Overview
The H-1B visa program remains pivotal for U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations. Several notable changes have been implemented for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, affecting both applicants and employers.
Key Changes in the H-1B Lottery Process
- Registration Period: The initial registration period for the FY 2025 H-1B cap opened at noon Eastern Time on March 7, 2024, and closed at noon Eastern Time on March 24, 2024. During this window, prospective petitioners and representatives must submit their registrations electronically through the USCIS online system.
- Fee Adjustments:
- H-1B Base Filing Fee: Increased from $460 to $780.
- Asylum Program Fee: A new $600 fee per I-129 form was introduced.
- Premium Processing Fee: Raised to $2,805, with processing times reduced to 15 business days.
- Registration Fee: While the registration fee remained at $10 for FY 2025, it is set to increase to $215 in the following fiscal year.
- Beneficiary-Centric Selection Process: USCIS implemented a beneficiary-centric selection process to prevent multiple registrations for the same individual, enhancing the fairness of the lottery system.
H-1B Lottery Odds for FY 2025
The odds of selection in the H-1B lottery are influenced by the number of registrations submitted versus the available visa slots. For FY 2025, USCIS received approximately 470,342 eligible registrations, a 38.6% decrease from the previous fiscal year. Despite this reduction, the number of unique beneficiaries remained comparable to FY 2024, with approximately 442,000 individuals registered.
Historically, selection rates have ranged between 25% and 35%, but these figures can fluctuate annually based on demand.
Implications for Applicants and Employers
The increased fees and changes in the selection process underscore the importance of meticulous preparation and adherence to updated guidelines. Employers should budget for the revised fees and ensure compliance with the new registration procedures. Applicants, particularly those with advanced degrees, may have slightly improved odds due to the advanced degree exemption, which allows an additional 20,000 visas to U.S. master’s degree holders.
People Also Ask (PAA)
- What is the H-1B visa cap for FY 2025?
- The H-1B visa cap for FY 2025 is 65,000 for the regular cap, with an additional 20,000 visas allocated for the advanced degree exemption.
- When was the registration period for the FY 2025 H-1B lottery?
- The registration period opened on March 7, 2024, and closed on March 24, 2024.
- How much is the new H-1B base filing fee?
- The base filing fee has increased to $780.
- What is the purpose of the $600 Asylum Program Fee?
- The $600 Asylum Program Fee is a new fee introduced to support the asylum program, applicable per the I-129 form filed.
- How does the beneficiary-centric selection process affect applicants?
- This process aims to prevent multiple registrations for the same individual, promoting a fairer selection system.
- What are the chances of being selected in the H-1B lottery for FY 2025?
- While exact odds vary, historically, selection rates have ranged from 25% to 35%.
- Will the H-1B registration fee change in the future?
- Yes, the registration fee is set to increase to $215 in the fiscal year following FY 2025.
- Have there been any changes to the premium processing service?
- Yes, the premium processing fee has increased to $2,805, and processing times have been reduced to 15 business days.
- How many registrations were submitted for the FY 2025 H-1B cap?
- Approximately 470,342 eligible registrations were submitted.
- What is the advanced degree exemption in the H-1B lottery?
- The advanced degree exemption allows an additional 20,000 visas to applicants holding a U.S. master’s degree or higher.
Staying informed about these changes is crucial for effectively navigating the H-1B visa process. Both employers and applicants should consult official USCIS resources or legal experts to ensure compliance and optimize their chances of selection.
