The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently published an important update about the FY 2025 H-1B Cap registrations. The agency will conduct a second lottery for the regular cap category. This outcome is set to affect prospective petitioners and beneficiaries competing for coveted H-1B visas in the United States.

Background

In March 2024, USCIS performed an initial random selection process for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B cap. This selection covered properly submitted electronic registrations, including beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption.  

The initial filing period for these selected registrations for FY 2025 was from April 1, 2024, through June 30, 2024. However, the number of petitions filed did not meet the required quota for the regular cap. 

The Update

USCIS has determined the need to select additional registrations to fulfill the FY 2025 numerical allocations. As a result, a second random selection process will take place soon, utilizing previously submitted electronic registrations. The prospective petitioners with registrations chosen in this second selection round will be eligible to file a petition for the respective beneficiary mentioned in the selected registration.

It’s crucial to note that this second lottery only applies to the regular cap, not the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap), as sufficient registrations were received for this category.

For all those who have been selected, the agency will update their myUSCIS accounts to include a selection notice, which will provide detailed information about when and where to file their petitions. 

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Doesn’t this development offer renewed hope for many H-1B visa applicants who were unsuccessful in the initial lottery? We urge H-1B employers and prospective beneficiaries to stay updated on USCIS guidelines and timelines for the second round FY 2025 H-1B cap selection process.