H-1B Visa 2025: Key Updates, Process, and What You Need to Know

H-1B 2025 Lottery: What You Need to Know!

The H-1B was introduced in 1990 to attract skilled professionals, but demand quickly exceeded supply, leading to an annual cap of 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 reserved for U.S. master’s degree holders in the early 2000s. To ensure fairness, a lottery system was implemented, where applicants are randomly selected. Over time, demand has surged, especially in 2023 when the registration process was simplified, and the fee was just $10. However, in 2024, USCIS changed the lottery rules to prevent fraud, ensuring that each applicant could only apply once using a unique passport and identification, significantly reducing the number of applications.

Simply put the requirement is a bachelor’s degree, and a job offer related to that degree (well, don’t we all wish it was this simple!!)

Here is an overview for the 2025 H-1B lottery timeline:

• Employer registration has opened on March 7 at 12 PM ET and closes on March 24 at 12 PM ET, giving applicants 18 days to enter.
  
  

NOTE:  

• One Entry Per Person – Applicants can no longer submit multiple registrations through different employers to increase their chances.
• This year as the administration changes, U.S sees a stricter fraud prevention step– USCIS is cracking down on fake job offers and fraudulent registrations by requiring unique passport and identification details.

• By March 31, results will be announced.
• If selected, applicants have from April 1 to June 30 to submit their full petition.
• The process begins with the employer registering the applicant by paying a $215 fee.
• The lottery then selects 65,000 applicants, followed by an additional 20,000 from those with a master’s degree or higher.
• If selected, comes the petition filing stage – the employer submits a complete petition, including Form I-129, the Labor Condition Application (LCA), job details, credentials, and offer letters, with costs ranging from a few thousand to $8,000.
• The employer bears these costs, not the employee.
• Finally, if USCIS approves the petition, the applicant can start working on H-1B status from October 1, provided they filed a change of status – the famous work authorization process.
• If outside the U.S., consular processing is required, where the applicant must attend a visa interview and receive stamping before entering the U.S.

If an applicant is not selected, it is purely due to random selection, not their qualifications. Alternative options include the O-1 visa, L-1 visa, cap-exempt H-1B, returning to school on an F-1 visa, and others.

Cost of Filing an H-1B Petition

Let us address the elephant in the room. If selected in the lottery, the employer must file Form I-129 and pay the following fees:

• Registration Fee: $215
• Form I-129 Filing Fee: $780
• Asylum Program Fee: $600
• ACWIA Fee: $750 (small business) or $1,500 (for large business)
• Premium Processing (Optional): $2,805

• Note: Employers are legally required to pay these fees and cannot pass them on to the employee.
  
  

Will There Be a Second H-1B Lottery in 2025?

Here’s where things get interesting. Unlike previous years, Experts anticipate a second H-1B lottery is likely in 2025, and here’s why:

• Stricter USCIS Review Under the Trump Administration
• The denial rate for H-1B petitions is expected to increase in 2025.
• USCIS will more rigorously review I-129 petitions, meaning some selected applicants may be denied, leaving room for a second lottery.
• Obviously like in previous years, employers File for Candidates Who May Not Qualify

When these cases get rejected, USCIS will have extra spots available, increasing the chance of a second lottery.

You may ask If There Is a Second Lottery, When Will It Happen? The answer is likely in August 2025. But note — Only those who registered in March 2025 will be eligible. If you weren’t selected in March, you’ll automatically be considered in the second round—no extra steps required!

Common Myths & Misconceptions About H-1B

❌ “The sooner I apply, the better my chances.”
✅ False! The lottery is random, so applying early does not increase your odds.

❌ “I can submit multiple registrations to boost my chances.”
✅ Not anymore! USCIS now limits applicants to one entry per person.

❌ “Winning the lottery guarantees my H-1B visa.”
✅ No! Selection only means you can apply; USCIS must still approve your petition.

❌ “If my employer asks me to pay H-1B fees, it’s okay.”
✅ Illegal! The employer is required to cover all the associated costs.

Final Thoughts: Are You Ready for the H-1B 2025 Season?

The H-1B process can be complex, but with the right preparation, you can maximize your chances. Consulting an experienced immigration attorney can help you navigate the process and explore alternatives if needed.

• Verify Your Employer’s Readiness – Will they file the petition if you’re selected?
• Check Your Documents – Make sure your passport, degree, transcripts, and job offer are in order.
• Talk to an Immigration Attorney – Get professional advice – Its ALWAYS needed!
• Have a Plan B – The H-1B lottery is tough, so consider alternatives like:
• O-1 Visa (for extraordinary ability)
• L-1 Visa (for internal company transfers)
• Cap-Exempt H-1B (universities, non-profits, research institutions)
• F-1 Visa (returning to school)
• EB-2 NIW (green card based on national interest waiver)
  
  

Didn’t Get Picked? Don’t Panic- Contact Bali Law today for expert guidance!

At the end of March, we’ll share in detail the H-1B alternatives for those who weren’t selected.

• Stay tuned—and share this with someone applying for an H-1B in 2025!
• Need help with your H-1B application? Contact Bali Law today for expert guidance!
• Finally, share this article with anyone applying for an H-1B visa!