The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the completion of the H-1B cap selection process for fiscal year 2027, marking a critical milestone in the annual H-1B lottery system. This process determines which H-1B registrations will be selected for petition filing under the regular cap of 65,000 visas and the additional 20,000 visas reserved for advanced degree holders from U.S. institutions.

Important Notice
Employers whose registrations were selected in the lottery must now file complete H-1B petitions by the designated deadline, typically 90 days from the selection notification. This includes preparing Form I-129, supporting documentation, Labor Condition Applications (LCAs), and required fees. Failure to file within the specified timeframe will result in the loss of selection status.

For those not selected in the initial lottery, alternative pathways remain available. Cap-exempt H-1B positions at universities, non-profit research organizations, and government research facilities do not require lottery selection. Additionally, other visa categories such as O-1 for individuals with extraordinary ability, L-1 for intracompany transferees, or E-2 treaty investor visas may provide viable alternatives depending on individual circumstances.

Important Notice
The completion of the selection process provides clarity for both employers and foreign workers planning their immigration strategies. Given the historically high demand and low selection rates, we recommend that affected parties consult with experienced immigration counsel to evaluate all available options and ensure compliance with filing requirements and deadlines.