H-1B Lottery (H-1B Cap Registration)
The H-1B lottery is the random selection USCIS uses each spring when employers register more workers than the 85,000 H-1B visas available each fiscal year: 65,000 regular and 20,000 for holders of US master's or higher degrees.
How it works
Employers register each worker online in March and pay a $215 registration fee per worker (as of September 2026). Only selected registrations can file a full H-1B petition.
Wage-weighted selection: since February 27, 2026, the draw is weighted by the offered wage level. A Level IV prevailing wage gets four entries; Level I gets one. It was first used for FY2027 registration.
$100,000 payment: a 2025 proclamation added a $100,000 payment for some new H-1B petitions. It is not being collected as of September 2026 because of a court order; see H-1B $100k fee status.
Cap-exempt employers skip the lottery. See our H-1B lottery guide.
Frequently asked questions
When is the H-1B lottery?
Registration usually opens in March, with results before April 1.
Can I enter the lottery myself?
No. Only a US employer or its agent can register you.
What are my chances in the H-1B lottery?
They depend on how many people register and your wage level. USCIS publishes registration data each year.
Official sources
- USCIS: H-1B Specialty Occupationsuscis.gov
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.