Every year, thousands of skilled professionals eagerly await the U.S. job market to open doors while they place their hopes on a lottery—not for cash, but for the opportunity to work in the U.S. The H1B visa lottery determines who gets to stay and build a career and who has to wait another year.
For fiscal year 2026, the registration period opens on March 7th and closes on March 24th. Employers need to register their candidates online through the USCIS system and pay a fee for each entry. The process is straightforward, but the odds? Not so favorable.
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With demand far surpassing the annual cap, many qualified professionals will unfortunately miss out. The lottery system leaves careers and futures in limbo, turning what should be an employment process into a game of chance. For those who are selected, the next step is to file the full petition. For those who aren’t, it’s back to the drawing board.
For Indian professionals aspiring to work in the U.S., this registration window is vital. Missing it means waiting another year. If you’re an employer or a job seeker, now is the time to get ready—because once the window closes, the waiting game begins.
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The lottery system has been a source of frustration for both skilled professionals and employers. Highly qualified candidates are left to chance, while businesses face talent shortages. Many applicants dedicate years to studying and working in the U.S., only to be forced out due to bad luck.
Even for those who are selected, the challenges continue. Delays in processing, RFEs (Requests for Evidence), and shifting immigration policies can create months of uncertainty. As a result, companies lose skilled workers, and professionals find their careers on hold, unsure if they can remain or if they need to start anew elsewhere.
