With the FY 2026 H-1B lottery results now being released in phases, thousands of applicants are logging into their USCIS accounts to check their registration status. Whether you’ve been selected or are still waiting, understanding what each status means—and knowing the next steps—is crucial for staying on track.
Once logged in, your USCIS account will display one of the following statuses (as per Richards and Jurusik Immigration Law). Submitted means your registration is still in consideration for future selection rounds. Stay alert, as additional lotteries may occur if the visa cap isn’t met. Selected indicates that you are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition, with the filing window opening on April 1, 2025. Not Selected means your registration was not picked this year, but alternative options like Day 1 CPT, employer-sponsored green cards, or reapplying next season remain available. Denied – Duplicate Registration applies when multiple entries from the same registrant for the same applicant are disqualified, as USCIS permits only one registration per person per employer. Invalidated – Failed Payment signifies that your payment was unsuccessful, and the registration has been canceled. Deleted means your registration was removed and is no longer being considered. Processing Submission indicates that USCIS is still reviewing your entry, a status that is common during batch announcements, so frequent updates are recommended.
For those selected, the next steps involve submitting Form I-129 using the updated FY 2026 edition, paying the correct filing fees as per the revised structure effective April 1, 2025, and ensuring the petition is sent to the correct USCIS lockbox facility designated for H-1B cap filings. Errors in form editions, incorrect fee payments, or using the wrong mailing address may lead to processing delays or petition rejections.
Key changes for FY 2026 applicants include revised filing fees, ensuring the updated amounts are paid starting April 1, 2025, and new mailing locations, as cap-subject petitions must be sent to designated USCIS lockbox facilities instead of service centers. Additionally, due to high petition volumes, Form I-797 Notices of Action may take longer to arrive. If confirmed delivered but no notice is received within 30 days, applicants are advised to contact the USCIS Contact Center.
To stay on track, applicants should log in to their USCIS account and verify their registration status, begin preparing their petition with all required documents and forms if selected, confirm the correct mailing address for their filing category, and track their shipment while monitoring for their receipt notice. By following these steps carefully, applicants can ensure a smooth H-1B petition process for FY 2026.
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