US reaches its H-1B visa cap for FY25. Here's how to check your status & the next steps
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has wrapped up the initial registration period for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B numerical allocations, commonly known as the H-1B cap. This includes both the regular cap and the master’s cap, reserved for advanced degree holders. Sufficient electronic registrations have been received to meet the quota for unique beneficiaries. USCIS has conducted a random selection process for the registrations deemed eligible, notifying selected beneficiaries and their prospective petitioners of their eligibility to file an H-1B cap-subject petition.
Registrants can now view the status of their submissions on their online accounts, with statuses indicating whether a registration has been selected for filing an H-1B cap petition or not.
Applicants’ online accounts will now show one of the following statuses for each registration (that is, for each beneficiary registered), the USCIS said...
- Submitted: The registration has been submitted and is eligible for selection. If the initial selection process is complete, this registration remains eligible, unless subsequently invalidated, for selection in any subsequent selections for the fiscal year for which it was submitted.
- Selected: Selected to file an H-1B cap petition.
- Not Selected: Not eligible to file an H-1B cap petition based on this registration.
- Denied – duplicate registration: Multiple registrations were submitted by or on behalf of the same registrant for the same beneficiary. If denied as a duplicate registration, all registrations submitted by or on behalf of the same registrant for this beneficiary for the fiscal year are invalid.
- Invalidated – failed payment: A registration was submitted but the payment method was declined, not reconciled, or otherwise invalid.
- Deleted: The submitted registration has been deleted and is no longer eligible for selection.
- Processing submission: USCIS is processing your submission. It may take up to 72 hours for all of your case information to show on the case details page. While it is processing, you will be unable to access your draft.
Starting from April 1, 2024, petitioners with registrations for selected beneficiaries may begin filing H-1B cap-subject petitions for the fiscal year. It is essential to ensure that the petition is correctly filed at the designated location and within the specified filing period. Petitioners must include a copy of the selection notice and evidence of the beneficiary’s valid passport or travel document used during registration.
Due to increased filing volumes, delays in issuing Form I-797 receipt notices may occur, the USCIS has warned. "Petitioners are advised against submitting multiple petitions for the same beneficiary, as this may lead to denial or revocation of all petitions. In case of delayed receipt notices, petitioners can seek assistance from the USCIS Contact Center."
H-1B visas are subject to an annual cap of 65,000 visas per fiscal year. However, individuals holding a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution have an advantage. An additional 20,000 visas are allocated specifically for applicants with advanced degrees, increasing their chances of obtaining an H-1B visa. This provision offers an opportunity for skilled professionals to secure employment in the United States, contributing to the country's workforce and economy.
