USCIS has announced a second lottery for H-1B visas for the upcoming fiscal year. This additional lottery will determine which applicants can apply for the limited number of H-1B visas available. This decision follows the initial lottery held in March 2024.
Top Questions About the Second H-1B Lottery
Why is There a Second Lottery?
There weren’t enough H-1B visa applications submitted during the first lottery to reach the yearly limit. So, the government is holding a second lottery to fill the remaining spots.
Who Can Enter the Second Lottery?
Anyone who submitted an H-1B registration for the first lottery, whether they qualified for the regular or advanced degree category, can be selected in the second lottery.
What About the Advanced Degree Category?
There were enough applications for the advanced degree category (for those with master’s degrees or higher), so there won’t be a second lottery for that group.
When Will the Second Lottery Happen?
The government hasn’t said exactly when the second lottery will take place, but it will happen soon.
How Will I Know if I’m Selected?
If you’re selected in the second lottery, you’ll get a notification in your USCIS online account. This notification will tell you when and where to submit your full H-1B application.
When Was the First Application Period?
People who were selected in the first lottery had from April 1 to June 30, 2024, to submit their full H-1B applications.
Why the Second H-1B Lottery Matters
The second H-1B lottery has a significant impact on several key players in the U.S. economy and job market:
- Boosting Businesses: Many companies, especially tech firms, rely on skilled foreign workers to fill crucial positions. This additional lottery increases the odds of them finding the talent needed for innovation and growth.
- Economic Engine: H-1B visa holders often act as economic powerhouses. They create businesses, generate jobs,contribute tax dollars, and drive progress. The second lottery allows more of these individuals to participate in the U.S.economy.
- Global Champion: Attracting top international talent is essential for the U.S. to maintain its global edge. The second lottery helps the U.S. stay at the forefront of innovation and entrepreneurial ventures.
- Individual Opportunities: The H-1B visa provides a pathway for skilled foreign workers to pursue careers and contribute their skills in the U.S. The second lottery offers more people the chance to achieve their professional goals and build a better life.
- HR Advantage: Human Resources departments and companies hiring international employees gain additional opportunities to secure essential talent. This is particularly important for those involved in the PERM process for permanent residency.
- Labor Market Landscape: The second lottery reflects the continuing need for skilled foreign workers in the U.S. This highlights the intricate relationship between immigration policies and the demands of the U.S. labor market.
