Everything you need to know about checking, understanding, and acting on your H-1B lottery results in 2026 — from myUSCIS account setup to your October 1 start date.
The H-1B lottery results for FY2027 are being released in late March to early April 2026. Whether you are checking for the first time or have been through this before, this complete guide walks you through every step: setting up your myUSCIS account, understanding each possible status, what your employer does after selection, premium processing decisions, the change of status vs consular processing choice, and the full timeline through your October 1, 2026 H-1B start date. If you are not selected, we also cover backup plans and the possibility of a second lottery round.
Quick Answer: Check your H-1B FY2027 lottery results at my.uscis.gov — log in and look for your H-1B registration status. Possible statuses: Selected (employer files petition by June 30), Not Selected (consider alternatives or wait for possible second round), Submitted (still processing). If selected, key dates: petition filing deadline June 30, 2026; premium processing available ($2,805 for 15-day decision); H-1B start date October 1, 2026. The FY2027 lottery used wage-weighted selection for the first time.
| Company | Total H-1B Filings |
|---|---|
| Amazon | 55,150 |
| Microsoft | 34,626 |
| 33,416 | |
| Infosys | 32,840 |
| Tata | 28,950 |
| Cognizant | 26,700 |
| Deloitte | 18,200 |
| Apple | 15,800 |
| Meta | 14,900 |
| JPMorgan | 12,400 |
The FY2027 H-1B lottery is the first conducted under two transformative rules: beneficiary-centric selection (one entry per person) and wage-weighted selection (higher wages get better odds). Together, these changes reduced registrations to 343,981 (down 27% from FY2026) and shifted selection probabilities significantly toward higher-paid workers.
After USCIS completes the lottery, results are posted to myUSCIS accounts. This is not instantaneous — accounts are updated in batches over several days. If your status still shows "Submitted" while others report "Selected" or "Not Selected," do not panic. Wait 48-72 hours before assuming there is an issue. Your employer and their immigration attorney can also check status through their USCIS online account.
Once your status shows "Selected," the clock starts. Your employer has until June 30, 2026 to file the complete H-1B petition (Form I-129) with all supporting documents. Most experienced immigration teams begin preparing the petition immediately upon selection to ensure adequate time for document gathering, attorney review, and any last-minute issues. If your employer opts for premium processing ($2,805), USCIS guarantees an initial decision within 15 business days of receiving the petition.
Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →Go to my.uscis.gov and create an account using the email address your employer used when filing the electronic registration. You need: a valid email, a password meeting USCIS requirements, and your personal information. Once logged in, navigate to your H-1B registration to see the status. If you already have a myUSCIS account from a previous filing, use the same login. Note: some employers check results through their own USCIS account and notify beneficiaries directly.
Selected: Your registration was chosen in the lottery. Your employer can file the H-1B petition by June 30, 2026. Not Selected: Your registration was not chosen. You may be selected in a future round if one occurs. Submitted: Your registration is still being processed — this is normal during the initial rollout period. Denied: Your registration was rejected (rare, usually due to duplicate registration or eligibility issues). If your status has not updated while others have, wait 48-72 hours as updates roll out in batches.
Your employer and immigration attorney begin preparing the full H-1B petition (Form I-129). Steps: (1) Gather your documents (degrees, transcripts, credential evaluations, passport); (2) Employer obtains certified LCA from DOL; (3) Attorney prepares petition package; (4) Employer files petition with USCIS by June 30 deadline; (5) Optionally request premium processing ($2,805 for 15-day decision); (6) If approved with change of status, your H-1B activates October 1, 2026. Cap-gap automatically extends your current OPT/status through September 30.
First, do not panic — explore these options: (1) Wait for a possible second lottery round (less likely in FY2027 but possible); (2) File STEM OPT extension if eligible (24 more months + future lottery attempts); (3) Apply to cap-exempt employers (universities, nonprofit research orgs — no lottery needed); (4) Consult an O-1A attorney if you have extraordinary ability evidence; (5) Consider EB-2 NIW self-petition for green card; (6) Explore TN visa if Canadian/Mexican citizen; (7) Discuss L-1 transfer if your company has foreign offices.