Not Selected? Here's What to Do Next

For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, or athletics. Requires evidence such as awards, publications, patents, high salary, or critical role at a distinguished organization.

Best for: Researchers, engineers with publications or patents, startup founders, people with significant professional recognition.

A green card category that lets you self-petition without an employer sponsor. You must show your work has substantial merit, is national in scope, and that waiving the job offer requirement benefits the United States.

Best for: Advanced degree holders (master's or higher), people whose work demonstrably benefits the US economy, healthcare, or technology.

If your employer has offices abroad, you can transfer to the foreign office for at least one year, then transfer back to the US on an L-1 visa. No annual cap and no lottery.

Best for: Employees at multinational companies with established foreign offices. Requires at least one year of employment abroad.

Certain employers are exempt from the H-1B cap entirely. Universities, nonprofit research organizations, and government research organizations can sponsor H-1B workers year-round without going through the lottery.

Best for: Researchers, academics, and professionals open to working at universities or nonprofit research institutions.

Register again for the FY2028 lottery. In the meantime, negotiate a higher salary to move up a wage level. Consider employers in lower-cost states where your salary maps to a higher prevailing wage tier.

Best for: Anyone who wants to stay on the H-1B path. Use the time to strengthen your position with a higher wage level.