The H-1B Visa Lottery: A Guide for 2025

The H-1B visa is a US work visa that lets highly skilled foreign professionals (such as engineers, IT specialists, scientists, doctors or finance experts) work in the USA for up to six years.

The H-1B visa is known for its strict requirements and limited number of visas, which makes applying a real challenge. To obtain an H-1B visa, employers have to go through a petition process in which they must show that they meet the required qualifications and conditions. On top of that, the H-1B visa is subject to an annual cap, which is where the "H-1B visa lottery" comes in.

The H-1B visa lottery is the selection process held every year to allocate the limited number of H-1B visas. Since demand for these visas is usually far higher than the number of places available, the lottery decides which applicants get the opportunity to apply for an H-1B visa.

The maximum number of H-1B visas available each year is 65,000 under the regular cap, with an additional 20,000 visas available for applicants with a master's degree. If the employer is a university, a nonprofit affiliated with a higher education institution or a government research organization, the cap does not apply.

The lottery runs in two phases: first, the applications that qualify for the master's cap are selected from all submissions. The remaining H-1B visas under the regular cap are then drawn from the rest.

6,800 of the regular cap are also reserved for citizens of Chile and Singapore under free trade agreements.

The number of registrations submitted during the annual registration window usually far exceeds the annual cap and the number of visas available.

Selection is not first come, first served. The window stays open for registrations for the entire stated period, even once the cap has been exceeded.

Once the window closes, USCIS runs the H-1B visa lottery to decide which registrations are invited to the next stage. When you registered within the window makes no difference.

Since February 27, 2026, selection is no longer purely random: under the final rule of December 29, 2025, the number of entries depends on the wage level the position is classified in. The highest of the four levels receives four entries, lower levels correspondingly fewer. It is still a draw, but with weighted entries.

Once the cap of 65,000 H-1B applications has been filled, 20,000 applications are selected at random from the master's cap applications. All of the 20,000 not selected go back into the regular cap pool.

Successful registrants are then notified and asked to file their complete H-1B petition within the set deadline, which is usually 90 days from notification.

Keep in mind that being selected in the visa lottery does not guarantee the visa will be granted. The application is still reviewed against the visa rules and eligibility criteria.

Electronic registration for the H-1B lottery costs $215 per beneficiary. If the registration is selected, the employer pays a base fee of $780 for Form I-129 (small employers and nonprofits $460). Depending on the case, there is also the Asylum Program Fee ($600, small employers $300, nonprofits $0), the ACWIA training fee ($750 or $1,500), the Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee ($500), the Public Law 114-113 fee ($4,000 for large employers with a high share of H-1B/L-1 workers) and optional Premium Processing ($2,965). Figures reflect the USCIS fee schedule G-1055 as of May 29, 2026; you will find the full breakdown in our H-1B guide.

Then there is the $100,000 fee from the presidential proclamation of September 2025: a federal court set aside its implementation on June 8, 2026, and the First Circuit Court of Appeals declined on July 24, 2026 to stay that ruling pending appeal. USCIS is not currently collecting the payment but intends to resume as soon as the ruling is overturned. Separately, on August 25, 2026 the Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule for a fee of $103,265 per cap-subject petition. So budget for a six-figure additional fee while these proceedings are ongoing.

The H-1B visa exists to let US companies and organizations employ foreign nationals with a university degree or other specialists in specialty occupations.

In this context, "specialty occupations" means jobs that require the practical and theoretical application of highly specialized knowledge, in fields such as engineering, computer science or medicine.

To be granted an H-1B visa, the applicant must therefore have a job offer for a qualifying position from a US employer and meet at least one of the following requirements:

• A US bachelor's degree or higher in the relevant field from an accredited institution.

• An equivalent foreign degree in the occupation concerned.

• An unrestricted state license, registration or certification that allows you to practice the specialty occupation in the US state where you will be employed.

• Education, training or experience in the specialty equivalent to a degree, together with recognized expertise in the field.

There are also H-1B requirements for the job you want to do.
At least one of the following must apply:

• The minimum entry requirement for the position is a bachelor's degree or higher, or equivalent qualifications and experience.

• A degree requirement for the role must be the norm in the industry, or the job must be so complex or specialized that only someone with a degree can do it.

• The employer requires a degree or equivalent for anyone hired into the position.

• The duties of the job are so complex and specialized that they require the knowledge of someone with a bachelor's degree or higher.

Getting an H-1B visa takes several steps, each needing careful planning and preparation. Here is an overview of what to keep in mind when applying:

1. Check your qualifications: Make sure you meet the requirements for the H-1B visa. These usually include a bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience, plus a job in a specialized field.

2. Find an employer: Look for a US employer willing to hire you and act as your H-1B sponsor. The employer must meet the requirements to sponsor you for the visa.

3. File the LCA: The employer must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the US Department of Labor. This step ensures that the H-1B visa protects workers' rights and conditions.

4. File the H-1B petition: Once the LCA is approved, the employer can file an H-1B petition (Form I-129) with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The petition sets out your personal details, qualifications and the intended position.

5. Lottery and selection: If the number of H-1B petitions exceeds the visas available, a lottery is held to determine which applicants are selected. Selected petitions go forward for further processing.

6. Visa stamp and consulate: Once your H-1B petition is approved, you need to book an appointment at a US consulate or embassy to get the visa stamp in your passport. This step takes place outside the USA.

7. Entering the USA: Once you have your visa stamp, you can enter the USA and start work with your H-1B employer.

Occupations subject to the cap must register electronically with USCIS and enter a lottery. The registration period lasts 14 days. Once you have registered, you can check your status in your USCIS account.

The possible statuses are:

• Submitted: your registration is valid.

• Selected: you can apply for an H-1B visa.

• Not selected: you were not selected this time.

• Denied: multiple registrations with the same employer are invalid.

• Invalidated (failed payment): a registration without a successful payment.

After the registration period, USCIS tells you whether you were selected. Selection is a prerequisite for an H-1B visa application, unless you are exempt from the cap.

The registration period falls in March every year, and USCIS announces it a few weeks in advance; selected applicants are usually notified by the end of March. For the fiscal year 2026 cap, registration ran from March 7 to March 24, 2025. Always confirm this year's period directly with USCIS before you register.

Because the lottery only takes place once a year, applicants and their potential sponsors naturally want to make the most of their chances.

Since weighted selection was introduced, your odds depend on the wage level of the registered position: the higher the level, the more entries. Beyond that, it remains a lottery you cannot influence.

What you can do is make sure you avoid any delays or problems getting into the lottery's selection process:

• Make sure all forms are filled in correctly, all required information and documents are provided, and the correct fees have been paid.

• Do not send your H-1B petition before the filing window opens in April.

• File as soon as the window opens.

• Make sure you have the degree or work experience needed to meet the requirements of the position.

• Make sure the position itself qualifies for an H-1B visa.

• Apply for every job offer you have from different employers.

• Do not submit multiple applications for one position or one employer. If an employer files multiple or duplicate H-1B registrations for a single worker, they are denied and no refund is offered.

• Do not apply for a position that starts more than 6 months after the visa start date.

If you are selected in the H-1B visa lottery, you will be notified and asked to file your main H-1B petition.

Your employer must first file a Labor Condition Application (ETA-9035, LCA) with the US Department of Labor for certification.

In the LCA, the employer should agree to:

• pay you a wage no lower than the wage paid to similarly qualified workers or, if it is higher, the prevailing wage for that position in the area

• provide working conditions that do not adversely affect other similarly qualified workers, and confirm that no strike or lockout is taking place when the Labor Condition Application is filed.

Once certification is granted, the employer must file a nonimmigrant petition (Form I-129) together with the certified LCA at the relevant USCIS Service Center.

Once the nonimmigrant petition is approved, you can apply for your visa through the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160). You will be expected to attend an interview at your local US embassy or consulate.

Mount Bonnell Advisors can help make sure your H-1B visa application is completed correctly, the required documents are put together and the process is handled efficiently. Because the H-1B visa lottery is highly competitive, we can also help you weigh alternative visa routes.

Depending on your circumstances and qualifications, there are several alternatives to the H-1B visa. Here are some of the most common:

L-1 visa: The L-1 visa lets multinational companies transfer employees from foreign subsidiaries, branches or affiliates to the USA. There are two subcategories: the L-1A visa for executives and managers, and the L-1B visa for employees with specialized knowledge.

O-1 visa: The O-1 visa is for people with extraordinary ability or achievement in science, education, business, athletics, the arts or culture. To qualify for an O-1 visa, applicants must show nationally or internationally recognized top-level achievements.

E-2 visa: The E-2 visa is an investor visa that lets nationals of certain countries start or buy a business in the USA. It requires a substantial investment in the business and the creation of jobs for US citizens or residents.

It is important to look at the specific requirements and conditions of each alternative and make an informed decision about which visa best fits your needs. We are happy to advise you, make the application process easier and ensure all legal requirements are met.

If you have questions about the H-1B visa or anything else related to US immigration, get in touch or book a one-hour consultation straight away, where we can go through your detailed questions on relocation formalities and US visas. For an overview of the visa itself, see our article The H-1B visa.

When can I register electronically for the H-1B lottery, and when will I get the results?

The dates change every year and USCIS publishes them shortly beforehand. Most recently, registration ran from March 7 to March 24, 2025, and selections were announced by March 31, 2025. Check the current period with USCIS before you register.

How can I check my H-1B lottery results?

To find out whether you are eligible to file for an H-1B visa, check your USCIS online account. It shows the status of your registration.

Can I speed up my H-1B visa?

Yes, premium processing is available for the H-1B visa. To request it, you file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, and pay the filing fee to USCIS.

Can I travel outside the USA on an H-1B visa?

With a valid visa, you can go to a US port of entry and ask to be admitted to the USA. If you leave the USA to travel and come back, you may be readmitted in valid H-1B status as long as your H-1B visa is still valid. It is a good idea to carry proof of your employment or of your visa's validity to show at the border.

When can I file my H-1B visa petition?

If your H-1B visa is subject to the cap, you must first register online. Note that being selected in the lottery lets you apply for a visa in the following fiscal year.

If you are selected, your employer can file an H-1B petition on your behalf. You usually have around 90 days to apply. The exact filing period and location are stated in your H-1B registration selection notice from USCIS. You can apply up to six months before the visa start date.

Where do I file my H-1B visa petition?

If your H-1B visa is subject to the cap and you have been selected to file, your selection notice tells you which USCIS address to send your petition to. If the cap does not apply to you, for example because you are employed by a university, you can file with the USCIS California Service Center.

What happens to unsuccessful registrations?

Unsuccessful H-1B applicants must wait until the next fiscal year before applying for an H-1B visa again.

Can I extend my H-1B visa?

Your H-1B visa is usually valid for three years and can usually be extended to up to six years. To do so, your employer must complete and file Form I-129 on your behalf again, with all required documents, and pay the filing fee.

Can I switch from an H-1B visa to a green card?

The H-1B is a dual intent visa, which means you can in fact apply for a green card. We are happy to advise you through the process.

Who can sponsor an H-1B visa?

Any US-based employer can sponsor an H-1B visa. As long as the employer has an IRS tax identification number, it can file a petition on your behalf.

Can I apply for an H-1B visa if I don't have a job yet?

Because the H-1B is an employment-based visa and your employer has to file certain forms for you, you need a job offer before you can qualify.

Is there a ban on H-1B visas?

There is no general ban; H-1B petitions are accepted and decided as usual. Since September 2025, however, a presidential proclamation has required a payment of $100,000 for new petitions. A federal court set aside its implementation in June 2026, an appeal is pending, and USCIS is currently not collecting the payment; a proposed rule from August 2026 would introduce a fee of $103,265 through the regular rulemaking process. You'll find the latest in our article on the proposed rule.

Can my family come with me if I have an H-1B visa?

Yes, your spouse and any unmarried children under 21 can join you on H-4 visas. We are happy to advise you on the H-4 process.

How long can I stay and work in the USA on an H-1B visa?

The H-1B visa is valid for three years and can be extended to up to six years.

Can my spouse work?

It depends. If your spouse holds an H-4 visa, they can apply for work authorization under certain conditions if you, the H-1B holder, are on the path to a green card. We are happy to advise you on any questions about H-4 status.

Who is eligible for the H-1B1 visa?

The H-1B1 is a US nonimmigrant visa for citizens of Chile and Singapore who work in specialty occupations. The annual cap for H-1B1 visas is 6,800: 1,400 for Chile and 5,400 for Singapore.

What happens if I lose my job while on an H-1B visa?

If you hold an H-1B visa and lose your job because of layoffs or an economic downturn in the US, you lose your "status" immediately. There is, however, a grace period of 60 days from your termination before you have to return to your home country. Under certain conditions, H-1B workers may also be able to change employers without losing their visa status.

Consultation & implementation

If you'd like to find out what this means for your own situation, the best step is to book a consultation.