FY2027 H1B Lottery Results Are Out! Selection Notifications Begin

The moment we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived! As of March 27, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially begun uploading selection notices for the FY2027 H1-B cap lottery.

According to updates from leading immigration attorneys and early reports from our student community, the "Registration Selection" notices are appearing in the myUSCIS accounts of employers and legal representatives.

1. The Timeline: What’s Happening Now?

While the official email notifications from USCIS often lag behind, many applicants are already seeing their status change to "Selected" within the portal.

• Selection Window: Notifications started today and are expected to continue through the weekend into early next week.

• Filing Period: Those lucky enough to be selected can begin submitting their full H1-B petitions starting April 1, 2026.

• New Form Alert: Per USCIS guidelines, all FY2027 petitions must use the new version of Form I-129, which requires more detailed information regarding the position's education requirements, skills, and supervision levels.

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 H1-B: Look for roles at universities, non-profit research organizations, or government entities 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.