H1B 2027 Lottery Results: How To Check Status & File by June 2026

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on March 31, 2027, that it received sufficient electronic registrations during the initial registration period to reach the FY2027 H-1B visa cap, including the advanced degree (master's cap) exemption. Selected registrants have been notified through their online USCIS accounts, which now display updated registration statuses. Filing for FY2027 H-1B cap-subject petitions opened April 1, 2026, and will remain open for at least 90 days — through June 30, 2026. All petitions must use the updated 02/27/26 edition of Form I-129, and must contain the same identifying and position information as the original selected registration. Petitioners are also required to submit evidence of the beneficiary's valid passport and documentation supporting the wage level selected at registration. A notable requirement stems from the Presidential Proclamation Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers: certain H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025, must include an additional $100,000 payment. This applies specifically to new applicants seeking initial H-1B status through a U.S. Consulate abroad — not to extensions or employer transfers. Applicants who were not selected in this initial lottery round should be aware that USCIS may conduct a second selection round during summer 2026 if the initial selections fall short of the FY2027 numerical allocation. Unselected registrants are advised to consult an immigration attorney to explore alternative visa pathways, which may include EB-3 employment-based immigration for eligible workers.