USCIS Will Conduct Second Random Lottery for H-1B Regular Cap From Previously Submitted FY 2025 H-1B Cap Registrations

By: Mishita Jethi

Introduction

On July 30, 2024, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) announced that it will soon conduct a second random lottery  from among the H-1B cap registrations previously submitted for FY 2025. 

Background

In March 2024, USCIS conducted an initial random selection from among the properly submitted electronic registrations for FY 2025 H-1B cap. The initial filing period for those selected registrations was from April 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024.

Need for Additional Selections

USCIS has now determined that it needs to select additional registrations to reach the FY 2025 regular H-1B cap quota. Therefore, USCIS will soon conduct a second random selection and notify prospective petitioners if they are eligible to file H-1B cap petitions. The selection notices will be available in the USCIS online account of petitioners and legal representatives, and will include details such as when and where to file the H-1B cap petitions.  

USCIS further clarified that it will not be conducting a second random selection for the master’s cap (advanced degree exemption) as it had received sufficient H-1B petitions to meet the FY 2025 master’s cap quota. The second random selection for the regular cap will include previously submitted registrations that were eligible for master’s cap along with those eligible for the regular cap.

Conclusion

For any questions or assistance regarding the second random lottery to be conducted by USCIS, contact your trusted Chugh, LLP immigration professional.