The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has received a sufficient number of petitions to meet the congressionally mandated limit of 65,000 regular H-1B visas and the additional 20,000 H-1B visas reserved for individuals with advanced U.S. degrees for the fiscal year 2025.
Over the next few days, USCIS will notify registrants who were not selected through their online accounts. Once all non-selection notifications are sent, the status for properly submitted but unselected registrations will show like this:
Not Selected: Not selected – not eligible to file an H-1B cap petition based on this registration.
USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are exempt from the cap. This includes petitions for current H-1B workers who have previously been counted against the cap and still retain their cap number. The governing body will also continue to accept and process petitions filed to:
- Extend the duration a current H-1B worker can stay in the United States;
- Change the terms of employment for current H-1B workers;
- Permit current H-1B workers to change employers; and.
- Allow current H-1B workers to hold additional H-1B positions simultaneously.
About H-1B Program
The H-1B visa program is a non-immigrant visa category that allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge. This program is designed to meet the demand for skilled workers in specific fields where there is a shortage of qualified U.S. workers.
Key Points About the H-1B Program
- Specialty Occupations
These are jobs that require a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific field, such as engineering, computer science, or accounting. - Temporary Employment
H-1B visas are granted for a maximum of six years. - Annual Cap
There is an annual cap on the number of H-1B visas issued each year. - Lottery System
Due to high demand, a lottery system is often used to select H-1B visa petitions. - Employer Responsibilities
Employers must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor and attest to specific labor conditions, such as paying the prevailing wage and not adversely affecting U.S. workers.
The H-1B program plays a crucial role in the U.S. economy, allowing businesses to hire skilled foreign workers to fill critical roles and drive innovation. However, it’s important to note that the program is subject to various regulations and limitations.
