What are the chances of getting an H-1B visa after OPT expires?

 

What Are the Chances of Getting an H-1B Visa After OPT Expires?

The chances of getting an H-1B visa after your OPT expires depend on several factors, including the lottery system, employer sponsorship, and alternative visa options.

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🔹 1️⃣ H-1B Lottery Odds (If Subject to the Cap)

Most F-1 students on OPT apply for H-1B under the regular cap. Since H-1B visas are limited, you must enter the H-1B lottery.

📅 Annual H-1B Cap:

• 65,000 visas for bachelor’s degree holders.

• 20,000 additional visas for U.S. master’s degree holders (better chance!).

📊 Estimated Selection Rates (2024 Data):

Category	Chance of Selection
Regular Bachelor’s Cap	~15-20%
U.S. Master’s Cap	~25-30%

📌 If you don’t get selected, you must try again next year—if you still have a valid visa option.

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🔹 2️⃣ If Your OPT Has Already Expired

If your OPT has expired and you didn’t get selected for H-1B, your chances depend on:

✔ STEM OPT Extension – If eligible, you get 2 more years to try the lottery again.
✔ Cap-Exempt H-1B Jobs – Some employers (universities, nonprofits, government research) can sponsor H-1B anytime without a lottery.
✔ Alternative Work Visas – Consider L-1, O-1, TN, or E-2 visas.
✔ Changing to Another Visa Status – Enrolling in another degree (F-1), B-2 tourist visa, or other options can keep you legally in the U.S.

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🔹 3️⃣ What If You’re Not Selected & OPT/STEM OPT Expires?

🚨 If your OPT or STEM OPT expires and you don’t have another status:
❌ You must leave the U.S. within the 60-day grace period.
❌ Staying without a valid status = unlawful presence, which can affect future visas.

Alternatives to Stay in the U.S.:

✔ Find a cap-exempt H-1B employer (universities, nonprofits).
✔ Go back to school & get a new F-1 visa for another degree (CPT/OPT again).
✔ Work for a multinational company abroad & return on an L-1 visa later.
✔ Explore other visas like O-1 (extraordinary ability) or E-2 (entrepreneur visa).

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🟢 Summary: What Are the Chances of Getting H-1B After OPT?

1️⃣ If you enter the lottery:

• Regular H-1B applicants: ~15-20% chance.

• Master’s degree holders: ~25-30% chance.

• Can apply multiple years if on STEM OPT.

2️⃣ If OPT expires before getting H-1B:

• Use Cap-Gap Extension (if applicable).

• Find a cap-exempt employer (no lottery).

• Switch to another visa or go back to school.

• Leave the U.S. and reapply from abroad.

🚀 Need help finding an H-1B sponsor or visa alternatives? 😊