USCIS Update: Key Dates and Details for the 2024 H-1B Visa Lottery Registration

Opening of Registration Period

The much-awaited 2024 H-1B Visa Lottery registration period commences on March 1, 2023, at noon EST, marking a pivotal moment for potential applicants and their sponsors. This registration window remains open until noon EST on March 17, 2023. Prospective petitioners, including employers and their representatives, are encouraged to complete and submit their registrations through the USCIS online H-1B registration system during this timeframe.

Notification of Selection

The selection process is contingent on the volume of registrations received by USCIS by the March 17 deadline. If sufficient registrations are received, a random selection process will be employed. Selected registrants will be notified through their myUSCIS online accounts by March 31. In the event that the number of registrations doesn’t meet the cap limit, all eligible entries submitted during the initial registration period will be selected.

Equal Chances for All Registrants

It’s crucial to note that the timing of your registration submission, whether at the opening hour on March 1 or closer to the March 17 deadline, does not influence your chances of being selected in the lottery. All registrations have equal chances of being chosen, ensuring a fair process for all participants.

Understanding the H-1B Visa Lottery Process

The H-1B Visa Lottery involves two main selection stages:

1. Bachelor’s Cap Selection: Initially, USCIS employs a computer-generated process to select 65,000 registrants under the regular cap. Those not selected but eligible for the additional 20,000 visas under the Master’s Cap are then included in the Master’s Cap pool for a subsequent selection.
2. Master’s Cap Selection: After the completion of the Bachelor’s Cap selection, eligible registrants are moved to the Master’s Cap pool. Here, a second computer-generated selection process occurs, identifying 20,000 additional registrants to meet the Master’s Cap quota.

Odds of Selection

The selection odds vary each year based on the total number of registrations received. For instance, in the FY 2022 H-1B lottery, with 483,927 registrations for the 65,000 available visas, the selection chance was approximately 13%. Registrants with advanced degrees eligible for the Master’s Cap benefit from an additional 20,000 visas, potentially increasing their selection odds by up to 16%.

Conclusion

Understanding the H-1B visa lottery process is essential for prospective registrants and employers. The fair and random selection mechanism ensures equal opportunities for all participants. It is advisable for registrants to stay informed and prepare adequately for this crucial period to maximize their chances of success in the 2024 H-1