USCIS Announces Registration Period for FY2025 H-1B Visa Lottery

On January 30, 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the initial registration period for the H-1B lottery process will open at noon ET on March 6, 2024 and will run through noon ET on March 22, 2024.  Registrants wishing to enter beneficiaries into the lottery will be required to have an online account for the process.

In connection with the process, the USCIS will launch new organizational accounts on February 28, 2024, with updated features including the ability to collaborate on H-1B registrations with multiple people within an organization.  Registrants who already have an H-1B myUSCIS online account from past H-1B registrations may continue to use their existing credentials to log into their upgraded accounts.  Those without accounts will be required to create new accounts to enter beneficiaries into the H-1B visa lottery.

Employers should begin considering which of their employees or prospective employees may need H-1B cap-subject filings, including those with advanced degrees.  This typically includes current F-1 employees working on Optional Practical Training work authorization or employees working in a different visa status or with Employment Authorization Documents (EADs).  Employers should anticipate their workforce needs for FY2025 and carefully consider whether the filing of cap-subject H-1B petitions is needed.

If you think you have a candidate for H-1B status who might be subject to the cap, we encourage you to contact your Vorys attorney as early as possible to allow sufficient time to complete the registration process.