Every year, thousands of foreign professionals and their sponsoring employers anxiously await the outcome of the H-1B lottery—a process that determines which applicants will move forward in their pursuit of a U.S. work visa. With the 2025 H-1B lottery season underway, applicants are once again asking the same questions: “When will I know if I was selected?” and “What happens next?”
In this guide, we address the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about H-1B lottery selections and offer insight into what to expect if you’re selected—or not—in this highly competitive process.
When Are H-1B Lottery Results Released?
The H-1B lottery is conducted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), typically after the initial filing window in March. For the 2025 season, USCIS is expected to notify selected registrants by March 31, 2025.
Employers or their attorneys can check selection status via the USCIS online portal. If selected, the system will indicate “Selected – Take Action,” prompting the next steps for submitting a full H-1B petition.
What Happens If I’m Selected?
If your registration is selected, congratulations—but the process has just begun. Selection only means you are eligible to file a complete H-1B cap petition. Your employer must submit all supporting documents and file the petition during the designated filing window, which usually runs from April 1 to June 30.
Here’s what you’ll need to proceed:
•Completed and signed Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker)
•Labor Condition Application (LCA) certified by the Department of Labor
•Educational credentials and work experience documentation
•Supporting evidence of the job position, employer-employee relationship, and wage level
What If I’m Not Selected?
Unfortunately, not all registrants will be chosen. Due to the overwhelming number of applications (more than 400,000 in 2024), most applicants are not selected in the initial round. If your status reads “Not Selected,” you are not eligible to file an H-1B petition for this fiscal year unless USCIS conducts additional lottery rounds (which sometimes occurs).
Alternative pathways include:
•Applying for cap-exempt H-1B opportunities (e.g., universities or nonprofits)
•Exploring L-1, O-1, or TN visas (depending on your qualifications and nationality)
•Considering study-to-work transitions like F-1 OPT or STEM OPT extensions
Can There Be Multiple Rounds of Selection?
Yes, in recent years USCIS has conducted additional rounds of H-1B lottery selection when initial selections did not result in enough completed petitions. If that happens, additional registrants may be notified in summer or early fall.
Your registration remains valid for the entire fiscal year, and you could still be selected if USCIS needs more approved petitions to meet the annual cap.
What Should Employers Do After Selection?
Employers must act quickly to prepare and submit the full petition package. It’s important to:
• Start collecting documents immediately
•Coordinate with immigration counsel
•Ensure no errors are made in the submission
•Submit before the filing window closes, as late petitions will be rejected
Delays or incomplete documentation can lead to denials—even after lottery selection.
What If I’m Selected But Change Jobs?
The H-1B petition is employer-specific, so if you switch employers after being selected but before the petition is filed, the new employer must have also submitted a separate registration on your behalf. H-1B lottery selections cannot be transferred between employers.
If you switch after approval, your new employer may file an H-1B transfer petition—but only if you already hold valid H-1B status.
Legal Guidance Can Make the Difference
Navigating the H-1B lottery system is complex and competitive. Whether you’ve been selected or are exploring alternative visa options, working with an experienced immigration attorney ensures that every step of your case is handled with precision.
The RN Law Group specializes in employment-based immigration and offers guidance for employers and individuals during the H-1B season. From registration to petition filing and beyond, expert support can improve your chances of success.
