Checking H-1B Lottery Status: A Simple Guide

Thousands of skilled professionals aspire to work in the United States every year under the coveted H-1B visa program. However, the H-1B lottery has become a crucial and often nerve-wracking step, with demand consistently exceeding supply. The selection uncertainty can leave applicants anxiously awaiting updates, making it essential to know how the system works and what to expect. 

Whether you’re a first-time applicant or navigating the process for another shot, understanding how to check your lottery status and exploring alternative pathways can help you stay prepared and optimistic. 

This guide breaks down the key aspects of the H-1B lottery process and the H-1B lottery status, ensuring you’re well-equipped for every scenario.

What Is The H-1B Lottery?

The H-1B lottery is a random selection process conducted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to allocate H-1B visas to eligible applicants. The high demand for these visas necessitates the lottery, which far exceeds the annual cap set by the U.S. government.

Each fiscal year, the H-1B visa program offers:

• 65,000 visas under the regular cap.
• An additional 20,000 visas for individuals holding advanced degrees from U.S. institutions (Master's cap).

Due to the limited number of visas available and the overwhelming number of registrations received, the lottery ensures a fair and unbiased selection process. If necessary, it is conducted in multiple rounds, depending on the volume of applications and visa availability.

For applicants, being selected in the lottery does not guarantee a visa, but they can proceed with filing an H-1B petition. The lottery is a crucial step for many professionals aiming to work in the U.S. under this program.

Now that you know about the H-1B lottery, let us look into the types of lottery status notifications. 

Types Of Lottery Status Notifications

The H-1B lottery process involves a series of status updates that applicants and their sponsoring employers can track through the USCIS system. Each status indicates a specific stage in the process. 

Here are the primary types of lottery status notifications you may encounter:

1. Submitted

This H-1B lottery status indicates that your registration has been successfully submitted during the lottery process and is under review. At this stage, USCIS has received your application but has not yet processed or selected it.

2. Selected

Suppose your registration is marked as “Selected,” congratulations! This means you have been chosen in the lottery, and your sponsoring employer can proceed with filing an H-1B petition (Form I-129) on your behalf.

3. Not Selected

If your status is “Not Selected,” your registration was not chosen in the lottery for that fiscal year. This status is usually updated after all lottery rounds are complete.

4. Deleted

If your registration is marked as “Deleted,” your employer or authorized representative withdrew the registration before the lottery process began. This status confirms that the registration is no longer active or under consideration.

5. Denied (Duplicate Registration)

This status is rare and usually occurs if the registration was improperly submitted (e.g., duplicate submissions for the same applicant by the same employer).

6. Invalidated (Failed Payment)

If the payment for the registration fee is not successfully processed, the registration will be marked as “Invalidated-Failed Payment” and will not be included in the lottery.

7. Processing Submissions

Once your H-1B registration is submitted, USCIS begins processing the submission to verify its completeness and validity. This process may take up to 72 hours, during which you cannot access your draft or case details. After processing, your case status will be updated in the system, and you can view the details on the case management page.

Understanding these statuses can help you navigate the H-1B lottery process more clearly and effectively plan your next steps. 

Next, let us take a look at the difference between H-1B registration and H-1B petition.

Also Read: Sponsoring Own H-1B Visa for Entrepreneurs

How to Check Your H-1B Lottery Status?

Checking your H-1B lottery status is a straightforward process that clarifies whether you have been selected to proceed with filing an H-1B petition. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Access the USCIS Registration System

• Log in to the USCIS H-1B Registration Portal using your employer or attorney's credentials.
• Employers or their authorized representatives are responsible for registering and managing candidate profiles.

2. Go Through the Registration Summary

• Once logged in, the employer or attorney can access the registration summary for all submitted applicants.
• This summary displays the current status of each applicant.

3. Check for Notifications

Employers will receive email notifications or system updates from USCIS regarding status changes. During the lottery period, they should monitor these updates closely.

4. Download Documentation

USCIS will provide confirmation notices and case numbers for the selected registrations if selected. Employers should download and save these documents for filing the H-1B petition.

5. Follow the Filing Timeline

The employer must file the H-1B petition (Form I-129) within the specified timeframe for selected applicants. Ensure all required documents are submitted to USCIS before the deadline.

Now that we know how to check your H-1B lottery status, let’s look at the alternative options if not selected.

Alternative Options If Not Selected

Not being selected in the H-1B lottery can be disappointing, but it doesn’t mean your U.S. work aspirations must end. 

There are several alternative pathways to explore -

1. Cap-Exempt H-1B Employers

Some employers, such as nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and government entities, are exempt from the H-1B cap. You can explore opportunities with these organizations as they can sponsor H-1B visas anytime without being subject to the lottery.

2. Other Nonimmigrant Work Visas

Consider applying for alternative work visas based on your eligibility and circumstances:

1. L-1 Visa: Intra-Company Transferee

• Purpose: Allows multinational companies to transfer employees from foreign offices to U.S. offices.
• Eligibility:
  
  • L-1A: For executives or managers.
  • L-1B: For employees with specialized knowledge.
  • The employee must have worked for the company abroad for at least one continuous year within the preceding three years.
• Duration:
  
  • L-1A: Up to 7 years.
  • L-1B: Up to 5 years.
• Dependents: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can accompany the L-1 visa holder under L-2 status. L-2 spouses are authorized to work in the U.S.
• Source: USCIS - L-1A Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager

2. O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement

• Purpose: For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, or extraordinary achievements in the motion picture or television industry.
• Eligibility:
  
  • O-1A: Extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, or athletics.
  • O-1B: Extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry.
  • Must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim.
• Duration: Initially, it is up to 3 years; extensions are in 1-year increments.
• Dependents: Spouses and children under 21 can accompany under O-3 status but are not permitted to work.
• Source: USCIS - O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement

Also Read: O-1A holders: Assessing your chances for EB-1A qualification

3. TN Visa: NAFTA Professionals

• Purpose: Allows qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in the U.S. in certain professional occupations under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), formerly NAFTA.
• Eligibility:
  
  • Must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico.
  • The profession must be on the USMCA list of approved professions.
  • Must have the qualifications for the profession.
• Duration: Granted in 3-year increments; can be renewed indefinitely.
• Dependents: Spouses and children under 21 can accompany under TD status but are not permitted to work.
• Source: USCIS - TN NAFTA Professionals

4. E-2 Visa: Treaty Investors

• Purpose: For nationals of treaty countries who invest a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business.
• Eligibility:
  
  • Must be a national of a country with which the U.S. maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation.
  • Must have invested, or be actively in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide U.S. enterprise.
  • They must seek to enter the U.S. solely to develop and direct the investment enterprise.
• Duration: Granted for up to 2 years; can be extended indefinitely in 2-year increments.
• Dependents: Spouses and children under 21 can accompany under E-2 status. Spouses may apply for work authorization.

3. STEM OPT Extension

You might qualify for a STEM OPT extension if you are on F-1 status and working under Optional Practical Training (OPT). This allows an additional 24 months of work authorization for those in qualifying fields.

5. H-1B Lottery Reapplication

You can reapply for the H-1B lottery in subsequent fiscal years. This option is especially viable if your current visa status allows you to remain in the U.S. during the next application cycle.

Also Read: Comparing H-1B and TN Visas for Canadian Professionals

How Can Alma Help With H-1B Visa Applications?

At Alma, we’re here to be your partner at every step of the way: before, during, and after the H-1B lottery. Our comprehensive support ensures you’re well-prepared for all outcomes:

• Pre-Lottery Preparation: Expert guidance on eligibility, documentation, and submitting error-free applications to increase your chances in the lottery.
• Post-Lottery Assistance: Whether you’re selected or not, we provide guidance on filing petitions, exploring alternative visa pathways, or reapplying for the next cycle.
• Access to a Network of Immigration Professionals: We have a network of experienced consultants who can provide personalized advice and support tailored to your specific needs.
• Technology-Enabled Solutions: We leverage technology to streamline the H-1B visa application process, offering online tools and resources for document preparation and tracking.

Alma ensures that your journey remains seamless and informed, regardless of stage or scenario. Let us support your ambitions every step of the way.

Also Read: H-1B Visa Fees: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Conclusion

The H-1B lottery process can feel overwhelming, filled with excitement and uncertainty. But knowing the steps, staying on top of your application status, and having a backup plan if you're not selected can make a big difference. Whether it’s your first time applying or you’re trying again, there are always ways to work toward your career goals in the U.S.

Simplify Your H-1B Journey with Alma! From registering your application to tracking your status and exploring other visa options, let Alma be your expert guide at every step.

For all kinds of guidance and support, schedule a free consultation today!