Author: Attorney Jian Joe Zhou (jzhou@hooyou.com)

1. Overview of the 2025 H-1B Lottery Results

- Timeline & Process: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began releasing the results for the FY2026 H-1B lottery (starting October 1, 2025) on March 27, 2025. Most applicants who were selected saw the "Selected" status by March 31. The fast turnaround gave applicants more time to prepare for the next steps.

- Selection Rate: The estimated selection rate is 30–35%, which is consistent with recent years.  The selection rate for cases submitted through our firm is around 34%.

- Next Steps for Selected Applicants: If selected, you must submit the full H-1B petition between April 1 and June 30 (within 90 days). Failing to do so may result in a forfeited spot. USCIS may conduct a second or third round of selections, but additional spots are limited and chances are lower.

2. What to Do If You Weren’t Selected

For those not selected in the first round—especially those with OPT (Optional Practical Training) nearing expiration—here are suggested strategies:

- Maintain F-1 Status: This is the most straightforward and practical approach. You can continue your current academic program or transfer to a new one. Your school will issue a new I-20 form, and you generally won’t need to file a separate status change with USCIS.

- Choosing a Program: At this point, options for new academic programs may be limited, especially for Fall admissions that are already closed. Be open to backup or alternative programs to maintain legal status.

- Explore Other Visa Options: If extending F-1 status isn’t possible, consider other non-immigrant visas like O-1 (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability) or L-1 (Intra-company Transfers). These require more specific qualifications and should be assessed case by case.

3. Travel Advice & Potential Risks

The article highlights the uncertainties in current U.S. immigration policies and advises caution when considering international travel during the H-1B or OPT phase:

- Visa Delays or Denials: Reports indicate a higher chance of visa delays or rejections at U.S. consulates abroad.

- Risk to Legal Status: Traveling internationally might jeopardize your current status or re-entry plans.

- Best Time to Travel: It’s safer to wait until your H-1B status is approved and you’ve worked for some time under it. This builds a stronger record and reduces risk. Keep monitoring policy updates closely.

4. Extra Tips and Reminders

- Plan Ahead: Whether you were selected or not, planning early is crucial. Keep close communication with your school, employer, and immigration attorney to ensure all paperwork is timely and accurate.

- Seek Legal Advice: If you're unsure of your next steps—especially involving complex changes in visa status or international travel—consult a qualified immigration attorney.

- Stay Informed: U.S. immigration policies can change quickly. Regularly check the USCIS website or reliable immigration news sources for the latest updates.

5. Final Thoughts

The 2025 H-1B lottery showed a stable selection rate, but those who weren’t selected should stay calm and proactive. Maintaining F-1 status is the top priority for those nearing the end of OPT. Avoid unnecessary travel, prioritize legal status and employment stability, and stay alert for any USCIS announcements. Flexibility and preparation are key over the coming months.

About the Author

Attorney Jian Joe Zhou is a Managing Partner at Zhang & Associates, P.C., with over 20 years of experience in business immigration law. He has successfully handled thousands of immigration cases, including complex H-1B petitions across various industries.

For legal inquiries, you may contact Attorney Zhou at jzhou@hooyou.com.

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Founded in 1996, Zhang & Associates, P.C. offers legal services to clients worldwide in all aspects of U.S immigration law. We have successfully handled over ten thousand immigration cases.

At Zhang & Associates, P.C., our attorneys and supporting professionals are committed to providing high-quality immigration and non-immigration visa services. We specialize in NIW, EB-1, PERM, I-485 I-130, H-1B, O, L and J cases. In the past over twenty years, we have successfully helped over ten thousand clients get green cards. If you plan to apply for a green card, please send your CV to Attorney Jerry Zhang (info@hooyou.com) for a free evaluation.

Zhang & Associates, P.C.

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Tel:	1-800-230-7040, 713-771-8433
Email:	info@hooyou.com
website:	http://www.hooyou.com

 

(03/31/2025)