H-1B Lottery

OPT to H-1B Lottery Odds Calculator

Estimate your H-1B lottery selection probability based on USCIS cap data. See how odds shift year-to-year and what factors affect your chances.

How the H-1B Lottery Works

Advanced degree lottery:USCIS first draws 20,000 slots from all applicants with a U.S. master's degree or higher.
Regular cap lottery:USCIS then draws 65,000 slots from all remaining registrations — including master's applicants not selected in step 1.

A U.S. master's degree gives you two chancesto be selected (steps 1 & 2), while a bachelor's degree gives you one chance (step 2 only).

Your Estimated Lottery Odds (FY2025)

Do you hold a U.S. master's degree or higher?

Historical H-1B Lottery Selection Rates

Year	Total Registrations	Masters+ Odds	Regular Cap Odds	Notes
FY2025Latest	470,342	~24%	~15%	After new $10 registration fee reduced fraudulent filings
FY2024	780,884	~14%	~9%	Record high; USCIS found widespread duplicate registrations
FY2023	483,927	~23%	~16%	Post-pandemic demand surge
FY2022	308,613	~37%	~26%
FY2021	274,237	~48%	~35%	First year of online registration system

Selection rates are approximate estimates. USCIS selects ~130% of cap slots to account for petitions that are withdrawn or rejected. Source: USCIS H-1B Cap Data.

Ways to Improve Your Chances

STEM OPT extension: If eligible, extends your OPT by 24 months — giving you up to two additional H-1B lottery cycles while you stay on OPT status.
U.S. master's degree: Earns you the advanced degree lottery slot, effectively two chances per cycle. Must be from a USCIS-accredited or U.S.-accredited school.
Cap-exempt employers: Universities, nonprofits attached to universities, and government research organizations are exempt from the H-1B cap — no lottery required.
O-1A visa: If you have extraordinary ability, the O-1A is cap-exempt and petition-based. No lottery, no annual cap.
Multiple registrations: If more than one employer is willing to sponsor you, each employer can submit a separate registration — each is an independent lottery entry.

Key H-1B Lottery Dates (Annual Cycle)

~March 1

Registration opens

USCIS opens the online registration window

~March 22

Registration closes

Exact date varies — typically 2–3 weeks after opening

Late March

Lottery results

USCIS notifies registrants via myUSCIS account

June 30

Petition filing deadline

Selected registrants must file I-129 by this date

October 1

Earliest start date

H-1B fiscal year begins; work can start on or after this date

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Not legal advice. This tool provides general information only. Immigration law is complex and fact-specific. Consult a licensed immigration attorney before making any decisions.