U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has begun releasing H-1B lottery results for fiscal year 2026. Learn how to check the status of your application, what the different results mean, and what to do if you are or are not selected in the lottery

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has begun releasing the results of the H-1B visa lottery for fiscal year 2026 – this permit allows skilled workers to come to the United States and is often a key route for international professionals, especially in the technical, engineering and medical fields. Here’s everything you need to know about the visa lottery results and the subsequent procedure for obtaining the permit.

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What is the H-1B visa lottery?

The H-1B visa program is designed for foreign workers in specialized occupations. Each year, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) accepts a limited number of petitions for this permit. Because demand often exceeds the list of available seats, USCIS conducts a lottery to randomly select applications that will be submitted for full consideration.

For fiscal year 2026, the lottery process began in March 2025, when companies registered their candidates in the electronic account. The lottery results have been released in the past few days. Only selected expats will be able to complete the next steps and apply for their visa.

How are the H-1B lottery results released?

The results of the H-1B visa lottery are released through the USCIS online portal. Applicants can check their status by logging into their USCIS accounts.

Employers or legal representatives of applicants may also receive notifications about the status of their applications. It is important to monitor your account or contact your employer for up-to-date information, as the results are released in phases.

What does each of the H-1B visa lottery statuses mean?

When you log into your USCIS account to check the status of your application, you will see one of the following results:

- Submitted: Your application is still being processed, and a final decision has not yet been made.

- Selected: Your registration has been selected in the lottery and you are eligible to file a full H-1B petition. Congratulations!

- Not Selected: Unfortunately, your registration has not been selected this year. This means that you will not be able to move forward and will not be granted a visa to the United States in FY 2026 unless you seek alternative options.

- Denied – Re-registration: Your registration has been disqualified because it was submitted more than once.

- Invalid – Payment Failed: This indicates a payment issue that has resulted in your application being declared invalid.

- Removed: This means that your registration has been completely removed from the portal.

- Processing: Your registration is still under review and has not yet been fully evaluated.

Next Steps for Those Selected in the H-1B Visa Lottery in FY 2026

Step 1 – Filing a Complete Petition

For those who have been selected, it is time to prepare for the next important step in the visa process – filing a full H-1B petition.

The full petition filing period begins April 1, 2025, and ends June 30, 2025. During this time, employers must submit the required documents, including forms and supporting documents, to USCIS.

The new process also requires that the H-1B petition be filed using the revised Form I-129, which includes changes to the fee structure and filing process. To avoid unnecessary delays, make sure that all materials are submitted correctly.

Step 2 – Entering the U.S.

Once your petition is filed and processed, USCIS will review your application and, if all goes well, you will be granted an H-1B visa. From this point on, you will need to prepare for your arrival in the United States and any additional steps, such as visa stamping or interviews at U.S. consulates.

Employers and applicants should also be aware of deadlines and any potential requests for additional documentation or clarifications from USCIS.

What are the new H-1B visa fee structures?

The cost of processing an H-1B visa has increased significantly this year. The filing fee has increased from $10 in previous years to $215 per beneficiary. This change was made to cover the increasing administrative costs associated with administering the program and to reduce the number of frivolous or frivolous applicants.

Employers should be prepared for such a fee increase, as it is now part of the cost of successfully processing an H-1B petition.

Alternatives if you are not selected for an H-1B visa

If you find out that you did not win the lottery, it is important not to lose hope. There are several alternatives you can consider:

- Day One CPT Programs

Some educational institutions offer Day One Practical Training (CPT) that will allow you to work in the United States while you study.

- Alternative Visa Categories

You may be eligible for other work visa categories, such as the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary abilities or the L-1 visa for intra-company transferees.

- Green Card Sponsorship

Employers may consider other options, such as employer-sponsored green cards that allow employees to obtain permanent residency.

- Reapplying in the Next Lottery

Depending on your situation, you may be eligible to reapply for the next H-1B lottery next year.

It is always a good idea to consult with an immigration attorney to explore all available options and determine the best path for you.

Qualified professionals Visit World – your reliable support during migration abroad!

The 2026 H-1B visa lottery is an important step for thousands of qualified professionals who want to work in the United States of America. When the results begin to appear, applicants should be proactive and closely monitor their USCIS accounts. For those selected, the next steps are crucial for a smooth employment in the United States. For those who are not selected, it is important to evaluate alternative paths, such as other visa programs or employer-sponsored green cards, to continue building a career in the United States.

Regardless of the outcome, understanding the H-1B process and exploring all available options can help you navigate the peculiarities of the US immigration system.

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