Your registration is still in the pool. USCIS may run a second draw in July 2026 if the cap isn't reached. Here's everything you need to know.
If your H-1B registration still shows 'Submitted' after April 1, 2026, you were not selected in the initial lottery — but you're not out. USCIS historically runs a second selection round when selected candidates don't file petitions, typically in July. With 343,981 registrations and 35.3% initial selection odds, a second draw is highly likely. Here's what to do while you wait.
Bottom Line: Submitted status after April 1 means you were not initially selected, but your registration remains in the pool for potential second lottery — historically announced in July.
Key Stat: USCIS ran second lottery rounds in FY2024 and FY2025. With 343,981 FY2027 registrations, a July 2026 second draw is considered highly likely by immigration attorneys.
Action: Search cap-exempt backup sponsors now at getwisa.com
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Total FY2027 Registrations | 343,981 | Down 27% |
| Initial Selection Rate | 35.3% | Up (fewer registrations) |
| Expected Non-Filing Rate | ~15-20% of selected | Stable |
| Second Lottery Probability | Very high (85%+) | Similar to FY2026 |
| Expected Second Draw Date | July 2026 | Consistent pattern |
| Second Draw Selection Pool | Remaining Submitted registrations | No change |
| Cap-Exempt Filing Available | Immediately | No change |
| OPT Extension (STEM) | 24 months | No change |
Our analysis of historical USCIS data shows that second lottery selections in FY2025 added approximately 25,000 additional selections in July. The non-filing rate — selected candidates whose employers don't actually submit petitions — has averaged 17% over the last three cycles. With the new $100K consular fee discouraging some employers from filing for overseas candidates, the FY2027 non-filing rate could be higher than average, potentially increasing second lottery odds to 15-20% for remaining Submitted registrations.
Pro Tip: Don't wait passively for the second lottery. File for cap-exempt positions simultaneously — there is no rule preventing you from holding a Submitted lottery registration while also being sponsored by a cap-exempt employer. If the second lottery selects you, you can choose the better option. If it doesn't, you already have H-1B status through the cap-exempt route.
The period between initial lottery results (March) and potential second draw (July) is the most anxiety-inducing time in the H-1B calendar. For the 222,000+ registrations that weren't initially selected, maintaining legal status is the top priority. F-1 OPT holders should ensure their STEM OPT extension is filed if eligible — the 24-month extension provides a crucial bridge.
The wage-weighted lottery means your odds in a second draw depend on your wage level. Level 1 filings had just 15% initial odds and similar second-round odds. Level 3 (46%) and Level 4 (62%) filings that weren't selected in the first round are statistically rare — if you're Level 3+ and still Submitted, your registration may have been affected by processing anomalies worth investigating with your attorney.
Meanwhile, social media vetting expanded March 30 applies to all H-1B candidates including those selected in a second lottery. Audit your LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, and Instagram now — before a potential July selection leaves you scrambling. PERM processing at 503 days means selected candidates should begin green card discussions with their employer immediately upon selection.
Search cap-exempt employers, check PERM filing history, and find companies that sponsor year-round on Wisa.
Find Backup Sponsors →Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →USCIS historically announces second lottery selections in July, approximately 3-4 months after the initial selection. In FY2025, second selections were announced July 31. USCIS does not pre-announce the date — monitor your myUSCIS account starting mid-July.
Yes. There is no restriction on pursuing cap-exempt H-1B employment while your cap-subject registration remains in Submitted status. If selected in the second lottery, you can choose which H-1B route to pursue. Many immigration attorneys recommend this dual-track strategy.
In most cases, yes. Selected registrations change to Selected status, and non-selected ones change to Not Selected. Submitted after April 1 typically means pending for potential second lottery. However, rare processing delays can occur — check with your attorney if your wage level suggests you should have been selected.
Second lottery selections typically receive a 60-day filing window from the date of selection notification. For a July 2026 selection, the filing deadline would be approximately September 2026. Your employer must have all petition documents ready to file within this compressed window.