The H-1B visa program remains one of the most sought-after visa categories for highly skilled foreign professionals looking to work in the United States. With the 2025 H-1B lottery season around the corner, employers and applicants must stay updated on the latest changes and prepare accordingly. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming H-1B lottery.
Key Dates for the 2025 H-1B Lottery
- H-1B Registration Period: March 7, 2025 – March 24, 2025
- H-1B Lottery Selection Notifications: Expected by March 31, 2025
- H-1B Petition Filing Period: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025
Employers must submit electronic registrations for their prospective employees within the designated registration period. Only selected candidates will be eligible to proceed with filing full petitions.
Major Updates for the 2025 H-1B Lottery
1. Increased H-1B Registration Fee
One of the most significant changes this year is the increase in the H-1B registration fee. Previously set at $10, the fee has now been raised to $215 per beneficiary. This increase aims to improve the electronic registration system and streamline processing.
2. Beneficiary-Centric H-1B Lottery Selection Process
To prevent companies from submitting multiple registrations for the same individual, USCIS has adopted a beneficiary-centric selection process. Under this new system, each unique beneficiary will be counted only once, regardless of the number of registrations submitted on their behalf.
3. Clarification on Specialty Occupation Criteria for H-1B Visas
USCIS has provided further clarification regarding what qualifies as a specialty occupation. While a degree requirement is still necessary, employers must now provide stronger justifications for why a position requires a specific field of study.
How to Prepare for the 2025 H-1B Visa Lottery
1. Identify Eligible H-1B Candidates
Employers should begin identifying employees or prospective hires who require H-1B sponsorship.
- F-1 visa holders (students on OPT or STEM OPT extensions)
- L-2 or H-4 dependents looking for work authorization
- Foreign professionals currently working on a different visa category
- Individuals residing outside the U.S. are also eligible to apply, as long as they have a U.S. employer willing to sponsor and file a petition on their behalf.
2. Gather Essential H-1B Documentation
Preparing in advance can help streamline the filing process. Employers should collect:
- Candidate’s educational credentials and work experience documentation
- A detailed job description aligning with specialty occupation criteria
- Prevailing wage data and compliance documentation
3. Work with Immigration Experts for H-1B Compliance
Navigating the H-1B process can be complex, especially with recent policy changes. Employers are encouraged to consult with experienced immigration attorneys to ensure a smooth application process and compliance with regulations.
Why Choose Relief Law for Your H-1B Visa Needs?
At Relief Law, we specialize in H-1B visa applications, business immigration, and employment-based visas. Our dedicated team ensures compliance with USCIS regulations, handles the application process from start to finish, and provides personalized legal guidance.
Our H-1B Services Include:
- Expert Guidance: Comprehensive legal consultation on H-1B visa eligibility and documentation.
- Petition Preparation & Filing: Ensuring accuracy in preparing and submitting H-1B petitions.
- Compliance Support: Assisting employers with LCA (Labor Condition Application) and prevailing wage requirements.
- RFEs & Case Support: Helping clients respond to USCIS Requests for Evidence (RFEs) efficiently.
Contact Relief Law today to discuss your H-1B visa options and maximize your chances of approval!