The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it has reached the congressionally mandated cap for H-1B visas for fiscal year (FY) 2025. This means both the regular cap of 65,000 visas and the additional 20,000 visas reserved for individuals with advanced U.S. degrees (the master’s cap) are now fully allocated.
If you’re following the H-1B process closely, here’s a breakdown of what this means for applicants, businesses, and ongoing petitions:
Non-Selection Notices: What Happens Next?
For those who registered but were not selected in this year’s lottery, USCIS will update statuses in the coming days. Applicants will receive notifications through their online accounts. Once all notifications are sent, the status for unselected registrations will read:
“Not Selected: Not eligible to file an H-1B cap petition based on this registration.”
What About Cap-Exempt Petitions?
Although the H-1B cap has been reached, USCIS will continue processing petitions that are exempt from this limit. These include:
- Extensions: H-1B workers seeking to extend their stay in the U.S.
- Employment Changes: Current H-1B holders changing employment terms or switching employers.
- Concurrent Employment: H-1B workers taking on additional positions.
This is good news for those already holding H-1B status who need flexibility in their employment arrangements.
The Role of the H-1B Visa Program
The H-1B program allows U.S. businesses to hire foreign professionals in specialized fields like technology, engineering, and healthcare. The program is a crucial channel for employers seeking highly skilled workers, particularly in industries facing talent shortages.
Stay Updated
For those involved in the H-1B process, USCIS encourages petitioners to subscribe to updates through the official H-1B Cap Season page. Staying informed is essential, as policies and procedures can shift from year to year.
Final Thoughts
Reaching the H-1B cap highlights the ongoing demand for skilled labor in the U.S. If you weren’t selected this year, consider alternative pathways or start preparing for the next application cycle. For employers, exploring cap-exempt options and other visa categories could help address immediate hiring needs.
Stay tuned for updates and best of luck in future applications!