Overview
To fulfill the FY 2025 H-1B visa cap, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducted a second lottery round. This additional selection aimed to fill remaining slots not covered during the initial round.
Details of the Second Lottery
- Total Beneficiaries Selected: 13,607
- Total Registrations Selected: 14,534
- Second Lottery Selection Rate: Approximately 3%
- Overall Selection Rate (All Rounds): ~28.5% for FY 2025
Implications for Applicants
Applicants not selected in the initial lottery had a second opportunity. Those chosen received selection notifications via their USCIS online accounts, along with instructions for filing their H-1B petitions.
Looking Ahead: FY 2026 Projections
Future selection rates may be influenced by several factors, including:
- Upcoming immigration policy reforms
- The 2024 U.S. presidential election results
- New digital systems and beneficiary-centric processes implemented by USCIS
People Also Ask (PAA)
Q: What is the H-1B visa cap for FY 2025?
A: 85,000 total visas (65,000 regular cap + 20,000 U.S. advanced degree cap)
Q: Why did USCIS conduct a second H-1B lottery in FY 2025?
A: The initial selection did not meet the full annual cap.
Q: How are selected applicants notified?
A: Through their USCIS online accounts, including next-step instructions.
Q: What happens if I wasn’t selected?
A: You may reapply in the next fiscal year or explore cap-exempt employers and alternative visa routes.
Q: Can a second lottery happen every year?
A: Only if USCIS determines that the cap wasn’t met during the initial selection phase.
Q: Are there expected changes in FY 2026?
A: Yes. USCIS has already introduced higher registration fees, new online systems, and selection reforms for FY 2026.
