What are the steps in H-1B visa processing?

The process begins with electronic registration during the March registration window. If USCIS receives more registrations than available visas, it conducts a lottery. If selected, the employer must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the U.S. Department of Labor and then submit a full Form I-129 petition to USCIS with supporting documents and fees. USCIS will review the petition and issue a decision.

How long does H-1B processing take?

Processing times vary. Standard processing in 2026 generally ranges from about 3.5 to 19.5 months, though many cases are completed within six months. Employers may choose Premium Processing for an additional government fee (currently $2,965), which guarantees a USCIS response within 15 business days.

How can someone get an H-1B visa?

To qualify, an individual must first secure a job offer from a U.S. employer for a specialty occupation—typically a role that requires at least a U.S. bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a specific field. The employer must then sponsor the candidate by entering them into the annual H-1B lottery (if cap-subject) and, if selected, filing a petition that shows the role qualifies and that the company will pay at least the required prevailing wage.

What is the last date to file an H-1B for 2026?

For the FY 2027 cap season, the registration window runs from March 4 to March 19, 2026. USCIS plans to notify selected registrants by March 31, 2026. Employers whose registrations are selected typically have at least a 90-day filing window beginning April 1, 2026, to submit the full H-1B petition.

How hard is it to win the H-1B lottery?

Selection odds depend on demand and, under a wage-weighted system, the offered wage level. Higher wage levels receive more entries in the lottery—for example, Level 4 wages may receive multiple entries, while Level 1 wages receive fewer—meaning higher-paid roles generally have stronger selection odds. Because demand typically exceeds supply, the process remains competitive, and strategic planning is important.

How to Register for the H-1B Lottery: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

H-1B Lottery FY 2027 Registration: Key Takeaways

Registration Window: The FY 2027 H-1B lottery window opens on March 4, 2026, and closes on March 19, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET. All electronic registrations must be submitted via the USCIS online portal during this 15-day period. Employers and legal representatives will be notified of selection results by March 31, 2026.
Annual Visa Cap: USCIS will select registrations to meet the 85,000 total visa limit. This includes the 65,000 Regular Cap and the 20,000 U.S. Master’s Degree Exemption.
Compliance is Critical: Success starts with accurate SOC Code selection and Prevailing Wage Level (Levels I–IV). Misclassification is a primary cause of USCIS delays, RFEs (Requests for Evidence), and petition denials.
Streamline Your Filing: Ellis offers free H-1B registrations for your entire team, handling the complexities of SOC classification and lottery strategy so your filing is compliant and optimized for success.

Understanding the H-1B Visa Lottery Registration Process for U.S. Employers

Each year, the H-1B visa program allows U.S. companies to hire specialized talent from around the world, especially in high-demand fields like tech, engineering, and healthcare. Because demand exceeds the government's limited supply of 85,000 visas, the process starts with a high-stakes lottery registration.

For the 2026 (FY 2027) registration season, the rules have changed significantly. To help you stay on track, we’ve broken down the step-by-step process for employers.

In this guide, we’ll outline the H-1B lottery registration process for U.S. employers step-by-step, including eligibility requirements, deadlines, and the steps you need to take to submit a complete and accurate registration.

The H‑1B Cap and Lottery System Explained

Each fiscal year, the government limits the number of new H-1B visas available under what is known as the “H-1B cap.” Congress originally set this cap to manage overall immigration levels and control the number of foreign workers entering the U.S. labor market in specialty occupations. Currently, there are 65,000 visas available under the regular cap, with an additional 20,000 reserved for individuals who hold a U.S. master’s degree or higher.

Because demand has always exceeded supply, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) runs a lottery to select which registered candidates may move forward and file full H-1B petitions.

For employers, understanding the cap and lottery system is essential: selection is not guaranteed, timelines are strict, and workforce planning must account for uncertainty. Companies that rely on foreign talent need to prepare early, align hiring strategies with the lottery cycle, and consider alternative options if a candidate is not selected.

Choosing the Right SOC Code and Wage Level

One of the most important (and tricky) parts of the registration is choosing the correct SOC code and setting the right prevailing wage level.

This isn't as simple as matching a job title to a list. The classification depends on a few different factors working together:

The Actual Job Duties: You have to map the specific day-to-day tasks to the Department of Labor’s (DOL) definitions, regardless of what the internal company job title is.
Location Matters: Wages vary by county and state. A "Data Analyst" in Des Moines has a different required minimum salary than one in San Francisco.
The Level: You have to determine if the role is Level I through Level IV. Because this level now determines how many "tickets" you get in the lottery, the stakes are much higher.

Why it’s tricky: Getting this wrong, even by accident, can lead to government scrutiny, delays, or a denial later in the process. If you list a wage level that doesn't perfectly align with the job's complexity or location, the petition can be rejected.

Because this step affects both your legal compliance and your lottery strategy, it’s best to get experienced professional help with the process.

Ellis completes your registrations for free and takes care of the complex pieces — including SOC code selection, prevailing wage analysis, and strategy alignment — so your information is accurate and your approach is solid. If you’re preparing for H-1B season, get in touch here.

Step‑by‑Step H‑1B Visa Lottery

1) Create a USCIS online account

To begin the process, the employer (or their immigration attorney) must create a USCIS online registrant account. USCIS only accepts H-1B lottery registrations through this system, so setting up the account early helps avoid last-minute delays.

2) Gather the required information

Before registration opens, collect the employee’s basic information, including:

Full legal name (exactly as it appears on the passport)
Date of birth
Country of birth
Country of citizenship
Passport number and passport details
Highest degree earned (note whether the employee holds a qualifying U.S. master’s degree or higher, which may make them eligible for the advanced degree “master’s cap”)

Accuracy is critical with this step. Even small errors, like a misspelled name or incorrect passport number, can create issues later in the process or prevent you from filing the petition if the registration is selected.

3) Submit the electronic registration during the March window

For the FY 2027 cap season, USCIS will open registration at noon Eastern Time on March 4, 2026, and close it at noon Eastern Time on March 19, 2026. Employers must submit the online registration during this exact timeframe. USCIS will not accept late submissions, and missing the deadline means waiting until the next fiscal year.

4) Wait for the lottery results

After the registration period closes, USCIS conducts the lottery if the number of registrations exceeds the annual cap. USCIS plans to notify employers of selection results by March 31, 2026.

5) Check the registration status in your USCIS account

Each registration will show one of the following statuses:

Selected: You may move forward and file a full H-1B petition for this employee.
Not Selected: The registration was not chosen in the lottery.
Submitted: The registration was received and remains eligible, often while USCIS completes additional selection rounds.

6) File the full H-1B petition if selected

If selected, you must file a complete H-1B petition during the filing period specified by USCIS, which typically begins April 1, and lasts at least 90 days. Selection in the lottery allows you to file the petition, but USCIS must still review and approve the case before the employee can receive H-1B status.

After the Lottery: What Happens Next?

After USCIS announces the lottery results, the next steps depend on whether the registration was selected. If selected, the employer must file a full H-1B petition during the assigned filing period. This includes submitting a certified Labor Condition Application (LCA), supporting documents about the job and the employee’s qualifications, and the required government fees. Selection in the lottery only gives the employer permission to file. The petition must still be reviewed and approved by USCIS before the employee can receive H-1B status.

If the registration is not selected, the employer cannot move forward with a cap-subject H-1B petition for that year. However, other options may be available. Some employers may qualify as cap-exempt (such as certain universities or nonprofit research organizations), which allows them to file outside the lottery. In other cases, alternative visa categories—such as O-1, TN, L-1, or E visas—may be worth exploring, depending on the employee’s background and the company’s structure. Employers can also plan to register again in the next H-1B cycle.

Tips to Improve Your H-1B Lottery and Application Success

There’s no way to guarantee selection or approval in the H-1B process, but careful planning can improve your chances and help you avoid costly mistakes. Preparation, accuracy, and strategy matter.

Here are practical steps employers can take:

Confirm specialty occupation eligibility early Make sure the role clearly qualifies as a specialty occupation. The position should normally require at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field. Align the job description and degree requirements before registration opens.
Leverage the U.S. master’s cap if eligible If the candidate earned a qualifying U.S. master’s degree or higher, they may qualify for the additional 20,000 visas available under the advanced degree cap. Confirm eligibility and have documentation ready.
Ensure registration information is accurateDouble-check all details—legal name, passport number, degree level, and citizenship. Small errors can create issues later when filing the petition.
Be smart about compensation strategy Under a wage-weighted lottery system, wage levels can significantly affect selection odds. Review compensation early and use a lottery odds calculator to understand how wage level may influence your chances. Strategic wage planning can make a meaningful difference.
Understand when the potential $100K fee appliesThe biggest cost risk in 2026 is the potential $100,000 supplemental fee. Remember that this fee, if allowed this year, is only triggered by Consular Processing (hiring someone outside the U.S.). If your candidate is already in the U.S. (e.g., on an F-1 or L-1 visa) and can file for a Change of Status, you are generally exempt.
Prepare petition documents in advanceIf selected, you’ll have a limited time to file the full petition. Gather job descriptions, company documents, and educational records ahead of time so you’re ready to move quickly.
Work with experienced immigration counsel H-1B cases are closely reviewed. Experienced counsel can help structure the role correctly, avoid common pitfalls, and strengthen the petition.
Use Ellis to streamline the processEllis helps employers manage H-1B registrations efficiently and plan strategically. Get in touch today to make the registration and filing process much easier for your team.

While outcomes aren’t guaranteed, taking these steps can reduce risk, improve efficiency, and put your company in a stronger position throughout the H-1B process.

Conclusion

The H-1B visa program plays a critical role in helping U.S. businesses hire the skilled professionals they need to grow and compete. Because visas are limited and the process is competitive, employers must approach registration and petition filing with a clear strategy.

If you’re getting ready for H-1B registration or rethinking your hiring strategy, Ellis can help. From managing registrations to modeling lottery odds and preparing strong petitions, our team supports you at every step. Contact Ellis to streamline your H-1B and global hiring needs.