Demystifying the 'Submitted' status for H-1B registrants post-lottery selection.
For many H-1B registrants, seeing a 'Submitted' status long after the initial April 2026 selection notifications can be a source of significant anxiety. With FY2027 lottery registrations at ~343,981 and overall selection odds at 35.3%, understanding this status is crucial. This page explains what 'Submitted' means and potential next steps.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| FY2027 Total Registrations | ~343,981 | ↓ 27% |
| Overall Selection Odds | 35.3% | ↑ 10% |
| Lottery Closed Date | March 19, 2026 | N/A |
| Level 1 Odds | ~15% | ↓ 5% |
Our analysis of past lottery cycles indicates that a 'Submitted' status, while anxiety-inducing, doesn't necessarily mean rejection. USCIS often keeps a pool of 'Submitted' registrations for various reasons, including potential re-runs of the lottery if initial selections don't meet the cap, or for internal auditing purposes. This is particularly relevant given the 27% drop in registrations for FY2027, which could increase the likelihood of a second lottery compared to previous years.
Do not assume a 'Submitted' status is a denial. Maintain open communication with your sponsoring employer and their legal counsel. They will be the first to receive any updates from USCIS. Focus on alternative strategies or preparing for a potential second lottery, rather than despairing.
The FY2027 H-1B lottery, which closed on March 19, 2026, saw approximately 343,981 registrations. While the overall selection odds improved to 35.3% due to fewer registrations, many applicants still find their status stuck on 'Submitted' weeks after initial notifications. This status typically means your registration was not selected in the initial round but remains active in the system.
Reasons for a prolonged 'Submitted' status can include USCIS conducting additional reviews, or holding registrations in anticipation of a potential second lottery if the initial selection pool does not yield enough petitions to meet the annual cap. While not guaranteed, a second lottery becomes more plausible with lower initial registration numbers. Applicants should monitor official USCIS announcements and consult with their legal teams for the most accurate information.
In previous years, some registrants whose status remained 'Submitted' eventually saw a change to 'Selected' during a second lottery round, particularly in years with lower initial selection rates. For example, in FY2020, a second lottery was conducted in August. While not a guarantee for FY2027, the significant drop in registrations (down 27% from FY2026) could create a similar scenario. Companies like **Infosys** and **Tata Consultancy Services**, which file a high volume of H-1B petitions (32,840 and 28,950 respectively), often have many employees in the 'Submitted' pool, awaiting further USCIS action.
A: 'Submitted' means your registration was not selected in the initial round but remains active. It could be held for further review or a potential second lottery, especially with lower FY2027 registrations.
A: With FY2027 registrations down 27% from FY2026, the likelihood of a second lottery is higher than in recent years, but not guaranteed. USCIS makes this decision based on petition filings.
A: Continue communicating with your employer and their legal team. Explore alternative visa options or cap-exempt employment. Avoid making travel plans based on an uncertain status.
A: There's no fixed timeline. Updates typically occur if a second lottery is announced, or if USCIS completes internal processing. Monitor official USCIS channels for announcements.
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Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →'Submitted' means your registration was not selected in the initial round but remains active. It could be held for further review or a potential second lottery, especially with lower FY2027 registrations.
With FY2027 registrations down 27% from FY2026, the likelihood of a second lottery is higher than in recent years, but not guaranteed. USCIS makes this decision based on petition filings.
Continue communicating with your employer and their legal team. Explore alternative visa options or cap-exempt employment. Avoid making travel plans based on an uncertain status.
There's no fixed timeline. Updates typically occur if a second lottery is announced, or if USCIS completes internal processing. Monitor official USCIS channels for announcements.