H1B Visa Lottery 2025: The H1B visa lottery is a random selection process employed to select candidates for the H1B visa from a larger pool of applicants. The H1B visa program has an annual cap of 65,000 for the Regular quota and 20,000 for the Master’s quota. This article provides comprehensive information about the H1B Visa Lottery, covering highlights, how the lottery works, eligibility criteria, quota details, the registration process, processing timelines, results for the first and second rounds, and more.
Overview of H1B Visa Lottery 2025
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) administers the H1B visa lottery system to select qualified applicants from the pool of candidates. Due to the cap on H1B visas issued each year, the selection is made randomly by the Department of State. The lottery results are typically announced on the USCIS website, usually during the first week of April.
Key Highlights of H1B Visa Lottery
| Name | H1B Visa Lottery |
| Administered by | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) |
| Selection Method | Random Selection |
| Expected Result Announcement Date | First Week of April 2025 |
| Official Website | USCIS |
How the H1B Visa Lottery Works
Candidates can apply for the H1B visa lottery starting on the first weekday of April, aligning with a six-month pre-employment application period. The registration window for the lottery remains open for the designated time, and it is important to note that selection is not based on first-come, first-served criteria.
Eligibility Criteria for the H1B Visa Lottery
To be eligible for an H1B visa, applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria:
- Must have a valid job offer from a U.S. company willing to sponsor the applicant.
- Applicants must demonstrate their qualifications through relevant knowledge, training, and experience for the job role.
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, with proof of qualifications for the job.
- May be required to show proof of English proficiency and complete a criminal background check.
- Professional licensing might be necessary depending on the job, e.g., a medical license for healthcare professionals.
- A processing fee is required for all applicants, which must be paid before the application is reviewed.
H1B Visa Lottery Quota
- Regular Cap: 65,000 new H1B visas are available each fiscal year. As of August 23, USCIS has acknowledged receiving more applications than the cap allows for FY 2025.
- C/S Cap Case: Applications from treaty nations are referred to as C/S cases.
- U.S. Master’s Cap: 20,000 visas are designated for applicants holding a Master’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution.
H1B Visa Lottery Registration Process
The USCIS conducts a randomized selection for H1B visas after the registration deadline. Here are the essential steps for the H1B Visa Lottery for FY 2025:
Create a USCIS Online Account
- Employers must register online on the H-1B registration portal, submitting one application per candidate.
- Account creation deadline: February 21, 2025.
Registration and Payment of Fees
- The registration opens on March 1, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. EST.
- A processing fee of $10 is required during registration, which the employer should cover.
Registration Deadline
- The registration process will conclude on March 18, 2025. Late registrations will not be accepted.
Announcement of H1B Visa Lottery Results
- Lottery results are expected to be announced on March 31, 2025. Selected candidates must submit their applications starting April 1, 2025.
Filing Window
- The petition submission window is open for 90 days following the lottery result announcement.
Submission of Employer Information
- Employers or agents must provide accurate information about the employer and the prospective employee involved in the lottery process.
Fees Associated with H1B Visa Lottery
| Fee | Responsibility | Amount |
| Registration Fee | Employer | $10 |
| Basic Filing Fee | Employer | $460 |
| Premium Processing (optional) | Employer or Employee | $2,500 |
| Public Law 114-113 Fee | Employer | $4,000 |
| ACWIA Education and Training Fee | Employer | $750 (for companies with less than 25 employees); $1,500 (for companies with more than 25 employees) |
| USCIS Anti-Fraud Fee | Employer | $500 |
| Attorney Fees | Employer | Variable |
Processing Time for H1B Visa
Given the high demand for H1B visas, USCIS offers three different processing options:
Regular Processing Time: Generally takes between one to six months, varying based on the service center’s location.
Premium Processing Time: Fast-tracking is available for $1,225 through Form I-907, promising a decision within 15 days of submission.
Expedited Processing Time: Certain urgent cases are prioritized, including those concerning significant financial damages or emergencies.
H1B Visa Lottery First Round
For FY 2025, USCIS accepted 500,000 H1B registrations from March 1 to March 18, 2025. Results from the lottery were announced on March 25, 2025, with approximately 130,000 applications selected, an increase compared to the previous year.
- H1B FY 2025: 90,000 applications were chosen in the first round.
- H1B FY 2025 First Round: 130,000 registrations were selected.
H1B Visa Lottery Second Round
USCIS has confirmed the completion of the second round for FY 2025. All registrations not selected in the first round have been labeled as Not Selected, indicating that sufficient applications were received to meet the H1B cap for the fiscal year.
How to Check H1B Visa Lottery Results
To check the results of the H1B Lottery, please follow these steps:
- Visit the USCIS website.
- The homepage will appear on your device.
- Click on the My Case Status option.
- A new page will be displayed.
- Enter your case number.
- Click on the Check Status button.
- Your status will indicate “The petition has been selected in the lottery” if your case is successful.
- Verify your I-797 Form.
- Use any H1B Tracker available.
- Check if USCIS has processed your fee check.
- Look for your Receipt Number for any updates.