H-1B Cap Season Strategy in Azusa: Maximizing Your Lottery Chances
Preparing for the annual H-1B visa lottery and what to do if not selected
Quick Answer
The H-1B visa lottery is highly competitive with a limited number of visas available each year. Understanding the timeline, requirements, and alternatives is crucial for professionals seeking U.S. work authorization.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For international professionals in Azusa seeking H-1B visas, proper preparation for cap season is essential. SoCal Immigration Services helps professionals and employers understand the H-1B process and explore alternatives.
H-1B Cap Season Overview
• 65,000 regular cap visas available
• 20,000 additional for U.S. Master's degree holders
• Registration period: Usually early March
• Lottery selection: Late March
• Earliest start date: October 1
H-1B Cap Timeline 2026
| Event | Typical Date | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Registration opens | Early March | Employer registers beneficiary |
| Registration period | ~2-3 weeks | Submit registration + fee |
| Lottery selection | Late March | Wait for notification |
| Petition filing | April 1+ | File full H-1B petition if selected |
| Processing | April-September | Wait for approval |
| Employment start | October 1 | Earliest H-1B start date |
H-1B Lottery Registration
- •Employer must register each beneficiary
- •$10 registration fee per beneficiary (2026)
- •Basic information: name, passport, education
- •No full petition needed at registration
- •Can be registered by multiple employers
- •USCIS conducts random lottery
Who Qualifies for H-1B?
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in specific field
• Job must require that degree (specialty occupation)
• Employer must pay prevailing wage
• Employer must file Labor Condition Application (LCA)
• Cannot have certain criminal or immigration issues
Cap-Exempt Employers
- •Universities and higher education institutions
- •Non-profit research organizations
- •Government research organizations
- •Non-profits affiliated with universities
- •Can file anytime, no cap limit
- •Often lower salaries but immediate processing
Maximizing Selection Chances
- 1Multiple Registrations
Register with different employers (must be legitimate jobs)
- 2Master's Degree
U.S. advanced degree gets 2 lottery chances
- 3Cap-Exempt Jobs
Consider university or non-profit positions
- 4Start Early
Employer relationship must exist before registration
- 5Complete Information
Errors can disqualify registration
If Selected in Lottery
• File complete H-1B petition within deadline
• Include all supporting documents
• Pay remaining filing fees
• Premium processing available ($2,805 for 15-day processing)
• Wait for approval or RFE
• Employment can begin October 1 or later
If NOT Selected
- •Cap-exempt employment (university, non-profit)
- •O-1 visa (extraordinary ability)
- •L-1 visa (intracompany transfer)
- •E-2 investor visa (treaty country)
- •Study extension (if still F-1)
- •Day-1 CPT programs
- •Work abroad for same employer, transfer later
F-1 Students and H-1B
• OPT can bridge gap to H-1B start date
• Cap-gap extension if timely filed
• Can work until October 1 on OPT
• If not selected, OPT continues to original end date
• STEM OPT provides up to 3 years total
Employer Requirements
- •Valid job offer for specialty occupation
- •Prevailing wage payment
- •Labor Condition Application (LCA)
- •Worksite postings of LCA
- •Registration fees
- •Filing fees if selected
- •Maintain public access file
Common H-1B Mistakes
• Incorrect beneficiary information
• Job description doesn't match specialty occupation
• Salary below prevailing wage
• Missing LCA or incorrect LCA
• Inadequate credential evaluation
• Unsigned forms or missing signatures
Azusa H-1B Services
- •H-1B eligibility evaluation
- •Employer guidance on registration
- •Document preparation for petition
- •Alternative visa analysis
- •Status maintenance guidance
- •Arabic and English speaking support
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:What are the odds of being selected in the H-1B lottery?
A: Selection rates vary by year. Recently, with increased registrations, odds have been around 25-30%. Having a U.S. Master's degree improves chances slightly as you enter both the advanced degree and regular cap lottery.
Q:Can I register with multiple employers?
A: Yes, you can be registered by multiple employers if you have legitimate job offers from each. However, fraudulent multiple registrations have led to increased USCIS scrutiny.
Q:What happens to my OPT if I'm not selected?
A: Your OPT continues to its original end date. If you're on STEM OPT, you have up to 3 years total. You can try the lottery again the following year while on OPT.
Q:Can I work while waiting for H-1B approval?
A: If you're on valid OPT, you can continue working. The 'cap-gap' extension allows F-1 students with pending H-1B petitions to remain in status until October 1 if selected.
Q:What if I don't have a Bachelor's degree?
A: H-1B requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Work experience can sometimes substitute for education (typically 3 years experience = 1 year education), but this requires credential evaluation.
Q:Are there H-1B alternatives for entrepreneurs?
A: Self-sponsorship for H-1B is very difficult. Entrepreneurs may consider O-1A (extraordinary ability in business), E-2 (investor visa), or other options depending on circumstances.
Planning Your H-1B Cap Season Strategy?
Let us help you prepare for the H-1B lottery and explore alternative pathways to U.S. work authorization.
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