Navigating the H-1B Cap Season: What You Need to Know

As the H-1B cap season unfolds in the United States for fiscal year 2025, there are crucial updates to grasp before drawing conclusions hastily. Registrations opened on March 6 and will close on the 22nd, ushering in significant changes to the application process.

The Biden administration's proposed modernization of the H-1B lottery registration prioritizes a beneficiary-centric approach over random selection. This entails limiting each employee to be chosen only once in each lottery, with registrants now required to provide valid passport and travel document information. While the $10 registration fee remains unchanged for the upcoming fiscal year, a $215 increase is anticipated in March 2025.

Employers petitioning for H-1B visas are advised to create a USCIS online account, with specific migration procedures outlined for different account types. Notably, registrants must select the correct account type during account creation to avoid complications.

USCIS Tech Talks sessions offer valuable insights into the online filing process, with webinars scheduled throughout March and April. While paper forms remain valid, online filing offers time-saving benefits, including faster submission and exchange of Request for Evidence and Notice of Intent to Deny.

Additionally, USCIS has updated the list of frequently asked questions to address the significant changes introduced with the switch to new organizational accounts on February 28.

Overall, staying informed about these updates is essential for navigating the H-1B cap season effectively and ensuring a smooth application process.