USCIS Completes H-1B FY 2026 Lottery: What Employers and Beneficiaries Need to Know

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially completed the initial H-1B lottery selection process for fiscal year (FY) 2026, covering both the regular cap and the master’s cap (advanced degree exemption). This highly anticipated development affects thousands of U.S. employers and foreign professionals—particularly in fields like tech, engineering, finance, and healthcare—who rely on the H-1B visa for employment authorization in the United States.

For tech companies in New Jersey and beyond, this marks a crucial moment to take action. Whether you’re an employer preparing to submit petitions or a selected beneficiary ready to move forward, understanding this process is critical. This blog breaks down the USCIS announcement, timelines, and next steps—and highlights how working with an experienced Immigration Attorney in New Jersey can streamline the process.

H-1B FY 2026 Lottery: Quick Overview

On March 31, 2025, USCIS confirmed that it had:

• Received enough electronic registrations to meet the congressionally mandated H-1B cap.

• Conducted a random selection using its electronic preregistration system.

• Notified employers and their representatives of their lottery selection status via USCIS online accounts.

This year’s lottery determines who may move forward in filing a full H-1B petition for FY 2026.

Key Details at a Glance

✅ USCIS has completed the initial selection process.

• Employers who participated in the preregistration process can now log in to their USCIS accounts to check lottery results.

✅ Lottery selections cover both caps:

• Regular Cap: 65,000 visas

• Master’s Cap (Advanced Degree Exemption): Additional 20,000 visas for U.S. master’s degree holders

✅ Filing Period Begins April 1, 2025:

• Selected registrants may file their complete H-1B petitions starting April 1, 2025.

• The filing window lasts at least 90 days, through June 30, 2025.

✅ Earliest start date for employment:

• October 1, 2025, is the earliest an H-1B beneficiary can begin working under an approved petition.

✅ If necessary, a second lottery may be held later if the cap isn’t met during the filing window.

What Employers Should Do Now

For companies that received selection notices, the clock is ticking. Employers must now prepare and submit a full H-1B petition, which involves compiling critical documentation and adhering to strict USCIS guidelines.

Required Documents for H-1B Petition:

1. Selection Notice from the employer’s USCIS account.

2. Copy of the beneficiary’s valid passport (or travel document used during preregistration).

3. Evidence of eligibility for the specific H-1B job role (education, credentials, job offer, etc.).

Avoid Common Mistakes:

• Mismatched information between the registration and petition documents

• Missing or incomplete supporting documents

• Inaccurate LCA (Labor Condition Application) filing

• Failure to adhere to timelines

Partnering with a skilled Visa Attorney in USA ensures these errors don’t derail your petition.

What If You Weren’t Selected?

If your registration status remains “Submitted,” it means you weren’t selected in the initial lottery—but you still have hope.

USCIS may conduct a second lottery round:

If not enough complete H-1B petitions are submitted during the initial filing period, USCIS may draw more from the “Submitted” pool.

Stay in close contact with your Immigration Attorney to monitor any updates and ensure you’re ready if a second round is announced.

Employer Perspective: Navigating This Window Strategically

For tech executives like James Anderson, our Buyer Persona #1, this filing window is a mission-critical moment. The ability to onboard top-tier foreign talent—software engineers, data scientists, AI specialists—is often key to maintaining a competitive edge.

Here’s how a trusted Immigration Attorney in New Jersey can support:

• Prepare error-free petitions on tight deadlines

• Ensure compliance with all Department of Labor and USCIS requirements

• Advise on contingency strategies if candidates are not selected

• Explore alternatives like O-1 visas, L-1 transfers, or PERM-based green cards

Beneficiary Perspective: Your Next Steps After Selection

If you’re one of the lucky individuals selected in the H-1B lottery, congratulations! Now is the time to work closely with your sponsoring employer and a US Attorney to ensure your case is filed properly.

Don’t Leave Anything to Chance:

• Make sure your passport is current and matches your USCIS registration details

• Gather all your degree transcripts, diplomas, and evaluation reports

• If you’ve changed employers or job roles recently, discuss how this may impact your eligibility with your attorney

Your H-1B visa journey is one of the most critical steps toward a successful career in the United States. Don’t navigate it alone.

Why Work With a Visa Attorney in the USA?

Whether you’re an employer navigating multiple H-1B filings or a foreign professional pursuing your dream career, immigration law is complex—and mistakes can be costly. An experienced Visa Attorney in USA provides strategic legal support from start to finish.

Benefits of Legal Guidance:

• Document review and case preparation

• Timely filing and USCIS communication

• Troubleshooting RFE (Request for Evidence) scenarios

• Advice on long-term immigration strategy, including green card options

Timeline Recap for H-1B FY 2026 Cap Season

FAQs: H-1B FY 2026 Filing Season

❓ I was selected. Can I start working immediately?

No. You can only begin working on or after October 1, 2025, and only if your H-1B petition is approved.

❓ What if I wasn’t selected?

Your status will remain “Submitted.” If USCIS conducts a second lottery, your application may still be considered. Stay in contact with your legal representative for updates.

❓ What if I miss the 90-day filing window?

USCIS will not accept late filings. If you miss the deadline, your selection becomes invalid. This is why it’s critical to engage an Immigration Attorney early to stay on track.

Don’t Navigate the H-1B Process Alone

The FY 2026 H-1B cap season is now in full motion—and the actions taken over the next few weeks will determine outcomes for both employers and beneficiaries. With limited visas and strict deadlines, precision and planning are everything.

Whether you’re a tech leader in Newark, a healthcare administrator in Jersey City, or a foreign professional pursuing opportunity in the U.S., working with an Immigration Attorney in New Jersey ensures you’re prepared, protected, and positioned for success.

Ready to File Your H-1B Petition?

Our legal team is helping businesses and individuals across the country file compliant and complete H-1B petitions before the deadline. Connect with a top-tier US Attorney today to take the next step.