The H-1B visa remains one of the most sought-after work visas for professionals in specialty occupations. Understanding the lottery system and timeline is key to a successful application.
Registration period: Employers must electronically register their beneficiaries during the annual registration window (typically early March). The $10 registration fee per beneficiary applies.
The lottery: USCIS conducts a random selection from all registrations. The annual cap is 65,000 visas, plus 20,000 additional for those with a U.S. master's degree or higher. Some employers (universities, research institutions) are cap-exempt.
If selected: Your employer has 90 days to file the full H-1B petition with supporting documentation including the Labor Condition Application (LCA), proof of specialty occupation, and evidence of your qualifications.
Important considerations: Maintain valid status while waiting. If on OPT, ensure timely cap-gap extensions. Multiple registrations by different employers are allowed but registering the same beneficiary through the same employer multiple times is prohibited and may result in denial.