5 FAQs About the 2024 H-1B Lottery: What You Need to Know

The results of the 2024 H1B lottery are expected to be announced before April 1st. This year marks the first implementation of the one-registration-per-person rule as part of H1B lottery reforms. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also introduced a new H1B lottery registration system with organizational accounts to allow employers to register and enter the lottery on behalf of their employees.

In this blog, we'll address five frequently asked questions about this year's H1B lottery.

1. Can having multiple companies sponsor me increase my chances in the H1B lottery?

No, under this year’s one-registration-per-person rule, each individual can only register once for the H1B lottery using their passport number. Therefore, having multiple companies submit registrations on your behalf won't increase your odds.

But! If you have two offers and both companies are willing to enter you into the lottery, make sure both employers register you before the March 22nd deadline. If you're lucky to be selected, both employers will be notified, and you can choose the company you prefer to proceed with your H1B petition filing. While having multiple registrations doesn't boost your chances, it can save you time and money on a potential H1B transfer later.

2. What if my passport is about to expire?

Under the one-registration-per-person policy, USCIS conducts the lottery based on valid passport numbers. If your passport is nearing expiration, it's okay. Just ensure your passport is valid during the lottery period from March 6th to March 22nd. If your passport is renewed after your employer submits the H1B registration but before filing the actual petition, your employer should include copies of both passports in the petition and explain the renewal in the supplementary page of Form I-129.

3. What if I can't renew my passport?

In rare cases where you cannot renew your passport due to unique circumstances in your country, such as those experienced by Venezuelan nationals, employers should enter the expiration date of the most recently issued passport you hold.

However, if the validity of your passport has been officially extended beyond its original expiration date by decree, the extended expiration date must be entered as per the mandate. Additionally, evidence of the mandated passport renewal by decree for your passport needs to be uploaded in the evidence section of the registration form.

4. How can I confirm my employer actually submitted my H1B registration?

First, it's fair to request a screenshot of the application submission confirmation from your employer or attorney. Some are willing to provide this proof, which includes a 16-digit Beneficiary Confirmation Number beginning with the fiscal year (e.g., 2025-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx for FY2025). This number verifies your registration was successfully submitted.

Additionally, ask your employer for a copy of the system-generated submission confirmation form provided by USCIS after registration. This official form contains your name, personal details, employer information, and the Beneficiary Confirmation Number. Not only does it serve as confirmation of your registration, but you'll also need the number later to check if you were selected in the lottery.

For reference, here's an example of what the submission confirmation form looks like:

5. Does a company need an attorney to register you in the H1B lottery?

Many companies cite the cost of hiring an attorney as a reason to not offer H1B registration during an employee's first year on OPT. However, companies don't need an attorney to submit the lottery registration. The process can be completed online in about 10 minutes. For guidance, check out this step-by-step video tutorial: https://youtube.com/watch?v=lkRs9-YmdD0.

The H-1B lottery process comes with challenges, but being well-informed is crucial to improving your odds. For those selected, congratulations! Work closely with your employer on the next steps. The road involves more paperwork but is an exciting step towards your goals.

If not selected this year, explore alternatives like extending your OPT, considering other visa options like enrolling in a day 1 CPT University. Don't get discouraged - continue developing your skills and connections.