Clarifying options for H-1B beneficiaries whose lottery petition was not selected in FY2027.
The H-1B lottery results can be disheartening, especially if your petition was not selected. A common question arises: can you transfer to another employer for sponsorship if you weren't selected? The answer is complex and largely depends on your current visa status and whether the new employer is cap-exempt. Our analysis provides clarity on your options for 2026. Get Wisa helps you understand your next steps.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| FY2027 Lottery Total Registrations | ~343,981 | ↓ 27% |
| FY2027 Lottery Selection Odds (Overall) | 35.3% | ↑ 10% |
| Cap-Exempt Employers Flagged in Wisa | 10,140 | ↑ 6% |
| H-1B Filing Records in Wisa | 323,617 | ↑ 10% |
While the term 'H-1B transfer' typically refers to moving an existing H-1B visa to a new employer, this is only possible if you already hold a cap-subject H-1B that has been selected or approved. Our data shows that many unselected candidates mistakenly believe they can simply find a new employer to 'transfer' to. However, without a prior selection, any new cap-subject employer would still need to go through the lottery in a future fiscal year. The only immediate 'transfer' equivalent is finding a cap-exempt employer.
If your H-1B lottery petition was not selected, immediately explore cap-exempt employment options. These employers can file H-1B petitions at any time, bypassing the lottery. Use Get Wisa to identify the 10,140+ verified cap-exempt sponsors and their filing history.
The FY2027 H-1B lottery closed on March 19, 2026, with approximately 343,981 registrations and overall selection odds of 35.3%. For those whose petitions were not selected, the immediate path to H-1B employment with a cap-subject employer is closed until the next lottery cycle. An H-1B 'transfer' is only applicable if you already have an approved or selected H-1B petition that counts against the cap.
However, this does not mean all hope is lost. Individuals on F-1 OPT may have options to extend their stay or explore cap-exempt employment. Cap-exempt employers, such as universities, non-profit research organizations, and government entities, can file H-1B petitions at any time, without being subject to the annual cap. This is often the most viable alternative for those not selected in the lottery.
**University of California System:** As an institution of higher education, the UC system is cap-exempt and frequently sponsors H-1B visas for researchers, post-doctoral scholars, and faculty members year-round, offering a pathway for those not selected in the lottery.
**National Institutes of Health (NIH):** A federal government agency, NIH is cap-exempt and sponsors H-1B visas for scientists and medical professionals involved in research, providing opportunities outside the annual cap.
**Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center:** As a non-profit research organization affiliated with a university, MSKCC is cap-exempt and actively sponsors H-1B visas for medical researchers and specialized healthcare staff, bypassing the lottery.
No, you cannot 'transfer' an H-1B if your petition was not selected. A transfer requires an existing, approved, or selected H-1B. You would need a new lottery selection or a cap-exempt employer.
Options include exploring cap-exempt employment, considering other visa categories (e.g., O-1, F-1 OPT extension), or waiting for the next H-1B lottery cycle. Consult an immigration attorney for personalized advice.
Get Wisa's database flags over 10,140 cap-exempt employers, primarily in academia, non-profit research, and government. You can search by industry or location to find relevant opportunities.
Yes, F-1 OPT provides a period of work authorization. If your OPT is expiring, you might qualify for a STEM OPT extension, buying time to pursue cap-exempt H-1B or future lottery attempts.
Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →No, you cannot 'transfer' an H-1B if your petition was not selected. A transfer requires an existing, approved, or selected H-1B. You would need a new lottery selection or a cap-exempt employer.
Options include exploring cap-exempt employment, considering other visa categories (e.g., O-1, F-1 OPT extension), or waiting for the next H-1B lottery cycle. Consult an immigration attorney for personalized advice.
Get Wisa's database flags over 10,140 cap-exempt employers, primarily in academia, non-profit research, and government. You can search by industry or location to find relevant opportunities.
Yes, F-1 OPT provides a period of work authorization. If your OPT is expiring, you might qualify for a STEM OPT extension, buying time to pursue cap-exempt H-1B or future lottery attempts.