Will There Be a Second Round of the H-1B Lottery in 2026?
Every year, thousands of skilled foreign professionals closely watch the H-1B visa process, hoping to secure a chance to work legally in the United States. As the first lottery results roll out, a common and very important question comes up again and again: will there be a second round of the H-1B lottery in 2026? This question matters deeply for students, tech workers, healthcare professionals, and U.S. employers who depend on global talent.
Understanding How the H-1B Lottery Works
The H-1B visa program allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. Because demand far exceeds the annual cap, USCIS runs a random selection process, commonly known as the lottery. For fiscal year 2026, USCIS first conducts an initial lottery after the registration window closes in March. Selected candidates are then allowed to file full H-1B petitions.
However, not everyone selected in the first round files their petition. This gap is the main reason why many people ask whether there will be a second round of the H-1B lottery in 2026.
Why a Second Round of the H-1B Lottery Happens
A second lottery usually happens when USCIS does not receive enough approved petitions to meet the annual cap. This can occur if employers withdraw, fail to submit paperwork on time, or if petitions are denied. In such cases, USCIS may conduct another selection from the remaining pool of registered candidates.
Historically, USCIS has held additional rounds in several recent years. That history is why the possibility of a second round of the H-1B lottery in 2026 remains very real, though not guaranteed.
What USCIS Has Indicated for 2026
As of now, USCIS has not officially confirmed whether there will be a second round of the H-1B lottery in 2026. USCIS typically waits until it reviews how many petitions are filed and approved after the first selection. If the numbers fall short, a second round becomes likely.
Experts believe the chances of a second round of the H-1B lottery in 2026 depend heavily on economic conditions, hiring trends in the U.S., and employer compliance with filing deadlines.
Factors That Increase the Chances of a Second Round
Several factors may increase the likelihood of a second selection. If tech hiring slows, some employers may choose not to move forward with H-1B filings. Increased scrutiny by USCIS can also lead to higher denial rates. Additionally, rising filing costs may discourage smaller employers from proceeding.
All these elements together can open the door for a second round of the H-1B lottery in 2026, giving hope to candidates who were not selected initially.
What Applicants Should Do While Waiting
If you were not selected in the first lottery, staying prepared is critical. Your registration remains valid for the fiscal year, meaning you are automatically considered if a second lottery is conducted. Many immigration attorneys advise candidates to keep documents ready and stay in close contact with their employers.
Waiting for news about the second round of the H-1B lottery in 2026 can be stressful, but being prepared helps avoid last-minute panic.
Impact on International Students and Workers
For international students on OPT and STEM OPT, the outcome of a second lottery can be life-changing. A second round of the H-1B lottery in 2026 could provide another opportunity to stay and work in the United States legally, especially for those nearing their work authorization expiration.
For U.S. employers, an additional lottery helps fill talent gaps that remain after the first round.
When to Expect an Announcement
If USCIS decides to conduct a second round, announcements usually come between July and October. Updates are posted directly in USCIS online accounts, not through emails or public lists. Anyone hoping for a second round of the H-1B lottery in 2026 should regularly monitor their USCIS account.
Final Thoughts on the 2026 H-1B Lottery
While nothing is guaranteed, history shows that additional selections are possible. The question “will there be a second round of the H-1B lottery in 2026?” does not yet have a final answer, but the chances remain open. Staying informed, prepared, and patient is the best strategy for now.
For many hopeful applicants, the second round of the H-1B lottery in 2026 could be the opportunity that changes everything.
FAQs
Will there be a second round of the H-1B lottery in 2026?
USCIS has not officially confirmed a second round yet. A second round of the H-1B lottery in 2026 will only happen if USCIS does not receive enough approved petitions after the first selection. This decision is usually made later in the year after reviewing filing numbers.
When could USCIS announce a second round of the H-1B lottery in 2026?
If USCIS decides to conduct a second round, announcements typically happen between July and October 2025. Applicants should regularly check their USCIS online accounts for updates regarding the second round of the H-1B lottery in 2026.
Who is eligible for the second round of the H-1B lottery in 2026?
Only applicants who were properly registered in the initial H-1B registration period and were not selected in the first lottery are eligible. There is no need to re-register for the second round of the H-1B lottery in 2026.
Do I need to submit a new application for the second H-1B lottery?
No. USCIS automatically selects from the existing pool of registrations. If a second round of the H-1B lottery in 2026 happens, eligible candidates will be notified directly through their USCIS accounts.
What increases the chances of a second H-1B lottery round?
Lower employer participation, higher petition denial rates, economic uncertainty, and delayed filings can increase the chances of a second round of the H-1B lottery in 2026. These factors reduce the total number of approved petitions.
How will I know if I am selected in the second round?
USCIS does not send emails or public announcements for individual selections. You must log in to your USCIS online account to check your status if a second round of the H-1B lottery in 2026 is conducted.
Does a second H-1B lottery happen every year?
No. A second round is not guaranteed every year. It only occurs when USCIS needs to fill unused H-1B cap numbers. While past trends show additional rounds in some years, the second round of the H-1B lottery in 2026 depends entirely on USCIS data.
What should applicants do while waiting for a second round?
Applicants should stay in close contact with their employers, keep documents ready, and monitor USCIS updates. If the second round of the H-1B lottery in 2026 happens, selected applicants will have limited time to file their petition.
Also Read: H1B Application Deadline 2026: Final Dates, Rules, and What Applicants Must Do Now