How to Register for the H-1B Lottery: Step-by-Step Guide
The H-1B lottery registration process has changed significantly since USCIS moved to an online pre-registration system. Unlike the old paper-filing approach, today the lottery happens before any petition is filed -- and your employer registers on your behalf. Here is exactly how it works, step by step.
Frequently asked questions
Who files the H-1B lottery registration -- the worker or the employer?
The employer files the H-1B registration, not the worker. Your sponsoring employer (or their immigration attorney) submits the registration through a myUSCIS employer account and pays the $215 registration fee. You cannot register yourself -- you must have an employer willing to sponsor you.
What documents do I need for H-1B lottery registration?
The employer needs your passport information (name exactly as it appears on your passport, date of birth, country of birth, citizenship, passport number), whether you hold a U.S. master's degree or higher, and your current visa status. You do NOT need an LCA, full I-129 petition, or any supporting documents at the registration stage. Those come later if you are selected.
What happens if I am not selected in the H-1B lottery?
If not selected, your employer will see "Not Selected" in their myUSCIS account. Your options include: waiting for the next lottery cycle the following April, finding a cap-exempt employer (university, nonprofit research organization, or government research org) who can file an H-1B outside the lottery at any time of year, exploring alternative visa categories like TN, E-3, or O-1A, or extending your current status if eligible (for example, STEM OPT extension for F-1 students).
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and situation-specific. Always consult a licensed immigration attorney before making decisions about your immigration status.