H1B and diversity lottery interview

[bnation_86 17]

I would like to seek your expert guidance regarding my current U.S. immigration situation.

 

I have been selected in the FY2025 H-1B visa lottery, and my petition has already been filed with USCIS by my sponsoring agency. I am currently outside the United States and scheduled to begin employment under H-1B status on October 1, 2025, pending approval and visa stamping.

 

However, just yesterday, I checked my Diversity Visa (DV) 2026 portal and was notified that I have been randomly selected for further processing under the DV program for fiscal year 2026 (Oct 1, 2025 – Sept 30, 2026). 

 

Given the time-sensitive and exclusive nature of both immigration processes, I would appreciate your advice on:

 

How to proceed without jeopardizing either path;

 

Whether to prioritize DV consular processing or continue with the H-1B process as planned;

 

The feasibility and risk of adjusting status from H-1B to permanent resident if I choose to enter the U.S. under H-1B before my DV case is processed.

 

I want to ensure that I follow the most strategic and legally sound route without invalidating either opportunity.

 

Thank you for your time and insights.

[OldUser 8,890]

58 minutes ago, bnation_86 said:

The feasibility and risk of adjusting status from H-1B to permanent resident if I choose to enter the U.S. under H-1B before my DV case is processed.

H-1B is a dual intent visa. You can enter the US with intent to adjust your status. I see no problem with adjusting status in the US while on H-1B.

[Boiler 46,852]

2 hours ago, bnation_86 said:

 

I have been selected in the FY2025 H-1B visa lottery, and my petition has already been filed with USCIS by my sponsoring agency. I am currently outside the United States and scheduled to begin employment under H-1B status on October 1, 2025, pending approval and visa stamping.

Sponsoring agency, do you mean Employer.

[bnation_86 17]

9 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Sponsoring agency, do you mean Employer.

Yes employer 

[appleblossom 3,824]

Definitely do both. Being selected in the DV doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get a visa, so you don’t want to give up the H1B opportunity for it. 

 

Edit: confused, as your previous posts say you’re a USC? So are you asking for somebody else? And if so, it is your father that you asked about in this thread? 

 

Edited Sunday at 07:34 PM by appleblossom

[bnation_86 17]

9 minutes ago, appleblossom said:

Definitely do both. Being selected for the DV doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get a visa, so you don’t want to give up the H1B opportunity for it. 

 

Edit: confused, as your previous posts say you’re a USC? So are you asking for somebody else? And if so, it is your father that you asked about in this thread? 

 

I'm asking for my brother. I'm a US Citizen 

[appleblossom 3,824]

40 minutes ago, bnation_86 said:

I'm asking for my brother. I'm a US Citizen 

 

Ah, ok. I would suggest he joins us here with his own account.