FY2026 H-1B Lottery Statistics
- Total registrations: 780,884
- Regular cap slots: 65,000
- US Master's cap slots: 20,000
- Total ITAs issued: ~110,000 (including reserves)
- Selection probability (regular cap): ~8.3%
- Selection probability (Master's cap): ~14.1%
5 Alternatives If You Were Not Selected
- O-1A Visa (Extraordinary Ability): No lottery. If you have national/international recognition in your field — awards, publications, press — you may qualify. Processing time 2–3 months.
- L-1 Intracompany Transfer: If your UAE employer has a US affiliate or subsidiary, you may be transferred as a manager, executive or specialised knowledge worker.
- EB-1A / EB-2 NIW (Self-Petition PR): Extraordinary ability or National Interest Waiver routes to US green card without employer sponsorship.
- Cap-Exempt H-1B: Universities, non-profits affiliated with research, and government research organisations are exempt from the cap.
- TN Visa (for Canadians & Mexicans): USMCA professionals qualify for a work visa with no cap or lottery — but requires Canadian or Mexican citizenship.
Preparing for FY2027 Registration
FY2027 registration opens in March 2026. Key preparation steps: ensure your employer updates your registration profile with your latest degree and employer EIN, consider acquiring a US Master's degree (boosts lottery odds by 6–8%), and explore multiple employer registrations if you are in discussions with more than one US sponsor.
