H-1B 2025 (FY2026) Lottery Results are Out! What to Do Next?

The registration period for the H-1B 2025 (FY 2026) lottery ended at 12:00 PM (EST) on March 24, 2025. Between March 24 and 31, USCIS has been releasing the lottery results. Whether you have been selected or not, it is important to understand your next steps. In this article, we will walk you through how to check your H-1B lottery status, what to do if you are selected, what options are available if you are not. We will also discuss the possibility of a second-round H-1B lottery.

Table of Contents

The H-1B Lottery Results Are Out

Where to Check H-1B Lottery Results

What to Do If You Get Selected

What to Do If You’re Not Selected

Is There a Second-Round Lottery?

Final Thoughts

The H-1B Lottery Results Are Out

USCIS has been releasing the results for the H-1B 2025 visa lottery. Employers who submitted registrations during the March registration window have started receiving notifications in their USCIS online accounts.

If you or your employer participated in the lottery, now is the time to verify your result and begin preparing for the next steps.

Where to Check H-1B Lottery Results

As an individual H-1B beneficiary, you cannot check your lottery results by themselves. Only the employer or attorney who submitted your registration can access your lottery result. Therefore, you can find out your H-1B results only through your employer or authorized representative.

Here is how they can check:

• Log in to the USCIS online account used to submit the H-1B registration.
• Navigate to the "My Cases" or "H-1B Registrations" section.
• Each registration will have one of the following statuses:
  • Selected – Your registration was selected in the lottery.
  • Submitted – Your registration was received and remains in the system. It has not been selected or marked as not selected yet.
  • Not Selected – Your case was not selected.
  • Denied – The registration was invalid (e.g., duplicate submission).

If you have heard back from your employer or attorney by the end of March, it is reasonable to follow up. Here is how to ask professionally:

• Wait Until Late March: Most employers will receive notifications between March 24–31. Do not reach out too early—give them time to process the results.
• Know Who to Contact: If your case is being handled by an external law firm, the update may come through them. If you are unsure who to ask, your HR or manager is a good starting point.
• Send a Polite Email: Keep it brief and respectful. Here is a sample message you can use:

H-1B Lottery 2025 – Follow-up on Registration Status

Dear [Manager’s Name] / [HR Representative’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I’m writing to kindly follow up on the H-1B FY 2025 lottery registration submitted on my behalf. I understand that USCIS is releasing lottery results between March 24 and 31, and I just wanted to check if there are any updates regarding my case.

Thank you again for your support during this process. Please let me know if any further information is needed from my side.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]

What to Do If You Get Selected

If your registration is marked as Selected, congratulations! Your employer can now proceed with the H-1B petition process. Here are the next steps:

• Prepare Supporting Documents: 
  • Job offer letter
  • Academic transcripts
  • Degree certificates
  • I-20
  • I-94
  • Copy of passport
  • Copy of EAD card
  • SSN
  • documentation showing that the position qualifies as a specialty occupation.
• Choosing How to Activate Your H-1B Status: There are two ways to activate your H-1B status: change of status within the U.S. or consular processing outside the U.S. The default option is typically a change of status. However, if you prefer to use consular processing, you may need to inform your employer or attorney in advance.
• File Form I-129: Your employer must submit the H-1B petition within the filing window specified in the selection notice (typically 90 days from the selection date).
• Asking for the Receipt Number: Once your H-1B petition is filed, ask your employer or attorney for the USCIS receipt number (starting with EAC, WAC, LIN, or SRC). You can use this number to track your case status.
• Requesting a Cap-Gap I-20: If you are eligible for the H-1B Cap-Gap (automatic extension of OPT), you may contact your DSO (Designated School Official) to request a Cap-Gap I-20.
• Preparing for a Potential RFE: If you think you have a high chance of receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE), you should start gathering documents such as detailed job descriptions, academic records, copies of assignments, proof of on-site attendance, and CPT documents.

Day 1 CPT and RFE: What Should You be Prepared for?

What to Do If You’re Not Selected

If your status shows as Not Selected, don’t lose hope——there are still several alternative pathways to remain in the U.S. legally, continue working, or maintain your immigration status. Below are some of the most common options to explore:

1. Day 1 CPT Programs

Consider enrolling in a Day 1 CPT program, which allows you to work full-time from the first day of the program. These programs are offered by certain universities and are commonly used by international students who wish to continue employment while continuing education. 

Book a free consultation today with our experts for personalized school recommendations and visa guidance!

What is Day 1 CPT

All Day 1 CPT Universities

2. Cap-Exempt H-1B

Some non-profit organizations—like higher education institutions, institutions affiliated with universities, and nonprofit research organizations—can sponsor H-1B visas year-round, outside the regular cap. If you qualify for a position with such an employer, you can bypass the lottery altogether.

3. L-1 Visa (Intra-Company Transfer)

If you work for a multinational company with offices abroad, you may qualify for an L-1 visa, which allows you to transfer to a U.S. office after completing at least one year of employment overseas.

4. O-1 Visa (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability)

If you have a strong track record of achievements in your field (STEM, arts, business, etc.), the O-1 visa may be an option. This visa requires substantial documentation to prove your “extraordinary ability.” You may need to consultant an attorney who can help manage your case.

5. H-4 / J-2 / L-2 EAD (Dependent Work Authorization)

If you are a spouse of someone on an H-1B, J-1, or L-1 visa, you may qualify for an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) that allows you to work in the U.S.

• Comparison Table: Alternatives to H-1B

If you are currently on OPT, it is important to have a backup plan before your 60-day grace period ends. This grace period begins the day after your OPT end date. If you do not take action within that time, you may be required to leave the U.S. to avoid accruing unlawful presence.

OPT to Day 1 CPT: Understanding OPT Grace Period

Is There a Second-Round Lottery?

Under Trump's administration, there has been a notable increase in H-1B petition denials, which may lead to unfilled visa slots. Consequently, the likelihood of a second-round H-1B lottery is higher.

• Eligibility: If not selected in the first round, your registration stays valid for future rounds—no reapplication needed.
• Timing: Second-round lotteries typically occur between July and September. 

Final Thoughts

Whether you have been selected in the H-1B 2025 lottery or not, understanding your next steps is crucial. If selected, it's time to prepare your petition and gather documents. If not, don't wait—explore alternative options like Day 1 CPT, cap-exempt H-1B, or other visa pathways. And with a higher chance of a second-round lottery this year, staying proactive gives you an edge.

Need guidance? Book a free consultation with our team for expert advice on Day 1 CPT programs and visa strategies.