Back to Glossary
Immigration Definition

H-1B Lottery

The random selection process USCIS uses when the number of H-1B cap-subject registrations exceeds the annual cap. Employers submit electronic registrations during a designated period (typically March), and USCIS conducts a lottery to select which petitions may be filed. Since FY2025, USCIS uses a beneficiary-centric selection to prevent duplicate registrations.

Related Resources

Track Your OPT Compliance

Don't let complex immigration rules risk your status. Track timelines, unemployment days, and deadlines.

Start Tracking for Free