A data-driven analysis of the likelihood of additional H-1B selections in 2026.
Following the initial FY2027 H-1B lottery, many unselected registrants wonder about the possibility of a second round. While historically rare, a second lottery can occur if USCIS determines that not enough petitions were filed or approved from the initial selection to meet the annual cap.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| FY2027 Total Registrations | ~343,981 | Down 27% from FY2026 |
| Overall Selection Odds | 35.3% | Competitive |
| FY2026 Total Registrations | ~470,000+ | Much higher |
| H-1B Cap | 85,000 (65,000 regular + 20,000 Master's) | Fixed |
| Wisa H-1B Records | 323,617 | Extensive historical data |
Our historical analysis of H-1B lottery data indicates that second lotteries typically occur only when initial registration numbers are barely above the cap, or when a significant number of selected petitions are ultimately denied. The FY2027 numbers suggest neither scenario is likely.
While hope for a second lottery is understandable, it's more pragmatic to explore alternative visa options or cap-exempt employment if you were not selected in the initial FY2027 H-1B lottery.
The possibility of a second H-1B lottery for FY2027 is a recurring question for unselected registrants. Historically, USCIS conducts a second lottery only if the number of petitions filed and approved from the initial selection falls short of meeting the annual 85,000 H-1B cap. This typically happens when initial registration numbers are very close to the cap, or when a high percentage of selected petitions are withdrawn or denied.
For FY2027, total registrations were ~343,981, a 27% decrease from FY2026's much higher numbers. Despite this decrease, the number of registrations is still significantly above the available H-1B visas, resulting in overall selection odds of 35.3%. This data strongly suggests that USCIS likely selected enough registrations in the initial round to meet the cap, making a second lottery highly improbable for FY2027.
While a second lottery is unlikely, the overall H-1B ecosystem remains robust. Companies like Amazon (55,150 H-1B filings), Microsoft (34,626 filings), and Google (33,416 filings) consistently file thousands of H-1B petitions. Their high volume of filings contributes significantly to the total registration numbers. Even with a 35.3% selection rate, these companies continue to be primary avenues for H-1B sponsorship, regardless of whether a second lottery occurs.
The chances of a second H-1B lottery for FY2027 are very low. With ~343,981 registrations and 35.3% overall selection odds, USCIS likely selected enough petitions to meet the annual cap.
USCIS conducts a second lottery only if the number of petitions filed and approved from the initial selection is insufficient to meet the annual H-1B cap. This usually happens when initial registrations are much lower.
FY2027 saw ~343,981 registrations, a 27% decrease from FY2026. While lower, this number is still significantly higher than the 85,000 cap, making a second lottery highly improbable.
Historically, if a second lottery were to occur, it would usually be announced in late July or August. However, given the current FY2027 registration data, such an announcement is not anticipated.
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Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →The chances of a second H-1B lottery for FY2027 are very low. With ~343,981 registrations and 35.3% overall selection odds, USCIS likely selected enough petitions to meet the annual cap.
USCIS conducts a second lottery only if the number of petitions filed and approved from the initial selection is insufficient to meet the annual H-1B cap. This usually happens when initial registrations are much lower.
FY2027 saw ~343,981 registrations, a 27% decrease from FY2026. While lower, this number is still significantly higher than the 85,000 cap, making a second lottery highly improbable.
Historically, if a second lottery were to occur, it would usually be announced in late July or August. However, given the current FY2027 registration data, such an announcement is not anticipated.