Excitement is in the air! The second round of H-1B lottery for FY 2025 has been officially announced. Many had given up hope, believing that there would be no second lottery this year due to changes in the H-1B selection process. Even immigration lawyers were skeptical, thinking the new “one person, one chance” rule would eliminate the possibility of a second lottery. However, USCIS surprised everyone on July 30 by announcing the need for a second round to fill the remaining slots.
There are two potential reasons why a second lottery is happening this year:
Stricter Adjudication: It’s possible that USCIS has been more stringent in reviewing H-1B applications this year, leading to a higher rejection rate and more leftover slots. Historically, H-1B approval rates were around 80%, but recent years have seen rates as high as 95-98%. Despite this, the current administration has not made significant changes to immigration policies, so drastic fluctuations in approval rates are unlikely.
Non-Submission of Applications: Many applicants, particularly those from overseas labor markets like India, may have been selected in the first round but did not submit their applications. This is supported by USCIS’s focus on the remaining “Regular Cap” slots, which are primarily for those without a U.S. advanced degree. The lack of submissions from these groups, possibly due to economic conditions and business closures, has left many slots unfilled.
No additional action is needed if you or your employer already completed the initial electronic registration in March. The second round will include those who were not selected in the first round.
USCIS will update the registration status in the H-1B online system. Notifications will be sent to the registered email addresses of attorneys or employers. Keep an eye on your email for any updates.
If your status is still “Submitted,” you still have a chance to be selected.
While exact numbers aren’t provided, past trends show that the chances of selection in subsequent rounds decrease significantly. It’s important to manage expectations accordingly.
Selected applicants will have a 90-day window to prepare and submit their H-1B petition. Given the timeline, there’s a chance to get approval before the October 1 start date. This depends on the efficiency of your employer, legal team, and the USCIS processing time. Opting for premium processing can expedite the approval process within 15 calendar days.
If your current OPT status ends on September 30 and you don’t receive H-1B approval by October 1, you must stop working but can stay in the U.S. while awaiting the decision. Alternatively, you may return to your home country and re-enter once the H-1B is approved and stamped at a U.S. consulate.
For unselected H1B lottery applicants, exploring alternative visa options like L-1 or O-1, returning to F1 status, and preparing for potential future rounds is essential.
🔗 Options for H1B Applicants Not Selected in the Second Lottery
🙏🙏🙏 This unexpected opportunity is a beacon of hope for many aspiring H-1B applicants. Stay positive and keep checking your notifications for updates. Best of luck to everyone! 🙏🙏🙏