Options for H1B Applicants Not Selected in the Second Lottery

Heyy y’all, happy Hump Day! As we predicted in our previous blog, there should be a second round of the H1B lottery coming late July or early August based on reliable sources and statistics. While we are waiting for the result, come and look at the Plan Bs you could choose if not getting selected again in the second draw. Preparing for the worst and hoping for the best!

Options for Applicants Who Were Not Selected

If you weren't selected in the first round of the H1B visa lottery, don't worry, there are still options available to you. Here are some alternatives to consider:

1. O-1 Visa

The O-1 visa is a viable alternative if your H1B lottery application is not selected. O-1 visas are intended for foreign nationals who exhibit extraordinary ability in fields such as science, education, business, arts, and athletics, or who have achieved extraordinary recognition in the entertainment industry.

2. Cap-Exempt H1B Jobs

Cap-exempt employment is an option for individuals who were not selected in the H1B lottery. Institutions of higher education or their affiliated nonprofit entities and nonprofit or governmental research organizations are exempt from the cap and can file H1B petitions throughout the year. If their H1B petition is approved by USCIS, you can commence employment with the employer.

3. L-1 Visa

If you work for a company that has an office in the US, you may be eligible to apply for an L-1 visa. To qualify, you must have worked for the company in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge position for at least 1 year within the last 3 years. Additionally, the L-1 visa can be used to establish an affiliated office in the US if your foreign company does not currently have a presence there.

4. Enroll in Day 1 CPT Universities to Continue Studying and Working on an F1 Visa

Day 1 CPT universities can provide you with CPT authorizations and allow you to work while studying in the US. OPT and CPT are legal-to-work authorizations recognized by the USCIS. This is one of the most popular options if you are not eligible for O1 and L1 visa, and don't want to change your career to a cap-exempt h1b job.

Want to learn more about Day 1 CPT Universities? Check out our website and contact us for free and customized consultation!