The application window for the Fiscal Year 2025 H-1B visa cap is set to open at noon Eastern Time on March 6, 2024, and will close at noon Eastern Time on March 22, 2024.
Should the number of unique beneficiaries registered by the deadline meet the expected quota to fulfill the H-1B numerical allocations, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will conduct a random selection from these registrations. Prospective petitioners of the selected beneficiaries will then receive notifications through their USCIS online accounts. If the registrations do not reach the required number, USCIS will select all properly registered beneficiaries. Notifications of selection are planned to be issued to account holders and will be available in their USCIS accounts by March 31.
On February 2, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a final rule in the Federal Register aimed at enhancing the fairness and integrity of the H1B visa registration system. This adjustment means that the number of H1B applications submitted on behalf of an individual will not influence their chances of being chosen in the H1B lottery for FY 2025.
Additionally, the rule introduces several other changes to the program, including more flexibility regarding the start dates. These new regulations will be applicable starting with the H1B visa registration period for FY 2025.
The new rule means that the FY 2025 H1B lottery is expected to have lower registration numbers due to decreased employer sponsorship, possibly totaling less than 300,000 registrations. As a result, the odds of being selected have improved to approximately 27% for bachelor’s degree holders and 40% for advanced degree holders.