H-1B Lottery Results: What to Expect and Next Steps

USCIS plans to notify employers of H-1B lottery selections by March 31, with notifications delivered to employer myUSCIS accounts rather than directly to applicants. Candidates should follow up with their employer or immigration attorney to confirm their status. For those selected in the lottery, the process is far from over. Selection only grants eligibility to file a full H-1B petition — it does not constitute approval. Employers have a 90-day filing window beginning April 1, during which the petition must demonstrate that the role qualifies as a specialty occupation, that the position requires a specific degree, and that the employer has completed the Labor Condition Application (LCA) process. For those not selected, immigration attorneys advise against panic. Many applicants are selected only after multiple attempts — sometimes three or four lottery cycles. In the interim, alternative visa pathways such as O-1, L-1, J-1, or cap-exempt positions may help maintain lawful status while preparing for future lottery rounds. While this article focuses on H-1B, the information is relevant to EB-3 applicants who may be using H-1B status as a bridge while their employment-based green card petition progresses. Understanding H-1B timelines and alternatives is important for maintaining status during the often lengthy EB-3 process.