The H1B lottery (electronic registration) for FY2027 ran March 2026. USCIS received approximately 470,000 registrations for 85,000 available slots (65,000 regular cap + 20,000 master's cap exemption). The selection rate was approximately 18% overall — meaning roughly 1 in 5.5 registrants were selected. **Key 2026 lottery dates:** - Registration window: March 1–22, 2026 - Selection results notified: Late March 2026 - Petition filing window: April 1–June 30, 2026 - H1B validity start date: October 1, 2026 **If you were selected:** File Form I-129 with USCIS by June 30, 2026. Use premium processing ($2,805) for 15-business-day guarantee. Gather: job offer letter, LCA certification, educational credentials, employer support letter. **If you were NOT selected:** Options include OPT STEM extension (adds 24 months), L-1 visa (intracompany transfer), O-1A (extraordinary ability), EB-1A (extraordinary ability — skip lottery entirely), Canadian PR + TN, or waiting for the next lottery cycle (FY2028, registering March 2027).