Do you need guidance on the H-1B visa process or need assistance with your application? Talk to an immigration lawyer in Queens to get expert advice and stay updated on the latest developments in H-1B visa policy and procedures.
For instance, on July 30, 2024, the USCIS announced plans to conduct a second lottery to select additional beneficiaries for the H-1B Fiscal Year 2025 cap season. This lottery will be drawn from the pool of existing electronic registrations that were previously submitted for FY 2025. The goal is to fill the remaining H-1B visas available for FY 2025.
This is the second lottery for FY 2025 (the first was held in March 2024). It will include both regular cap and master’s cap registrations that were previously submitted and are eligible.
The initial registration period for the H-1B FY 2025 cap was from April 1 to June 30, 2024.
What can you do?
If you are a petitioner and picked on the second lottery, you will be notified by the USCIS through your online myUSCIS organizational account. The notification will indicate your eligibility to file the H-1B cap-subject petition for the beneficiary stated in the relevant selected registration.
Until the second lottery concludes, we recommend keeping an eye on your myUSCIS online account to check the status of previously submitted applications in the coming days and weeks. If you are selected, you will receive the selection notice. This will include the details on when to file your petition with the USCIS.
No second master’s cap lottery
The USCIS has decided not to hold a second lottery for the master’s cap, as they have selected enough master’s cap registrations to meet the FY 2025 quota.
Instead, the second lottery will focus on applicants who previously applied for either the master’s cap or the regular cap. This means that even if you originally applied for the master’s cap but weren’t selected, you still have a chance to be chosen in this second lottery.
New opportunities
The second lottery for the FY 2024 H-1B cap presents a new opportunity for employers in the US to hire foreign professionals to fill in specialty occupations. By filling the remaining H-1B visa quota, more employers can benefit from the talents of these skilled workers.
The previous selection process fell short of meeting the numerical allocation for the regular H-1B cap. This second lottery aims to address that shortfall and provide additional opportunities for both employers and applicants.
When will the second lottery occur?
As of August 28, 2024, the USCIS has not announced a specific date for the second H-1B lottery. They have only stated that it will occur “soon.” Your immigration lawyer in Queens can give you an update.
Understanding the process
Here is a breakdown of the lottery process for the FY 2025 H-1B cap based on the previously submitted registrations:
- Initial selection: The USCIS conducted the first random selection for H-1B cap-subject petitions (including applications from both regular applicants and those with advanced degrees) in March 2024.
- Second selection: The USCIS will soon hold a second lottery to select additional beneficiaries from the pool of existing registrations.
- Notification: Successful applicants in the second lottery will receive a notification through their myUSCIS account. This notification will indicate their eligibility to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for the beneficiary named in their registration.
- Announcement: The USCIS will announce the completion of the second lottery and the sending of notifications.
- Filing instructions: Selected registrants will receive detailed instructions on their myUSCIS accounts, including where and when to file their H-1B petitions.
How the second lottery can benefit the US
Many businesses, specifically in the technology sector, depend on highly skilled foreign workers to fill positions. The second lottery can help them fill in labor shortages and secure the best talent.
It can also help maintain the US’ reputation as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
H-1B visa holders also have a significant positive impact on the overall economy because they fill critical roles and drive innovation. By helping stimulate economic activity, they also create new job opportunities for both foreign and domestic workers.
Additionally, H-1B visa holders contribute to the US tax base, thereby doing their share in supporting essential public services and infrastructure.
Navigate the H-1B process with Berd & Klauss, PLLC.
Our immigration lawyer in Queens can help you overcome the challenges you may encounter throughout the H-1B process. Schedule your consultation by calling 212-461-7152 from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You may also email info@berdklauss.com.