H-1B Visa Lottery 2023–2024 Results: What Employers and Applicants Need to Know
The H-1B visa 2023–2024 registration results have officially begun rolling out. Employers are encouraged to log into their accounts to confirm whether their registration was selected. If chosen, you will also receive a Form I-797C, Notice of Action, with “Registration Selection” listed in the box labeled Notice Type. This document specifies the filing period during which your company must submit the corresponding H-1B petition and identifies the service center where it should be filed.
According to immigration attorneys at Green Card Link, applicants must submit the petition within the allotted timeframe stated on their notice—generally 90 days from the selection. While there is a possibility of additional lottery rounds, recent years show varying patterns. For example, USCIS conducted only one round in 2022, while in 2021, three separate rounds were held.
Another way to confirm lottery selection is by checking whether USCIS deposited your H-1B registration fee. If your petition was not selected, the fee will be refunded. Additionally, for international students applying through the advanced degree exemption, status updates are often reflected in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which is updated in real-time as results are processed.
Understanding the I-797C Notice of Action
When accessing the USCIS case status tool, your status will appear under a case number. Here is what the common terms mean:
- Submitted: Your registration is still under review. USCIS may keep this status active until the end of the fiscal year, and it does not mean rejection or approval yet.
- Selected: Congratulations—you were chosen in the lottery. Your sponsoring employer must file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, beginning April 1, 2023. Filing deadlines may be staggered to help USCIS manage intake, so always check the notice carefully.
- Not Selected: Unfortunately, your petition was not chosen. This status will remain unchanged until the end of the fiscal year (October 1, 2023).
- Denied: This occurs if a sponsor submitted multiple registrations for the same beneficiary, which is not allowed.
- Wait-Listed: If listed as wait-listed, your petition may replace one that was originally selected but later deemed ineligible, denied, or withdrawn. USCIS typically selects more petitions than the statutory cap to account for such cases.
It is critical to include a copy of your selection notice when filing your completed petition.
Can Employers Substitute or Transfer a Beneficiary?
No. USCIS strictly prohibits substitutions or transfers. If an H-1B petition is filed for a different beneficiary than the one identified in the selected registration, it will be denied or rejected. Likewise, if you miss the filing window specified in your selection notice, USCIS will not accept your petition.
How Many Registrations Will Be Selected?
For each fiscal year, USCIS selects 65,000 petitions under the regular cap, plus an additional 20,000 petitions under the advanced degree exemption.
In FY 2023, USCIS received 483,927 H-1B registrations, making the odds of selection highly competitive. If you hold a U.S. or foreign bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), the chances of being selected were around 13%. However, with a U.S. master’s degree or higher, your chances increased to about 17.5% under the advanced degree cap. Importantly, all registrations submitted within the designated window are treated equally, regardless of submission timing.
The best way to improve your chances of selection is to qualify for the master’s cap exemption by earning a graduate degree from a U.S. institution.
Timeline and Next Steps
If your petition is selected and fully approved, the earliest possible start date for H-1B employment is October 1, 2023. Because USCIS enforces strict requirements, we strongly recommend working with experienced immigration attorneys at Green Card Link to avoid costly mistakes that could lead to rejection or denial.
If you were not selected in the H-1B lottery, there are still other options available. Alternative work visas include the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability, J-1 exchange visitor visa, L-1 intra-company transfer visa, and TN visa for Canadian and Mexican professionals. Each of these may provide a viable pathway depending on your qualifications and circumstances.
Consult with Green Card Link
At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys have extensive experience handling complex H-1B cases, including petitions for startup companies and specialized professionals. Our team has successfully guided businesses and individuals through the H-1B lottery process, ensuring compliance with USCIS requirements while maximizing the chance of approval.
If you are exploring your options after the H-1B lottery—or if you want guidance on preparing a strong petition—schedule an online consultation with Green Card Link today. Our attorneys are here to help you achieve your employment-based immigration goals with confidence.