Can I get a refund if I withdraw before the lottery?

Generally, no. The fees charged by the government in the H-1B process, including the registration fee to enter the lottery, are typically non-refundable. This means that even if you withdraw before the lottery takes place, the amount already paid is normally not returned.

The rationale is that the fee covers the processing and screening of the registration, a step that the USCIS carries out as soon as the application enters the system. For this reason, a later withdrawal does not usually result in a refund.

Before getting started, it is worth understanding that these costs may be retained if the petition does not move forward. Knowing each step and what each fee covers helps you make a more informed decision and avoid unexpected expenses.

Because fee rules and amounts change over time, confirm the current refund conditions directly with USCIS or with a qualified specialist, and be cautious of services that promise guaranteed refunds.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.