On Tuesday, March 31, 2026 USCIS announced that they have completed the initial selection process for the FY2027 H-1B cap lottery. Selection notifications have been issued online through both the Employer’s and Legal Representative’s myUSCIS accounts.
- This marks the first lottery completed under USCIS’ new wage-based selection system.
- Those employees who have been selected will show a status of ‘Selected’ along with the date the selection was made on the employer’s myUSCIS account
- The H-1B petition filing window will open April 1 and close June 30, 2026.
- Additional selection rounds may occur if needed; those employees who have not been selected will continue to show ‘Submitted’ status until USCIS officially announces that no additional selections will be made. In previous years, supplemental lottery selections were made and additional CAP numbers released later in the summer and fall due to withdrawals of selectees and denied petitions.
- Candidates will not be notified of the selection results, rather the employer must review their myUSCIS accounts for updates until a final CAP registration closure notice is issued.
We remind our clients to ensure that the drafted I-129 H-1B petition be consistent with the SOC/OES category selected, the wage level indicated, and the area of employment as stated on the lottery registration entry to avoid a RFE and potential denial on the merits of the petition.
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This update is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
If you require specific advice and consultation, please call us at 508-790-1181.