Understanding the H-1B Visa Registration and Lottery System

The H-1B visa is one of the most sought-after employment-based visas, but the annual cap of 85,000 visas (65,000 regular + 20,000 master’s cap) means many qualified applicants are not selected.

The Electronic Registration Process

USCIS now uses an electronic registration system. Employers and their attorneys submit registrations during a designated window — typically in March — paying a small fee per beneficiary. If selected in the lottery, the employer can then file the full H-1B petition.

What Happens If You Are Not Selected

If you are not selected in the lottery, you may explore alternatives such as cap-exempt employers (universities, nonprofit research organizations), the O-1 visa for extraordinary ability, the L-1 for intracompany transfers, or pursuing a green card directly through EB-1 or EB-2 NIW.

Do Law Office helps employers and employees navigate the full H-1B process from registration to approval.