Understanding H1B Visa 2025: Your Guide to Working in the US
An H1B visa is one of the most popular ways to work professionally in the US. Last year, even though the US government allowed only 85,000 new H1B visas, around 484,000 applications were received. If you missed out last year or are planning for the 2025 season, it’s important to know the process clearly to increase your chances.
This guide covers everything about the H1B visa for 2025, including important dates, the lottery system, costs, registration details, and answers to common questions. We will update this article as new information becomes available.
Overview of H1B Visa 2025
The US Congress created the H1B visa to allow US companies to hire skilled professionals from around the world. To apply, you need to have the right skills and at least a bachelor’s degree.
Each year, the US government sets a limit of 85,000 new H1B visas. These visas are called “cap-subject” because they are part of this yearly limit. Since so many people apply, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) uses a random selection process called the H1B Visa Lottery to choose applicants.
About the H1B Fiscal Year 2024 Season
The USCIS fiscal year starts on October 1 and ends on September 30. For example, Fiscal Year 2024 runs from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024.
Employers submit petitions for new H1B visas about six months before October 1. This means the application period for FY 2024 began on April 1, 2023. The full timeline for FY 2024 went from registration start to starting work on H1B from October 1, 2023.
Expected H1B Visa 2025 Timeline
USCIS usually announces the official dates around late January. Here is the expected timeline based on recent years’ patterns:
| Stage | Expected Dates | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Create H1B Registrant Account | Starts February 21, 2025 | Employers or sponsors create an account to submit registrations. |
| Registration Submission Period | March 1 to March 17, 2025 | Employers submit H1B registrations for their candidates. |
| Lottery Selection and Results | March 18 to March 31, 2025 | USCIS runs the random lottery and announces results. |
| Petition Filing Period | April 1 to June 30, 2025 | If selected in lottery, employers file full petitions including Labor Condition Application (LCA) and candidate documents. |
| Petition Processing | From April 1, 2025 onwards | USCIS reviews and decides on petitions, usually taking weeks to months. |
| Visa Stamping at US Consulates | From July 1, 2025 onwards | Applicants outside the US must get visa stamps from US consulates to travel to the US. |
| Start Work on H1B Visa | From October 1, 2025 | Approved candidates can enter the US and start working on H1B status. |
H1B Visa Quota Details for 2025
The 85,000 yearly limit is divided into two categories:
- Regular Quota: 65,000 visas for applicants with a bachelor’s degree.
- Master’s Quota: 20,000 visas reserved for applicants with a US Master’s degree or higher.
Additionally, about 6,800 visas are reserved under special agreements for citizens of Singapore and Chile, known as H1B1 visas. This means the actual number of regular H1B visas might be slightly less than 85,000.
How to Register Online for H1B Visa 2025
You should create an account on the official USCIS website at https://myaccount.uscis.gov/ to register for the H1B lottery. There is a non-refundable fee of $10.
Employers or sponsors must submit registrations through their registered accounts.
H1B Visa Lottery 2025: What to Expect
The H1B lottery is very competitive. We expect the 2025 lottery to be just as tough as previous years because demand continues to grow. It’s important to prepare your documents carefully and submit on time. You can find detailed lottery predictions and tips on our site.
Latest News on H1B Visa 2025
No major updates from USCIS yet. Everything is progressing as planned for the upcoming H1B 2025 season.
Keep visiting this page for the latest and detailed information about the H1B visa 2025 process and updates.