The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a second lottery to allocate the remaining H-1B visas for the fiscal year 2025. This visa, intended for foreign professionals, is essential for those looking to work in the United States in specialized fields.
Each year, Congress authorizes a total of 85,000 H-1B visas. Of these, 65,000 are available for general professionals, while the remaining 20,000 are reserved for individuals with a master's degree from a U.S. university.
The first round of selection was conducted earlier this year, and now, USCIS has initiated a second random selection among the properly submitted electronic registrations. The government clarified that only applicants with selected registrations in this second lottery will be able to file their H-1B petitions during the period specified in their registration selection notifications.
This second chance is crucial for those who were not selected in the first round, offering a renewed hope to secure one of these coveted visas. The initial window for submitting petitions for the 2025 H-1B visa quota opened on April 1 and closed on June 30. In May, USCIS reported a 40% decrease in applications compared to previous years, with no clear explanation for the decline.
A possible reason for the drop in the number of petitions could be the changes implemented in the selection system. Now, each applicant has the same opportunities through a single application per person, preventing speculation and multiple applications by the same individual through different companies.
This adjustment in the process aims to ensure a more equitable distribution of the visas and to prevent abusive practices in applying for H-1B visas.
Frequently Asked Questions About the H-1B Visa Lottery
Here are some common questions and answers regarding the second H-1B visa lottery and the overall application process.
What is the H-1B visa?
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign professionals in specialized fields such as IT, engineering, and science.
How many H-1B visas are available each year?
Each year, Congress authorizes a total of 85,000 H-1B visas, with 65,000 for general professionals and 20,000 reserved for those with a master's degree from a U.S. university.
Why did USCIS conduct a second H-1B lottery?
USCIS conducted a second lottery to allocate the remaining H-1B visas that were not assigned in the first round of selection.
How can I find out if I was selected in the second H-1B lottery?
Applicants will be notified through their registration selection notifications if they were selected in the second H-1B lottery.