FY2027 H1B Lottery Results Are Out! Selection Notifications Begin

The wait is over. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially announced that the initial selection process for the FY2027 H-1B cap is complete. This includes both the regular cap and the advanced degree (master’s) exemption.

Here is everything you need to know about the final results, the filing window, and a major "wage hike" storm brewing on the horizon.

1. The Results Are In: What Now?

As of today, USCIS has notified all prospective petitioners with selected beneficiaries.

Check Your Status: Employers and legal representatives should see "Selected" in their online accounts for winning registrations. If the status remains "Submitted," it means the registration was not selected in this initial round but remains in the system in case a second lottery is needed later this year.

The Filing Window: You can officially begin filing full H-1B petitions on April 1, 2026. The filing period will last at least 90 days (ending June 30, 2026).

Mandatory New Form: This is critical—starting April 1, USCIS will only accept the 02/27/26 edition of Form I-129. Using an older version will result in an immediate rejection of your petition.

2. Major Shifts in the FY2027 Season

This year’s lottery has been unlike any other due to significant policy shifts aimed at prioritizing high-skilled talent and curbing fraud. Two major factors have influenced the selection dynamics:

• Wage-Based Selection: For the first time, USCIS has implemented a "Wage Level" priority system. This means candidates offered Level 3 and Level 4 salaries had a significantly higher probability of selection compared to entry-level (Level 1) positions. This move aims to ensure that the H1-B program attracts the most highly compensated and skilled international professionals.

• The $100K Fee for Overseas Applicants: In an effort to prioritize "in-country" talent (such as F-1 students on OPT), a new supplemental fee - $100,000 for certain large overseas outsourcing firms - has been introduced for specific registrations filed from abroad. This has led to a noticeable decrease in "bulk registrations" from offshore agencies, potentially increasing the odds for students currently in the U.S.

3. Didn’t Get Selected? Don’t Panic!

If your status hasn’t changed to "Selected" yet, or if you end up not being picked in this first round, remember that you still have options:

1. Second Round Lottery: If USCIS does not receive enough completed petitions from the first round to meet the 85,000 cap, a second lottery may occur in July.

2. Day 1 CPT: For many, enrolling in a Day-1-CPT program is the most reliable way to maintain legal work authorization while waiting for next year’s lottery. These programs allow you to continue your career and gain a Master’s or Doctorate degree simultaneously. 

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3. Cap-Exempt Options: Look into non-profit research organizations or higher education institutions that are not subject to the annual lottery.

4. Next Steps for Selected Candidates

If you are selected, congratulations! You should immediately coordinate with your employer’s immigration counsel. Ensure that your LCA (Labor Condition Application) is filed promptly, as the window to submit your full petition is typically 90 days.

Stay Tuned! We will continue to update this post as more data regarding the total number of registrations and selection rates becomes available.

Are you still waiting for your results or considering a backup plan?

[Contact us today] for a free consultation on Day 1 CPT universities and how to maintain your status in the U.S.