H-1B Visa Lottery 2026 Results: What’s Next for Unselected Applicants?

The results for the 2026 H-1B visa lottery have been released, and as in previous years, demand has once again significantly outstripped the limited supply. With only 65,000 H-1B regular cap spots and an additional 20,000 visas for U.S. master’s degree holders, thousands of applicants find themselves without a visa.

However, not being selected in this H-1B visa round doesn’t necessarily mark the end of your journey. Unsuccessful applicants remain in the system, offering a chance for a second lottery should the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) decide to hold one. If no second draw occurs, there are still multiple alternative visa options worth considering.

Alternative Visa Options for H-1B Lottery Applicants

1. L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa

If you work for a multinational company, you may qualify for an L-1 visa, allowing transfers to a U.S. office as an executive, manager, or specialist.

• Eligibility: Must have worked with the company abroad for at least one continuous year within the past three years.
• Costs:
  • Form I-129: $460
  • Anti-fraud fee: $500
  • Premium processing (optional): $2,805
  • Visa application (DS-160): $190

2. O-1 Visa for Extraordinary Ability

Designed for individuals with exceptional achievements in science, education, business, athletics, or the arts, the O-1 visa is an excellent alternative.

• Eligibility: Must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim.
• Costs:
  • Form I-129: $1,055 ($530 for small firms and non-profits)
  • DS-160: $190

3. E-2 Investor Visa

Entrepreneurs from treaty countries can apply for an E-2 visa by investing in a U.S. business. While India is not on the treaty list, Indian nationals with dual citizenship from an eligible country can still qualify.

• Eligibility: Must invest a substantial amount and maintain at least 50% control of the business.
• Costs:
  • Form I-129: $460
  • DS-160: $205

4. H-3 Trainee Visa

This visa enables foreign nationals to participate in training programs that are unavailable in their home country.

• Eligibility: Training must not involve regular employment.
• Costs:
  • Form I-129: $460
  • DS-160: $190

5. F-1 Visa with OPT and STEM OPT Extension

If you are a student in the U.S., the F-1 visa allows for Optional Practical Training (OPT) post-graduation, with STEM graduates eligible for an additional 24-month extension.

• Eligibility: Must be enrolled full-time at an SEVP-approved institution.
• Costs:
  • SEVIS fee: $350
  • DS-160: $185

6. Cap-Exempt H-1B Visas

Certain organizations, such as universities, non-profits, and research institutions, are exempt from the annual H-1B visa cap. Finding employment in one of these sectors can allow you to bypass the lottery system entirely.

7. EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card Sponsorship

Employers can sponsor foreign professionals for a green card through either the EB-2 (Advanced Degree/Exceptional Ability) or EB-3 (Skilled Workers, Professionals, Unskilled Workers) routes.

• Costs:
  • Form I-140: $715
  • DS-260: $345
  • I-864 fee: $120

8. J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa

This visa is ideal for interns, trainees, and researchers who want to participate in exchange programs.

• Eligibility: Must be accepted into a Department of State-approved program.
• Costs:
  • SEVIS fee: $220
  • DS-160: $185

U.S. Government Warns Employers Against Hiring Bias

While many companies actively sponsor foreign workers for visas, the U.S. government has recently issued warnings about unlawful hiring practices that prioritize foreign labor over American workers.

Andrea Lucas, chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), stated, “Unlawful bias against American workers is a large-scale problem in multiple industries nationwide.” She emphasized that some employers may be favoring foreign visa holders in violation of U.S. employment laws.

Lucas further warned, “If you are part of the pipeline contributing to our immigration crisis or abusing our legal immigration system via illegal preferences against American workers, you must stop. The law applies to you, and you are not above the law.”

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