The H-1B Cap Lottery: What is it?
The U.S. sets a yearly quota on the issuance of new H-1B visas, leading to a lottery when applications exceed this quota. This lottery method randomly selects which petitions will proceed for processing, addressing the surge in demand for H-1B visas. The process introduces uncertainty for both employers looking to hire foreign talent and individuals seeking an H-1B visa. This uncertainty underscores the importance of being well-prepared and informed about alternative options and strategies. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the H-1B visa cap lottery, including how it works, next steps for those not selected, and additional insights. This guide aims to equip applicants and employers with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of the H-1B process successfully. Mark your calendars: The lottery registration for the FY 2025 H-1B cap season opens on March 6, 2024.
H-1B Visa Limits: What Applicants and Employers Need to Know
To work in the United States under the H-1B category, foreign workers typically must undergo a registration process with USCIS and then be selected to submit their application. The H-1B visa, coveted for its ability to bring international talent into the U.S. workforce, has a yearly quota limiting the number of visas issued. For the fiscal year 2023, this cap was established at 65,000 visas. Applicants holding a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution have a distinct advantage, with an additional allotment of 20,000 visas reserved for them. Notably, the cap restrictions do not apply to H-1B petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries employed by higher education institutions, affiliated nonprofit entities, or government research organizations, allowing these employers to sponsor H-1B workers irrespective of the cap.
Overview of the H-1B Cap Lottery Process
Here's a concise breakdown of the H-1B cap lottery process, which we'll explore in detail throughout this guide:
- a) Electronic Registration Requirement: Prospective H-1B candidates falling under the cap category are required to register electronically with USCIS to participate in the H-1B lottery.
- b) Conducting the Lottery: Should the number of registrations surpass the annual limit, USCIS conducts a random lottery. Initially, the lottery selects 20,000 petitions from applicants with advanced degrees. Subsequently, those with advanced degrees not chosen in the first round are added to the general pool for a chance at the 65,000 cap.
- c) Filing of H-1B Petitions: Employers of selected registrants are then authorized to file H-1B petitions on behalf of these candidates within a specific timeframe, typically starting the first week of April.
- d) Petition Processing and Approval: USCIS processes these selected petitions, and upon approval, the beneficiaries gain H-1B status, allowing them to start or resume employment in the U.S.
Steps to Enroll in the H-1B Cap Lottery
International workers aiming for an H-1B visa under the cap must undergo electronic registration with USCIS. This necessitates both the prospective H-1B employee and their sponsoring employer to set up online accounts with USCIS. Even for those potential employees who already possess a myUSCIS account, a distinct "registrant" account specific to this process is mandatory. Accompanied by a $10 fee, this step requires the submission of essential information regarding the sponsoring entity and the candidate's biographical details. The opportunity to register is limited to a brief window of approximately 14 days each year. Failing to register within this critical time frame renders applicants subject to the cap ineligible for H-1B visa application. It's crucial for both employees and employers to mark their calendars and prepare documents well in advance to ensure smooth registration, as missing this window can significantly delay or disrupt employment plans in the U.S.
Selection Procedure for H-1B Lottery
Here's a general overview of how the H-1B lottery selection process, which uses a computer-generated random mechanism to fairly pick applicants for the restricted number of H-1B visas available, operates after the registration period.
- Conducting the Lottery: Due to the high demand for H-1B visas, the available slots are often exceeded shortly after the registration period opens. A random lottery is then held to choose which registrants can proceed with filing their Form I-129. Initially, the lottery fills the quota for the advanced degree exemption, followed by the inclusion of remaining advanced degree applicants in the general quota selection.
- Notification of Selection: Registrants picked in the lottery will be informed via an H-1B registration selection notification. Those not selected will be informed only after the USCIS confirms the fulfillment of the H-1B cap for the fiscal year.
- Filing H-1B Petitions: Employers of selected registrants are required to submit Form I-129 (Petition for Alien Worker) and necessary documentation to USCIS within the designated filing window. For a quicker decision, employers have the option of paying for premium processing.
- Timeline for Filing Petitions: The window for submitting H-1B petitions generally begins on April 1st and remains open for a set period, often 90 days, within which employers must file their petitions.
Important note regarding status
Employers submitting H-1B registrations can track the applicant's lottery outcome via their USCIS online account, where the lottery status will be indicated as:
- a) Submitted: The registration has been successfully submitted and is under consideration.
- b) Selected: The applicant has been chosen in the lottery and is eligible to proceed with the H-1B visa application.
- c) Not Selected: The applicant was not picked in the lottery for an H-1B visa application opportunity.
- d) Denied: Registrations submitted multiple times for the same applicant by the same employer will be considered invalid by USCIS.
- e) Invalidated-Failed Payment: The registration was submitted, but the payment process was unsuccessful.
Exploring Next Steps After an H-1B Lottery Miss
Facing the uncertainty of the H-1B cap lottery can be daunting for both H-1B applicants and their sponsors. If you or your employee don't secure a spot in the H-1B lottery, it's critical to be aware of the next steps regarding work authorization and alternative visa pathways. In instances where an applicant isn't chosen and their existing work authorization is nearing expiration, they will enter a 60-day grace period as provided by USCIS. This grace period allows the individual to seek a change to another visa classification or to arrange for departure from the U.S. to prevent the accumulation of unlawful presence. Additionally, exploring options such as the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary abilities or the L-1 visa for intracompany transfers may provide viable alternatives. Consulting with an immigration attorney can also offer personalized guidance and strategies to navigate this challenging scenario, ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration laws and maintaining legal status.