Understand your options, including STEM OPT Extension, if you weren't selected for the FY2027 H-1B lottery.
Non-selection in the FY2027 H-1B lottery can be stressful for F-1 OPT students. This guide clarifies immediate next steps, focusing on the STEM OPT Extension as a primary pathway to extend your U.S. stay and continue seeking H-1B sponsorship.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| FY2027 Lottery Registration Volume | ~343,981 | ↓ 27% |
| Overall FY2027 Selection Odds | 35.3% | ↑ 5.3% |
| PERM Processing Time (Average) | 503 days | ↓ 7 days |
| PWD Processing Time (Average) | 3-4 months | Stable |
| Premium Processing Fee | $2,965 | ↑ $100 |
| Total H-1B Filing Records in Wisa DB | 323,617 | N/A |
For F-1 OPT students not selected in the H-1B lottery, the STEM OPT Extension is a critical pathway. Our data shows that employers who sponsor H-1B visas often also support STEM OPT, indicating a willingness to engage with international talent long-term. Prioritizing employers with a strong H-1B filing history on Get Wisa can increase chances of securing STEM OPT sponsorship.
Ensure your employer is eligible for STEM OPT Extension and is prepared to file the I-983 training plan. Many companies that sponsor H-1B also sponsor STEM OPT. Use Get Wisa to identify these employers and their sponsorship history for your specific role.
The FY2027 H-1B lottery results have left many F-1 OPT students facing non-selection. The primary recourse is the STEM OPT Extension, which allows eligible graduates to extend their work authorization for an additional 24 months. This extension requires a designated STEM degree and an employer committed to providing relevant training, documented via the Form I-983.
While pursuing STEM OPT, it's crucial to continue exploring H-1B sponsorship opportunities for future lotteries. The new Form I-129, mandatory from April 2026, may introduce new requirements for employers. Additionally, awareness of the $100K fee for consular processing is important, though it does not apply to F-1 OPT Change of Status or STEM OPT applications filed within the U.S.
Many large technology companies that actively participate in the H-1B lottery also have robust STEM OPT sponsorship programs. For instance, Amazon (55,150 H-1B filings) and Microsoft (34,626 H-1B filings) frequently sponsor STEM OPT for graduates in relevant fields. These companies often have dedicated teams to manage both H-1B and STEM OPT processes.
Smaller and mid-sized companies also utilize STEM OPT to retain talent. Get Wisa's database, containing over 45,000 verified sponsors, can help identify employers with a history of both H-1B and STEM OPT filings, providing a strategic advantage for F-1 OPT students navigating non-selection.
Q: What should I do if I wasn't selected for H-1B in the FY2027 lottery?
A: If you are on F-1 OPT and eligible, pursue a STEM OPT Extension. This grants an additional 24 months of work authorization and allows more time to seek H-1B sponsorship in future lotteries.
Q: How long does STEM OPT Extension last?
A: The STEM OPT Extension provides an additional 24 months of work authorization beyond your initial F-1 OPT period, provided you meet all eligibility requirements and work for an eligible employer.
Q: Can I still apply for H-1B while on STEM OPT?
A: Yes, you can be selected for the H-1B lottery and change your status from STEM OPT to H-1B while remaining in the U.S. You can also pursue H-1B sponsorship in subsequent years.
Q: Does the $100K fee apply to STEM OPT Extension?
A: No, the $100K fee applies to H-1B consular processing. It does not affect F-1 OPT, STEM OPT Extension, or Change of Status applications filed within the U.S.
Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →If you are on F-1 OPT and eligible, pursue a STEM OPT Extension. This grants an additional 24 months of work authorization and allows more time to seek H-1B sponsorship in future lotteries.
The STEM OPT Extension provides an additional 24 months of work authorization beyond your initial F-1 OPT period, provided you meet all eligibility requirements and work for an eligible employer.
Yes, you can be selected for the H-1B lottery and change your status from STEM OPT to H-1B while remaining in the U.S. You can also pursue H-1B sponsorship in subsequent years.
No, the $100K fee applies to H-1B consular processing. It does not affect F-1 OPT, STEM OPT Extension, or Change of Status applications filed within the U.S.