The 2025 H-1B cap season is approaching, following the same lottery process as recent years. The lottery registration window is expected to open around March 3, 2025, for two to three weeks. Exact dates will be updated once announced.

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H-1B Cap Process Overview

Registration Phase:  Employers submit an online entry for each candidate.

Petition Filing:  Selected candidates have 90 days to file a full petition.

Avoid last-minute issues—submit early!

Required Registration Information

Employer details (name, FEIN, address, contact info)

Candidate details (name, DOB, nationality, passport info)

U.S. master’s degree (if applicable)

Attorney information (if applicable)

Lottery & Selection

85,000 total visas (65,000 general + 20,000 for U.S. master’s degree holders)

Random selection if applications exceed the cap

Beneficiary-centric approach: Each candidate gets one entry, regardless of multiple employers registering them

Next Steps After Selection

Selected candidates must file a complete petition within 90 days, including:

USCIS selection proof

Labor Condition Application (LCA)

Proper forms, fees, and supporting documents

New Fee Increase & Fraud Prevention

H-1B registration fee jumps from $10 to $215

Multiple registrations don’t increase selection chances—all employer registrants are notified if a candidate is selected

2025 H-1B Timeline

The process starts earlier this year—register by early March to participate.

H-1B Program at a Glance

Created in 1990, the H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. The annual cap remains 65,000, with an additional 20,000 for U.S. master’s degree holders. Cap-exempt employers include universities and nonprofit research institutions.

Increased Scrutiny & RFEs

USCIS is reviewing applications more rigorously, especially:

Wage Level I salaries

Positions without a clear specialty degree requirement

Third-party placements and project details

A well-documented petition boosts approval chances.

Expected Demand for H-1B Visas

Demand remains high. Past registration counts:

FY2025: 479,953

FY2024: 780,884

For expert guidance on your H-1B filing, contact Skip Attorney