Understanding the H-1B Lottery Process for 2025

The H-1B lottery, a critical component of the U.S. employment-based immigration system, is set to begin in March 2025. This lottery determines which applicants may apply for an H-1B visa, a nonimmigrant status that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring advanced knowledge and skills.

What is the H-1B Lottery?

Each fiscal year, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) caps the number of H-1B visas available at 85,000. This includes 65,000 visas for the regular cap and an additional 20,000 for individuals with a U.S. master’s degree or higher. Due to high demand, USCIS uses a random lottery to select registrants.

How Do H-1B Beneficiaries Qualify?

To qualify for an H-1B visa, beneficiaries must meet the following criteria:

• Specialty Occupation: The offered job must require theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge and typically a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field.
• Educational Requirements: Beneficiaries must possess the required degree or its equivalent in education or experience.
• Employer Sponsorship: An eligible U.S. employer must sponsor the applicant and pay the required wage based on the position’s location and industry standards.

Key Dates to Remember

1. Registration Period: USCIS will open its electronic registration system in March 2025, allowing employers to register potential beneficiaries. The registration period typically lasts about two weeks.
2. Lottery Results: After registration closes, USCIS will conduct a randomized selection and notify employers of selected beneficiaries.
3. Petition Filing: Employers whose beneficiaries are selected may file full H-1B petitions starting April 1 for employment beginning October 1, 2025.

For any questions about the H-1B process or to schedule a consultation, reach out to us at notify@goimmigrationlaw.com or visit our website, https://goimmigrationlaw.com/consultation/ to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorneys. We are here to help guide you through every step of the process!