What to Do If You Don't Get Picked in the H-1B Lottery

What to Do If You Do Not Get Picked in the H-1B Lottery

The email arrives: "We regret to inform you that your H-1B registration was not selected in the lottery." Your stomach drops. Months of planning, and a random number generator decided your fate. But this is not the end of your US career. Thousands of professionals navigate this exact scenario every year and find viable alternatives. Here is your action plan, organized by urgency and viability.

Immediate Assessment: What Is Your Current Status?

Your next steps depend entirely on your current immigration status. Identify which situation applies to you:

• On initial 12-month OPT with STEM degree: You have the STEM OPT extension as your primary fallback. Apply immediately.
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