The initial registration period for the 2024 H-1B Visa cap will open today, March 1, at noon EST and run through noon EST on March 17, 2023. During this period, prospective petitioners and representatives can complete and submit their registrations using the USCIS online H-1B registration system.
The 2024 H-1B Visa Lottery Begins on March 1, 2023, at Noon EST
Representatives and registrants can being submitting registrations with the $10 fee on March 1, 2023 at Noon EST through their myUSCIS online accounts.
When will those selected for the 2024 H-1B Visa lottery be notified?
If USCIS receives enough registrations by March 17, they will randomly select registrations and send selection notifications via users’ myUSCIS online accounts. If they do not receive enough registrations, all registrations that were properly submitted in the initial registration period will be selected. USCIS will notify account holders by March 31.
Does my entry get preference based on the time of registration?
Whether you submit your H-1B lottery registration on March 1, 2023, at Noon EST or before the deadline on March 17 at Noon EST, you will be given the same odds at acceptance in the lottery. Preference is not given based on how early or late you enter the lottery. All registrants have an equal chance of selection in the H-1B visa lottery.
How does the H-1B Visa Lottery Work?
USCIS uses the following process when selecting registrants in the H-1B visa lottery:
- Bachelor’s Cap Selection – After the registration period has closed USCIS will use a computer-generated selection process to select the initial 65,000 registrants. Those not selected that are eligible for the additional 20,000 available visas under the Master’s Cap are then transferred to the master’s cap pool for a second selection process.
- Master’s Cap Selection – Once the Bachelor’s Cap selection is complete and the qualifying registrants have been transferred to the Master’s Cap pool, the Master’s Cap selection is performed using the same computer-generate selection process selecting the final 20,000 registrants to fill the master’s H-1B cap.
What are my selection odds in the H1B visa lottery?
During the FY 2022 H1B lottery season, 483,927 registrations were received for the 65,000 available H1B visas, with a mere 13% chance of selection. Those who qualify for the Master’s Cap receive an additional allotment of 20,000 visas making the odds up to 16% higher for qualifying registrants with advanced degrees.
H-1B Visas for Specialty Occupations
What is the H-1B Cap Gap Extension and do I qualify?
What are the best alternatives to the H-1B lottery for employers?
Read the full USCIS Announcement Here
We Can Help!
The US immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik Immigration Law have more than 30+ years of experience helping foreign nationals and their employers with the H1B visa process. Read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today for an assessment of your legal situation.
