1-2 business days |
| Tata Consultancy Services | 28,950 | HR team notification | 1-3 business days |
| Cognizant | 26,700 | Immigration team email | 1-2 business days |
| Deloitte | 18,200 | Dedicated immigration team call/email | Same day |
| Apple | 15,800 | Legal team direct contact | Same day |
Late March 2026: USCIS begins processing the FY2027 lottery using the wage-weighted, beneficiary-centric algorithm. Processing takes several days.
Late March – Early April 2026: Employer/attorney USCIS online accounts begin updating in batches. The status field on the registration changes from "Submitted" to "Selected" or "Not Selected." USCIS does not send separate emails for lottery results — you must check the portal.
Hours to 1-2 days later: Beneficiary myUSCIS accounts update. If you created a myUSCIS account and linked your registration, you can check directly. Many beneficiaries find out from their employer before their own account updates.
April 1 – June 30, 2026: Selected employers file I-129 petitions. Most large employers begin filing immediately. Premium processing is available for $2,805.
On the employer's USCIS online account, the registration entry changes status. There is no formal letter or certificate — just a status change on the portal. The key fields that change:
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Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →No. USCIS does not send a separate email specifically for lottery results. The notification is a status change on the USCIS online account (for the employer/attorney) and the myUSCIS account (for the beneficiary). You must log in and check the portal. Your employer or their attorney will likely check first and notify you.
The employer or their immigration attorney filed the registration through their USCIS online account. This account is updated first — typically 12-48 hours before beneficiary myUSCIS accounts. This is by design: USCIS notifies the petitioner (employer) first since they are the party responsible for filing the petition.
This is normal. USCIS updates accounts in batches over several business days. 'Submitted' does not mean 'Not Selected' — it means your batch hasn't been processed yet. Wait until USCIS officially announces that all results have been released before drawing conclusions.
Contact your employer's immigration team or attorney to confirm they also see the selection. Then begin gathering documents: degree certificates, transcripts, passport copy, current immigration documents (I-94, visa, EAD). Your employer will handle LCA filing and I-129 preparation, but having your documents ready speeds up the process significantly.