H-1B Cap Registration in San Dimas: 2026 Lottery Strategy Guide
Maximizing your chances in the H-1B electronic registration lottery
Quick Answer
For employers and foreign professionals in San Dimas preparing for the H-1B cap season, understanding the electronic registration lottery system is essential. SoCal Immigration Services helps navigate the competitive H-1B process with strategic planning and preparation.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For employers and foreign professionals in San Dimas preparing for the H-1B cap season, understanding the electronic registration lottery system is essential. SoCal Immigration Services helps navigate the competitive H-1B process with strategic planning and preparation.
Understanding the H-1B Cap and Lottery
Annual H-1B Numbers:
• Regular cap: 65,000 visas
• Advanced degree exemption: Additional 20,000
• Total available: 85,000 new H-1B visas
• Registrations typically: 400,000-500,000+
• Selection rate: Approximately 15-25%
H-1B Electronic Registration System
| Stage | Timing | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Opens | Early March | Employers submit $10 registrations |
| Registration Period | 2-3 weeks | All registrations collected |
| Lottery Selection | Late March | Random selection conducted |
| Notifications | By March 31 | Selected registrations notified |
| Filing Window | 90 days | Selected must file full petition |
Who Can Register for the H-1B Lottery
- •U.S. employer with valid EIN
- •Legitimate specialty occupation position
- •Beneficiary with qualifying degree
- •Position requires bachelor's degree minimum
- •Employer intends to file if selected
- •No duplicate registrations for same beneficiary/employer
The $10 Registration Fee
Fee Details:
• $10 per registration per beneficiary
• Non-refundable whether selected or not
• Paid electronically during registration
• Multiple employers can register same worker
• Each registration has independent lottery chance
Note: This is separate from the full H-1B filing fees if selected.
Advanced Degree Exemption Strategy
How It Works:
• First entered in advanced degree pool (20,000)
• If not selected, entered in regular pool (65,000)
• Effectively doubles selection odds
Qualifying Degrees:
• U.S. master's degree or higher
• Doctorate from U.S. institution
• Must be from accredited institution
• Foreign degrees do NOT qualify for this pool
Timing and Deadlines
- •Registration opens: Typically first business day of March
- •Registration closes: Mid-March (usually 2-3 weeks)
- •Lottery results: By March 31
- •Filing deadline: 90 days from selection notification
- •Employment start: October 1, 2026
If Selected in the Lottery
Required Elements:
• Form I-129 petition
• Labor Condition Application (LCA)
• Evidence of specialty occupation
• Evidence worker qualifications
• Employer-employee relationship proof
• Supporting documentation
Filing Fees (In Addition to Registration):
• Base filing fee: $460
• ACWIA fee: $750 or $1,500
• Fraud prevention fee: $500
• Asylum program fee: $600
• Premium processing (optional): $2,805
What If Not Selected
Immediate Options:
• Wait for next year's lottery
• Explore cap-exempt H-1B options
• Consider O-1 for extraordinary ability
• Use OPT/STEM OPT if eligible
• Explore L-1 if multinational company
Cap-Exempt Employers:
• Universities and colleges
• Nonprofit research organizations
• Governmental research organizations
Multiple Registrations Strategy
Legal Multiple Registrations:
• Different employers can each register you
• Each registration enters lottery independently
• Related entities must be separate employers
• Cannot have same employer register multiple times
Caution:
• USCIS monitors for fraud
• Sham registrations are prohibited
• All registering employers must have genuine intent
Common H-1B Registration Mistakes
- •Incorrect beneficiary information (name, DOB, passport)
- •Wrong degree information
- •Incorrect employer EIN
- •Duplicate registrations from same employer
- •Missing registration window
- •Payment processing errors
- •Not having job offer letter ready
Preparing for Success
- •Verify beneficiary qualifications and documents early
- •Ensure specialty occupation requirements met
- •Have credential evaluation ready if foreign degree
- •Begin LCA preparation before lottery
- •Consider premium processing for faster decision
- •Plan backup options if not selected
- •Budget for all fees and costs
San Dimas H-1B Services
- •Electronic registration submission
- •Qualification assessment
- •LCA preparation
- •Full H-1B petition filing if selected
- •Premium processing support
- •Alternative visa strategy consultation
- •Arabic-speaking employee support
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:When does H-1B registration open for FY 2027?
A: For employment starting October 1, 2026, registration typically opens the first business day of March 2026. The exact dates are announced by USCIS, usually in late February.
Q:What are my chances of being selected in the H-1B lottery?
A: Selection rates vary by year based on total registrations. Recent years have seen roughly 15-25% selection rates. Those with U.S. advanced degrees have higher odds due to the two-pool system.
Q:Can I register for the lottery myself?
A: No. Only the sponsoring employer (or their representative) can submit the registration. The beneficiary cannot register themselves. You must have a job offer from a willing sponsor.
Q:What if I have both a job offer and a U.S. master's degree?
A: You would be entered first in the advanced degree pool (20,000 visas). If not selected there, you're automatically entered in the regular pool (65,000 visas), giving you two chances.
Q:If selected, how long do I have to file the full petition?
A: You have 90 days from the date of selection notification to file the complete H-1B petition. This deadline is strict, so preparation should begin before lottery results are announced.
Q:Can multiple companies register me for the lottery?
A: Yes. Each legitimate employer with a genuine job offer can independently register you. Each registration gets its own lottery chance, improving your odds of selection.
Ready for H-1B Cap Registration in San Dimas?
Our team helps Pomona Valley employers navigate the H-1B lottery system. We ensure accurate registration and prepare complete petitions if selected.
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