Multiple H-1B Applications: Can Different Employers Apply for You in Same Lottery
Can you increase H-1B lottery chances by having multiple employers register for you? Here's what's allowed and what's not.
Quick Answer
Yes, multiple employers can register you for H-1B lottery in same year IF each has legitimate, independent job offer. You cannot file multiple petitions with same employer or create fake employers to game the system. USCIS detects and denies fraudulent multiple registrations. If selected by multiple employers, each must file separate petition and you choose which offer to accept. This is legitimate way to increase lottery chances.
Key Takeaways
Multiple employers CAN register you for same lottery (if legitimate)
Each employer must have genuine, independent job offer
Same employer cannot file multiple petitions for same person
USCIS uses fraud detection for gaming attempts
If selected by multiple, choose one employer to proceed
Cap-exempt employers don't need lottery registration
Key Takeaways
Multiple employers CAN register you for same lottery (if legitimate)
Each employer must have genuine, independent job offer
Same employer cannot file multiple petitions for same person
USCIS uses fraud detection for gaming attempts
If selected by multiple, choose one employer to proceed
Cap-exempt employers don't need lottery registration
Table of Content
The Multiple Registration Rule
USCIS allows multiple employers to register same beneficiary in H-1B lottery. This is legitimate if each employer has genuine job opening for you, each registration represents independent employment opportunity, and you intend to work for whichever employer is selected.
Example of legitimate multiple registration:
Company A offers software engineer position in Seattle
Company B offers data scientist position in Austin
Both register you in March lottery
If both selected, you choose which offer to accept
What's NOT Allowed
Gaming the system through fake or coordinated registrations is fraud.
Prohibited scenarios:
Same employer filing multiple petitions for same person
Creating shell companies to file multiple petitions
Employers colluding to file for same person with no real jobs
Registering with companies you have no intention of working for
Paying companies to register you without real job offer
USCIS uses sophisticated fraud detection. Multiple registrations from related entities, unusual patterns, or suspicious arrangements trigger investigation and denial.
Scenario | Allowed? | Why |
|---|---|---|
Two unrelated employers, two real jobs | Yes | Legitimate independent opportunities |
Same employer, two different positions | No | One employer = one registration per person |
Parent company and subsidiary | Maybe | If truly separate operations with separate jobs |
Friend's company with no real job | No | Fraud |
Staffing company and client | Complex | Depends on employer-employee relationship |
How Multiple Selection Works
If multiple employers register you and multiple are selected in lottery:
Process:
March: Employers A, B, C register you
Late March: Lottery results - Employers A and C selected
April-June: Both employers file petitions
You choose which job to accept
Withdraw other petition or let it process (if unsure)
Both petitions can be approved. You can only use one - starting employment at one employer means other petition becomes invalid for immediate use.
Strategic Multiple Applications
Some H-1B candidates strategically pursue multiple registrations to improve odds.
Strategies:
Apply to multiple companies during job search
Negotiate job offers contingent on H-1B selection
Ask each employer to register you
Increase chances from ~25% (one registration) to higher odds
Realistic improvement:
1 registration: ~25% selection rate
2 registrations: ~44% chance at least one selected
3 registrations: ~58% chance at least one selected
This assumes each registration is legitimate with real employer and real job.
Employer Perspective
Employers may be reluctant to register candidates who are also registered elsewhere. They invest time/money in registration and petition process. Some ask for commitment before registering.
Considerations:
Some employers require exclusivity
Others understand competitive job market
Be transparent with employers about other opportunities
Don't promise exclusivity to multiple employers
Cap-Exempt Employers
If you work for cap-exempt employer (universities, nonprofits affiliated with universities, government research organizations), you don't need lottery at all. H-1B can be filed anytime.
Strategy: If struggling with lottery, consider cap-exempt position first. After one year in cap-exempt role, you can transfer to cap-subject employer using cap exemption earned through nonprofit work.
When Multiple Petitions Are Filed
If both petitions are filed and approved, keep one, withdraw other, OR maintain both approvals if genuinely unsure about which job. If you start working for Employer A, don't use Employer B's approval unless you properly transfer.
Cannot work for multiple employers on same H-1B - each employer requires separate petition.
Fraud Detection
USCIS examines multiple registrations for same beneficiary. Red flags include registrations from related entities (same address, same owner), unrealistic number of registrations (10+ employers all registering same person), employers with history of fraudulent filings, and registrations from companies with no operations.
Fraud consequences: denial of all petitions, potential bars from future applications, and possible criminal prosecution.
The Multiple Registration Rule
USCIS allows multiple employers to register same beneficiary in H-1B lottery. This is legitimate if each employer has genuine job opening for you, each registration represents independent employment opportunity, and you intend to work for whichever employer is selected.
Example of legitimate multiple registration:
Company A offers software engineer position in Seattle
Company B offers data scientist position in Austin
Both register you in March lottery
If both selected, you choose which offer to accept
What's NOT Allowed
Gaming the system through fake or coordinated registrations is fraud.
Prohibited scenarios:
Same employer filing multiple petitions for same person
Creating shell companies to file multiple petitions
Employers colluding to file for same person with no real jobs
Registering with companies you have no intention of working for
Paying companies to register you without real job offer
USCIS uses sophisticated fraud detection. Multiple registrations from related entities, unusual patterns, or suspicious arrangements trigger investigation and denial.
Scenario | Allowed? | Why |
|---|---|---|
Two unrelated employers, two real jobs | Yes | Legitimate independent opportunities |
Same employer, two different positions | No | One employer = one registration per person |
Parent company and subsidiary | Maybe | If truly separate operations with separate jobs |
Friend's company with no real job | No | Fraud |
Staffing company and client | Complex | Depends on employer-employee relationship |
How Multiple Selection Works
If multiple employers register you and multiple are selected in lottery:
Process:
March: Employers A, B, C register you
Late March: Lottery results - Employers A and C selected
April-June: Both employers file petitions
You choose which job to accept
Withdraw other petition or let it process (if unsure)
Both petitions can be approved. You can only use one - starting employment at one employer means other petition becomes invalid for immediate use.
Strategic Multiple Applications
Some H-1B candidates strategically pursue multiple registrations to improve odds.
Strategies:
Apply to multiple companies during job search
Negotiate job offers contingent on H-1B selection
Ask each employer to register you
Increase chances from ~25% (one registration) to higher odds
Realistic improvement:
1 registration: ~25% selection rate
2 registrations: ~44% chance at least one selected
3 registrations: ~58% chance at least one selected
This assumes each registration is legitimate with real employer and real job.
Employer Perspective
Employers may be reluctant to register candidates who are also registered elsewhere. They invest time/money in registration and petition process. Some ask for commitment before registering.
Considerations:
Some employers require exclusivity
Others understand competitive job market
Be transparent with employers about other opportunities
Don't promise exclusivity to multiple employers
Cap-Exempt Employers
If you work for cap-exempt employer (universities, nonprofits affiliated with universities, government research organizations), you don't need lottery at all. H-1B can be filed anytime.
Strategy: If struggling with lottery, consider cap-exempt position first. After one year in cap-exempt role, you can transfer to cap-subject employer using cap exemption earned through nonprofit work.
When Multiple Petitions Are Filed
If both petitions are filed and approved, keep one, withdraw other, OR maintain both approvals if genuinely unsure about which job. If you start working for Employer A, don't use Employer B's approval unless you properly transfer.
Cannot work for multiple employers on same H-1B - each employer requires separate petition.
Fraud Detection
USCIS examines multiple registrations for same beneficiary. Red flags include registrations from related entities (same address, same owner), unrealistic number of registrations (10+ employers all registering same person), employers with history of fraudulent filings, and registrations from companies with no operations.
Fraud consequences: denial of all petitions, potential bars from future applications, and possible criminal prosecution.
Can I ask multiple employers to register me?
Yes, if each has genuine job offer. Be transparent with employers about other opportunities.
What if same employer has two positions for me?
One employer can only register you once per lottery, regardless of how many positions they have.
Does multiple registration guarantee selection?
No guarantee, but improves odds. With 25% selection rate, two registrations give ~44% chance at least one is selected.
What happens if both employers are selected?
Both file petitions. You choose which to accept. Other petition can be withdrawn or let process if unsure.
Can staffing company and client both register me?
Complex situation. Depends on who is actual employer. USCIS scrutinizes third-party arrangements carefully.
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