Understand why your H-1B lottery status might remain "Submitted" and what actions you can take after the FY2027 results.
The FY2027 H-1B lottery closed on March 19, 2026, and for many, the status remains "Submitted," causing significant anxiety. This page explains what this status signifies, why it might persist, and outlines potential next steps for registrants awaiting updates.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| FY2027 Lottery Closed | March 19, 2026 | N/A |
| Total Registrations | ~343,981 | ↓ 27% from FY2026 |
| Overall Selection Odds | 35.3% | ↑ Higher |
| Level 1 Odds | ~15% | ↓ Lower |
| Level 4 Odds | ~62% | ↑ Higher |
| Total H-1B Filing Records | 323,617 | ↑ Growing |
Our analysis of past lottery cycles reveals that USCIS sometimes conducts secondary selections or updates statuses in batches, meaning a "Submitted" status doesn't immediately equate to rejection, especially if initial selections were lower than anticipated, offering a glimmer of hope.
Maintain open communication with your sponsoring employer and their legal counsel. They will be the first to receive official updates from USCIS regarding your H-1B registration status, and can advise on any necessary actions or alternative strategies.
For many H-1B hopefuls, seeing their FY2027 lottery status remain "Submitted" after the March 19, 2026, closure can be unsettling. This status indicates that your registration was successfully entered into the lottery but has not yet been selected or explicitly marked as "Not Selected." It's important to remember that USCIS processes updates in phases, and a "Submitted" status does not necessarily mean rejection.
While the overall selection odds for FY2027 were 35.3% (with significant variations by wage level, e.g., Level 1 at ~15% vs. Level 4 at ~62%), USCIS may conduct subsequent selection rounds if initial selections don't meet the annual cap or if petitions are withdrawn. Continue to monitor your status and communicate with your employer. Explore alternative options like F-1 OPT extensions or cap-exempt employment if your status remains unchanged for an extended period.
Google (Mountain View, CA): An applicant sponsored by Google (33,416 H-1B filings) might see a "Submitted" status for weeks after initial announcements, as USCIS processes millions of data points and updates in batches.
Amazon (Seattle, WA): Despite Amazon's high volume of H-1B filings (55,150), individual registrations can remain "Submitted" as USCIS works through the system, especially if the initial selection pool was smaller than expected.
Microsoft (Redmond, WA): A candidate for Microsoft (34,626 filings) with a "Submitted" status should not lose hope immediately. USCIS sometimes re-runs selections or updates statuses later in the year, particularly if petitions are denied or withdrawn.
"Submitted" means your H-1B registration was successfully entered into the lottery but has not yet been selected or explicitly rejected. USCIS updates statuses in phases, so further changes are possible.
Yes, statuses can change from "Submitted" to "Selected" or "Not Selected" as USCIS continues processing. Secondary selection rounds are also possible if the initial cap is not met.
The overall selection odds for the FY2027 H-1B lottery were 35.3%. However, these odds varied significantly by wage level, with higher levels having better chances of selection.
The registration period for the FY2027 H-1B lottery officially closed on March 19, 2026. Results began to be released shortly thereafter, with updates continuing in phases.
Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →"Submitted" means your H-1B registration was successfully entered into the lottery but has not yet been selected or explicitly rejected. USCIS updates statuses in phases, so further changes are possible.
Yes, statuses can change from "Submitted" to "Selected" or "Not Selected" as USCIS continues processing. Secondary selection rounds are also possible if the initial cap is not met.
The overall selection odds for the FY2027 H-1B lottery were 35.3%. However, these odds varied significantly by wage level, with higher levels having better chances of selection.
The registration period for the FY2027 H-1B lottery officially closed on March 19, 2026. Results began to be released shortly thereafter, with updates continuing in phases.