03/30/2026
📢 H-1B FY 2027 Lottery Update (As of March 30, 2026)
🟢 Results Are Currently Being Released
H-1B lottery selection notices have started rolling out over the past few days, with many employers and attorneys already seeing status updates in their USCIS accounts.
USCIS is expected to complete the first round of selections by March 31, 2026.
At this stage, results are still being released and are not fully complete.
🟡 How to Check Your Result
H-1B lottery results are not accessible directly by applicants.
Selection status can only be confirmed through:
Your employer, or
Your immigration attorney
If you have not yet received an update, it may still be pending.
🔵 Important Update This Year
This cap season reflects a significant shift in how selections are being made.
USCIS has moved away from a purely random selection system and introduced a wage-based prioritization model, where higher wage levels may have a greater likelihood of selection.
This change is expected to:
Favor higher-skilled and higher-paid roles
Impact selection rates for entry-level positions
Introduce a more structured allocation approach
📊 Analysis — Early Trends from Our Office
Based on initial results observed within our office, we are seeing an approximate 40% selection rate so far.
As expected under the new system:
A majority of Level IV wage cases have been selected
A strong number of Level II and Level III cases have also seen selection
Level I cases appear to have significantly lower selection rates
These early trends reinforce the shift toward a wage-based selection model and suggest a clear advantage for higher-paying roles and more experienced candidates.
🟣 Next Steps for Selected Applicants
For those selected in the lottery:
The H-1B petition filing window opens April 1, 2026
Employers must submit a complete petition, including Form I-129 and supporting documentation
Timely and accurate filing is critical within the designated window
🟠 Possibility of Additional Selection Rounds
A second (or subsequent) lottery may occur later in the year if USCIS does not receive enough petitions to meet the annual cap.
However, this is not guaranteed and depends on filing volumes.
⚖️ Bottom Line
Results are currently being released and should be completed by March 31
Not all applicants have received updates yet
This year reflects a more selective and structured approach
Selection outcomes may be influenced by wage level and role
