How to Check if Your Employer Has Sponsored You for the H-1B Lottery in 2024

March 19, 2025

For many foreign professionals eyeing job opportunities in the United States, the H-1B visa lottery is a crucial milestone. If you believe your employer has submitted your application for this lottery, you might want to know how to confirm if your petition is officially registered with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Here’s a simple guide to help you verify your registration status.

Ask Your Employer for the USCIS Confirmation Number

One of the easiest ways to check your H-1B registration is to reach out to your employer or sponsoring company to obtain the USCIS confirmation number.

When employers submit an application for H-1B registration, USCIS assigns a unique confirmation number for each beneficiary.
While this number indicates your registration rather than your selection in the lottery, it’s a useful tracking tool.
If your employer seems reluctant to give you the number, it’s perfectly fine to kindly request it, as it will help you monitor any updates.

Request a Screenshot of USCIS MyAccount

Another method to verify your registration status is by asking for a screenshot of your employer’s USCIS MyAccount dashboard.

Employers or their legal representatives generally submit H-1B registrations through the USCIS online platform.
A screenshot from the USCIS portal can show if your name is listed as “Submitted” or “Selected.”
Keep in mind that access to this system is limited to employers and their attorneys, so availability might vary.

Reach Out to the Immigration or HR Department for Updates

If you’re unable to obtain the confirmation number or a screenshot, your next step is to directly email the immigration team or HR department.

Many employers typically have an internal immigration team or collaborate with an external law firm that handles H-1B applications.
Sending a formal email asking for updates on your H-1B lottery registration is a good approach.
Always remain polite and professional when inquiring about your registration status.

Full Time Employers with associated law firms Might Notify You Automatically

If you are employed full-time by a sizeable company or a well-known corporation, you may find that you receive automatic notifications about your H-1B registration status.

Large employers often have designated law firms managing visa applications.
These firms or immigration specialists usually update employees regarding pending documents, any changes, or actions needed.
If you’ve been registered for the H-1B lottery, it’s likely they will send you an email confirming your registration.

Key Points to Remember

1. It’s not uncommon for employers not to immediately share registration details, but you have every right to kindly ask for confirmation.

2. USCIS communicates directly with sponsors rather than with beneficiaries; hence, updates will come through your employer or their legal team.

3. If your employer is hesitant to provide updates, consider reaching out to HR, your manager, or their legal representatives for clarity.

4. If you’re a part of a consulting firm or employed by a third-party organization, keep in mind that communication may be slower, so take the initiative to follow up.

Final Thoughts

Confirming your employer has submitted your H-1B lottery registration is crucial for ensuring transparency and reducing anxiety. While it’s the responsibility of the employer to handle the application, you should actively seek confirmation regarding your status. You can request the USCIS confirmation number, a screenshot from MyAccount, or engage with HR or legal teams to verify that your registration is in order.

If you are selected in the lottery, expect your employer to receive a notification from USCIS between late March and early April. Should you not be selected in the initial round, remember to watch for any subsequent rounds if applicable.

By being informed and proactive, you can approach the H-1B lottery process with confidence and clarity.