The Basics of the H-1b Lottery Registration Process

The H-1B lottery registration process is done online via the USCIS website. Because H-1b visas are filed by a petitioning employer, the employer must create the USCIS online account. You can find instructions on how to create an account for your organization here.  

 Most employers work with immigration law firms throughout the H-1b process, including during the registration process. The employer account is linked to it’s attorney presentative account through an electronic “handshake” (the law firm sends a code to link the accounts). Once the accounts are linked, the law firm can complete the registration process.  

 The lottery registration fee for the FY 2026 will be increasing to $215 per registration from $10. 

Time of H-1b Results and Subsequent Lotteries the same calendar year 

 The registration period is open for around 2 weeks each March. Once the lottery registration has been submitted and the registration period is over, it takes about 5 days to notify selected registrants. If a registrant is not selected during the first lottery round, there are additional lotteries that are conducted before October 1st. Subsequent lotteries are conducted only to offer up a small number of additional spots because some of those initially selected either were disqualified later for a technical reason, or they decided not to use their spot (meaning, the employer decided not to file a H-1b application for the employee for some reason). Therefore, the chances of being selected are much lower in these subsequent lotteries.  

When to Start Preparing for the next H-1b Lottery 

 The next H-1b lottery will be in March 2025. Exact dates have not yet been announced. We recommend you start preparing at the start of the year around January 2025. Find a lawyer that works on H-1B registrations (such as our Law Firm) and do an initial evaluation. If you have any questions regarding the H-1B registration process, H-1bs in general, or any other employment-based immigration questions, please call us at 303-872-6985 or email us here.