Increasing Possibility of Second H-1B Lottery for FY 2026

Key Takeaways

• USCIS selected 120,141 out of 343,981 H-1B registrations for FY 2026, about a 35% selection rate.
• The initial petition filing deadline was June 30, 2025; a second H-1B lottery is possible but unconfirmed.
• Second lotteries depend on visa cap use and valid petition filings from selected applicants.

The H-1B visa program remains one of the most important ways for skilled foreign workers to secure employment in the United States 🇺🇸. Each year, the H-1B lottery process draws intense attention from employers, applicants, and immigration professionals. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, the process has followed familiar patterns, but questions remain about whether a second H-1B lottery will be needed. This analysis provides a detailed, objective look at the current status, historical context, influencing factors, and practical implications of the H-1B lottery for FY 2026, with a focus on what applicants and employers should expect in the coming months.

Purpose and Scope

This content aims to give a clear, fact-based overview of the FY 2026 H-1B lottery, including the chances of a second lottery round, the factors that influence USCIS decisions, and what applicants and employers should do next. The analysis draws on official data, historical trends, and expert opinions to help readers understand the situation and make informed decisions.

Methodology

The analysis uses the most recent data from USCIS, statements from immigration attorneys, and historical records of past H-1B lottery cycles. Information is organized to highlight key findings, present relevant data, and compare current trends with previous years. The content also includes a summary table for quick reference and links to official government resources for further information.

Key Findings

• The initial H-1B lottery for FY 2026 closed on March 24, 2025.
• USCIS selected 120,141 registrations out of 343,981 eligible entries, resulting in a selection rate of about 35%.
• The petition filing window for selected applicants closed on June 30, 2025.
• As of July 1, 2025, a second H-1B lottery for FY 2026 is possible but not confirmed.
• The decision to hold a second lottery depends on how many selected applicants file complete petitions and whether the visa cap is fully used.
• Historical patterns show that second lotteries are not unusual, but the high selection rate this year may reduce the need for one.
• Applicants and employers should monitor official USCIS announcements and prepare for all possible outcomes.

Data Presentation and Visual Overview

H-1B Lottery Numbers for FY 2026

• Total eligible registrations: 343,981
• Registrations selected in first round: 120,141
• Selection rate: About 35%
• Petition filing deadline: June 30, 2025

This means that about one in three eligible applicants were selected in the first round, which is higher than in some previous years. The high selection rate suggests that USCIS tried to fill most of the available H-1B visa slots in the first round.

Historical Context: Second H-1B Lotteries

USCIS sometimes holds a second H-1B lottery if not enough selected applicants file complete petitions or if petitions are denied or withdrawn. This ensures that all available H-1B visas are used. Here’s how recent years compare:

• FY 2021 and FY 2022: Second lotteries were held to fill remaining visa slots.
• FY 2023: Only one lottery round was needed due to high demand and a large number of filings.
• FY 2024: Multiple rounds were held because of many duplicate or fraudulent registrations.
• FY 2025: Two rounds were held, partly because there were fewer eligible applications (470,342) compared to FY 2024 (758,994).

These patterns show that the decision to hold a second lottery depends on the number of valid petitions filed and the overall demand for H-1B visas.

FY 2026 H-1B Lottery: Key Numbers in Context

The table shows that the number of eligible registrations has dropped in recent years, and the selection rate for FY 2026 is relatively high. This could mean that most visa slots will be filled in the first round, but a second lottery is still possible if enough petitions are not filed or approved.

Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns

Selection Rates and Their Impact

• Higher selection rates (like the 35% seen in FY 2026) usually mean that USCIS expects most selected applicants to file petitions and that the visa cap will be filled quickly.
• Lower selection rates in previous years often led to second lotteries because not enough petitions were filed or approved in the first round.

Duplicate and Fraudulent Registrations

• In recent years, USCIS has taken steps to reduce duplicate and fraudulent registrations. This has led to fewer eligible applications and a higher chance that selected applicants are genuine.
• For example, in FY 2024, many duplicate or fraudulent registrations led to multiple lottery rounds. In FY 2026, stricter controls may have helped increase the selection rate and reduce the need for a second lottery.

Petition Filing and Approval Rates

• The main factor that decides whether a second lottery is needed is how many selected applicants actually file complete, valid petitions by the deadline.
• If many selected applicants do not file or if their petitions are denied, USCIS may hold a second lottery to fill the remaining visa slots.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

Based on the data and trends, the following conclusions can be drawn:

• The chance of a second H-1B lottery for FY 2026 is lower than in some previous years but not zero.
• USCIS will make a final decision after reviewing how many petitions were filed and approved by the June 30, 2025 deadline.
• Applicants who were not selected in the first round should stay alert for official announcements about a possible second lottery.
• Employers should ensure that all selected applicants file complete petitions on time to avoid missing out on available visa slots.

Practical Implications for Applicants and Employers

For Applicants

• If you were not selected in the first round: Keep checking the USCIS website and other official sources for news about a second lottery. You may still have a chance if more visa slots become available.
• Consider other options: If you are not selected, look into other visa categories or prepare to apply again in the next H-1B lottery cycle, expected in March 2026.
• Stay organized: Keep all your documents ready and be prepared to act quickly if a second lottery is announced.

For Employers and Attorneys

• File on time: Make sure all petitions for selected applicants are filed by the deadline and are complete.
• Monitor updates: Stay in touch with USCIS and immigration law firms for any news about a second lottery.
• Prepare for next steps: If a second lottery is held, be ready to file new petitions quickly.

Expert Opinions and Stakeholder Perspectives

Immigration attorneys and industry experts have shared their views on the current situation:

• Attorney @KhuranaLaw noted that the 35-37% selection rate, based on hundreds of client registrations, shows a strong first round but leaves the door open for a second lottery if not enough petitions are filed.
• Large law firms like Fragomen have reported fast notifications and efficient processing, but no official word yet on a second lottery.
• Industry analysts agree that the final decision depends on the number of petitions filed and approved, not just the number of registrations selected.

These opinions highlight the importance of staying informed and being prepared for all possible outcomes.

Future Outlook and Anticipated Developments

Looking ahead, several important points stand out:

• The next H-1B lottery registration period for FY 2027 is expected to begin in March 2026. Applicants not selected this year should start preparing for that cycle.
• USCIS may announce a second lottery in the summer of 2025 if there are still visa slots available after reviewing all petitions filed by the June 30 deadline.
• Official announcements will be posted on the USCIS website and shared by immigration law firms and attorneys.

Limitations of the Analysis

• No official confirmation: As of July 1, 2025, USCIS has not confirmed whether a second lottery will be held for FY 2026.
• Data may change: The final number of petitions filed and approved is not yet known, so the situation could change quickly.
• External factors: Changes in government policy, unexpected events, or new fraud prevention measures could affect the outcome.

Summary Table: FY 2026 H-1B Lottery and Second Lottery Status

Official Resources and Contact Information

For the most reliable and up-to-date information about the H-1B lottery and second lottery status, use these resources:

• USCIS official H-1B page: Find updates, instructions, and official forms.
• USCIS National Customer Service Center: Call 1-800-375-5283 for help with specific cases.
• Immigration law firms and attorneys: Get personalized advice and guidance on H-1B and other visa options.

Evidence-Based Takeaways

• The FY 2026 H-1B lottery had a relatively high selection rate of about 35%.
• A second lottery is possible but not confirmed as of July 1, 2025.
• USCIS will decide based on the number of petitions filed and visa slots remaining.
• Applicants and employers should stay alert for official announcements and be ready to act quickly.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, staying informed and prepared is the best way to improve your chances in the H-1B lottery process. The situation can change rapidly, so regular checks of the USCIS website and consultation with trusted immigration professionals are strongly recommended.

Practical Guidance for Next Steps

• If you were not selected: Watch for news about a second lottery and prepare for the next cycle.
• If you were selected: Make sure your petition is complete and filed on time.
• Employers: Support your applicants by staying organized and ready for any updates.

The H-1B lottery process can be stressful, but understanding the facts and being prepared can help you make the best decisions for your future in the United States 🇺🇸. For more details and official updates, always refer to the USCIS H-1B page.

Learn Today

H-1B Visa → A U.S. visa allowing skilled foreign workers employment in specialty occupations for up to six years.
Lottery Process → A random selection system USCIS uses to allocate limited H-1B visa slots among applicants.
Petition Filing → The process where employers submit forms to USCIS to sponsor selected H-1B candidates.
Visa Cap → The annual limit set by law on the number of H-1B visas issued each fiscal year.
Second Lottery → An additional selection round USCIS may hold if initial petitions don’t fill the visa cap.

This Article in a Nutshell

The FY 2026 H-1B lottery had a high 35% selection rate. Though a second lottery remains uncertain, selected applicants must file petitions by June 30, 2025. USCIS monitors filings to decide on a possible second round, impacting thousands of foreign skilled workers aspiring to work in the U.S.
— By VisaVerge.com