No he sido seleccionado en la lotería H1B - ¿Y ahora qué?
Kris Quadros-Ragar • June 27, 2024
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Perderse la lotería H-1B puede suponer un duro revés, sobre todo para quienes ansían trabajar en Estados Unidos. Sin embargo, no todas las esperanzas están perdidas. Hay múltiples vías y opciones a considerar si no eres seleccionado en la lotería inicial de H-1B.
1. Segunda oportunidad en la lotería del año en cursoUn resquicio de esperanza para los no seleccionados inicialmente es la posibilidad de un sorteo de "segunda oportunidad". Las inscripciones no seleccionadas en el sorteo de marzo permanecen en la reserva para un posible segundo sorteo si los seleccionados iniciales no completan su proceso de solicitud antes de la fecha límite del 30 de junio. Esto significa que su inscripción aún podría ser elegida más adelante en el año. Aunque la probabilidad de selección en esta segunda oportunidad es baja debido al gran volumen de inscritos, es una posibilidad a la que merece la pena aferrarse.
2. Prepárate para el sorteo del año que viene
Cada una de estas vías requiere una planificación cuidadosa y la comprensión de los requisitos específicos de elegibilidad y plazos. El equipo de Santos Lloyd Law Firm puede proporcionar orientación personalizada basada en sus circunstancias particulares y ayudarle a navegar a través de estas alternativas de manera efectiva.Mientras espera un posible segundo sorteo, es prudente prepararse para presentar una inscripción H-1B para la lotería del año siguiente. Para los empleadores, mantener la autorización de trabajo de un empleado en Estados Unidos. es fundamental y requiere una planificación cuidadosa, especialmente si el empleado se encuentra actualmente en Estados Unidos. con un visado diferente.3. Programas de estudios adicionalesPara aquellos con un visado F-1 que se acercan al final de su OPT o STEM OPT, considerar una educación adicional podría ser una ruta beneficiosa. Matricularse en otro programa académico puede permitirte optar a la Formación Práctica Curricular (CPT), que proporciona una autorización de trabajo relacionada con tu campo de estudio.4. Empleo en empresas exentas de la obligación de visado H-1BOtra estrategia viable es buscar empleo en organizaciones exentas de la obligación de solicitar el visado. Entre ellas se encuentran las instituciones de enseñanza superior, las entidades sin ánimo de lucro afiliadas a instituciones educativas y las organizaciones gubernamentales de investigación. Trabajar para una empresa exenta del límite le permite evitar el sistema de lotería.5. Alternativas en opciones de visado5. Alternativas en opciones de visadoHay otras categorías de visado que pueden encajar en su situación si la vía del visado H-1B no está disponible actualmente:
- Visados E-1 y E-2: Para nacionales de países con un tratado comercial con Estados Unidos, que realicen actividades comerciales o de inversión sustanciales.
- Visado E-3: Específico para ciudadanos australianos, este visado comparte similitudes con el H-1B pero no está sujeto al tope.
- Visado H-1B1: Disponible para nacionales de Singapur y Chile con beneficios similares al visado H-1B pero sin las restricciones del límite máximo.
- Visados O-1 o P-1: Para individuos que demuestren habilidades extraordinarias en su campo o aquellos que sean reconocidos internacionalmente.
- Visado TN: Para ciudadanos canadienses y mexicanos en determinadas profesiones, lo que permite un acceso más fácil al trabajo en Estados Unidos sin límite máximo.
6. Buscar la residencia permanente
- Visado L-1: Permite traslados interempresariales para empresas multinacionales.
Si está pensando en un futuro a largo plazo en Estados Unidos, iniciar el proceso de obtención de la tarjeta verde podría ser un paso estratégico. Aunque se trata de un proceso más largo y complejo, merece la pena hablar de las posibilidades (tanto si se basan en el empleo como si no) con un abogado de inmigración para estudiar su elegibilidad y los plazos.
Este blog no pretende ser una asesoría legal y nada aquí debe interpretarse como el establecimiento de una relación abogado-cliente. Programe una consulta con un abogado de inmigración antes de actuar sobre cualquier información que aquí lea.
On January 14, 2026, the Trump administration announced a freeze on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries . The administration states that this “visa freeze” is intended to review security protocols, “reduce risks,” and control immigration flows. However, the immediate reality is that this change in policy has temporarily suspended visa processing and restricted travel for applicants from numerous countries across the globe. While the legal landscape surrounding these suspensions is highly fluid and subject to change, it is important to consider how this “visa freeze” might impact your current status or immigration plans. The scope of the restrictions varies drastically depending on your country of origin and specific visa category. Most notably, a nationality-based travel ban restricts visa issuance for 19 countries : Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Beyond this targeted ban, a broader freeze affects applicants from a designated list of up to 75 countries, leading to indefinite delays for many visa petitions. However, it is important to note that immigrant visa applications first need to be processed through USCIS, which has not paused processing applications from the 75 countries. Thus, it is important to contact an attorney to understand at what point in the process this visa freeze may affect your case. While Brazil is included in the list of 75 countries, at the time of this publication, the freeze does not include non-immigrant visas for Brazil . Non-immigrant visas are granted to foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States on a temporary basis for specific purposes, such as tourism, studying, or temporary work. This means that Brazilian applicants can still safely pursue non-immigrant employment options, such as O visas for individuals with extraordinary ability or P visas for internationally recognized athletes, without being subjected to the current travel bans or suspensions. This alert is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. There are many changes and uncertainties, so please consult with a qualified attorney at Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C. to understand how these evolving policies might affect your specific case
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In recent weeks, the U.S. government has moved to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for multiple countries, sparking a wave of last-minute litigation and creating significant uncertainty for beneficiaries. This shift is having a profound impact on those who rely on TPS for lawful presence and work authorization in the United States. Across the country, federal courts have intervened to pause or block scheduled TPS terminations for several countries, including Burma (Myanmar), Ethiopia, Haiti, South Sudan, and Syria. In response to these court orders, USCIS has updated its webpages to indicate that TPS status and related Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) are extended for these populations. However, USCIS is intentionally not providing specific new end dates for EAD validity while the litigation remains in flux. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has prominently noted that it "vehemently disagrees" with these court orders and is actively working with the Department of Justice on next steps. This legal landscape remains highly unpredictable and varies drastically depending on the country of origin. For example, on February 9, 2026, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals granted a stay allowing the government to proceed with the termination of TPS for Nicaragua, Honduras, and Nepal while the underlying legal challenges continue. Because of this ruling, the automatic extension of work authorization for these individuals has ended, and employers are now required to reverify the work authorization of affected employees, who must present alternative valid documentation to continue their employment. These rapid changes and the lack of clear end dates are causing complications beyond the workplace. Because driver's licenses often track the length of an individual's authorized stay, many DMVs are currently declining to issue or renew driver's licenses for impacted TPS populations. For employers, managing internal communications, avoiding onboarding errors, and navigating Form I-9 compliance has become increasingly complex. It is more important than ever to be well-prepared and proactive in monitoring these rapid changes. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., our immigration attorneys are ready to guide you through this evolving process and ensure you are informed, and supported. Please contact us if you have questions or need assistance.
