The lottery result is H-1B Visa plans for fiscal year 2027 began being released on Friday, according to immigration attorneys. They noted that not all results have been released yet and updates will continue throughout the weekend, but not before April 1.
Thereafter, employers will be required to begin filing petitions for their selected candidates. This marks the first time immigration office H-1B petitions implement a salary-based lottery rather than a random selection process.
Immigration attorney Emily Neumann said that if the employer works with legal counsel, the selection notice will be sent to the worker or their attorney, and unless the law firm or employer notifies the candidate, they will not be able to determine their selection status.
“USCIS has begun uploading H-1B Lottery selection notification in your myUSCIS account. We haven’t received the usual email notifications yet, but when logged in, we can see some options. This may continue into the weekend and into next week,” Neumann said.
“Those selected may submit applications beginning April 1, 2026, and must use the new Form I-129, which now requires information on the education, experience, skills and level of supervision required for the position,” he added.
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Important information
Selection is currently being released and is expected to last until next week.
The filing period begins on April 1, 2026.
An updated Form I-129 must be used, which now asks about the education, work experience, skills and level of supervision required for the position.
Don’t wait for email notification; instead, visit myUSCIS directly.
What to do if you are selected: Check with your employer or lawyer immediately and start compiling the necessary documentation (such as degree evaluation, LCA and professional occupation certificate).
What to do if you are not selected: If you are on OPT or STEM OPT, make sure your schedule is set. Explore your options for the O-1 visa or employer-sponsored green card path.
For those conducting research on employers: You can investigate any company’s H-1B payroll submission and sponsorship history at greencardclock.com/lca-explorer.
Is there a chance for a second or third draw?
this immigration office The total number of registrations or the number of selected candidates has not yet been disclosed. After an employer submits an application for selected candidates, USCIS verifies that the 85,000 candidate limit has been reached and subsequently announces a second lottery.
Neumann said a second lottery may be held this year because many employers may not submit petitions for selected candidates outside the United States because hiring them would cost the company $100,000. A second draw was held in fiscal year 2025. However, there is no second lottery taking place in FY2026.
Changes to Form I-129
The revised Form I-129 now requires employers to provide comprehensive details about the minimum qualifications for the position for use in determining wage levels on the Labor Condition Application (LCA). In addition, employers must disclose the minimum educational prerequisites for the position, necessary areas of study, any minimum experience standards, and whether the position requires supervisory responsibilities.
