The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently completed the much-anticipated second H1B lottery for the 2025 fiscal year. As per the USCIS latest blog , in the second selection for the FY 2025 H-1B regular cap, resulted in 14,534 selected registrations and all applicants were notified.
With demand for H1B visas far exceeding the available cap, this second lottery round was a significant event for many skilled workers hoping to secure their future in the United States. In this blog, we’ll dive into the details of the H1B second lottery 2025, what it means for applicants, and how the immigration community is reacting across social media.
Comparison to H1b visa Lottery 2024
During the registration period for the FY 2025 H-1B cap, USCIS saw significant decrease in the total number of registrations submitted compared to FY 2024, including a decrease in the number of registrations submitted on behalf of beneficiaries with multiple registrations.
Key points:
- The number of unique beneficiaries this year for FY 2025 (approximately 442,000) was comparable to the number last year for FY 2024 (approximately 446,000).
- The number of unique employers this year for FY 2025 (approximately 52,700) was also comparable to the number last year for FY 2024 (approximately 52,000).
- The number of eligible registrations, however, was down dramatically for FY 2025 (470,342) compared with FY 2024 (758,994) — a 38.6% reduction.
- Overall, average of 1.06 registrations per beneficiary this year in FY 2025, compared to 1.70 for FY 2024.
As per USCIS decreased filing rate for FY 2024 H-1B cap petitions and the decreased registration numbers for FY 2025 are indicative that more fraud investigations and the beneficiary-centric selection process have been effective.
Understanding the H1B Second Lottery 2025
The H1B visa program is one of the most sought-after ways for skilled foreign workers to live and work in the United States. This year in March, 2024, USCIS announced the first round of H1b lottery selections for 2025 cap . First round included for beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption. Also the initial filing period for selected registrations for FY 2025 was from April 1 through June 30, 2024.
Again this in July ,2024, USCIS announced a second H1b lottery via a notification which included existing H1b registrations and doesn’t apply to any new H1b registrations after March. Although USCIS stated that they have met the Master’s cap however second lottery will include applicants who has shown eligibility for Masters cap as well as regular cap.
Why Was a Second Lottery Needed?
As per USCIS website blog it was determined that USCIS needs to conduct additional selections to achieve 2025 H1b numerical cap .This year, many petitions were either not submitted or were deemed ineligible for various reasons, which prompted USCIS to conduct a second lottery. This second lottery process aims to ensure that all available cap limits are utilized, offering more applicants the opportunity to receive a visa. This lottery specifically doesn’t apply to advance degree however as per USCIS blog “The second round of selection for the regular cap will include previously submitted registrations that indicated eligibility for the master’s cap along with those that indicated only eligibility for the regular cap”. Meaning masters cap candidates will also be included who has indicated dual intent in their eligibility.
What Does the H1B Second Lottery 2025 Mean for Applicants?
For applicants, the second lottery represents a final opportunity to secure an H1B visa for the upcoming fiscal year. Those who were not selected in the first round now have renewed hope. Here’s what applicants need to know:
- Notification Process: USCIS have notified selected applicants through the email notifications . Employers and legal representatives will also be informed if their petitions have been selected.
- Filing Deadline: Once selected, H-1B cap-subject petition must be properly filed at the correct filing location or online at my.uscis.gov and within the filing period indicated on the relevant selection notice. The period for filing the H-1B cap-subject petition will be at least 90 days
- Next Steps: If selected, the next step is to prepare and file the H1B petition, including all required documentation and petitioners must include a copy of the applicable selection notice with the FY 2025 H-1B cap-subject petition. It’s crucial to ensure all details are accurate to avoid delays or denials.
Quick numbers from First lottery and second lottery
As per USCIS update below are the selections numbers.
Lottery | Month | Total Beneficiries | Total Selections |
First | Mar-Apr 2024 | 114,017 | 120,603 |
Second | July-Aug 204 | 13,607 | 14,534 |
Social Media Reactions to the H1B Second Lottery 2025
The announcement of the second H1B lottery 2025 has sparked a flurry of reactions across social media platforms. From excitement and hope to frustration and anxiety, here’s a snapshot of what the community is saying:
- Twitter Buzz: Many users took to Twitter to share their experiences and emotions. Tweets range from celebratory messages from those who were selected to expressions of concern from those still waiting. Hashtags like #H1BSecondLottery and #H1B2025 have been trending, with users offering advice, sharing news, and connecting with others in similar situations.
- LinkedIn Discussions: LinkedIn has become a hub for professionals discussing the implications of the second lottery. Many immigration attorneys and HR professionals have been sharing insights and offering guidance on next steps, while affected workers are sharing their stories and seeking support.
- Reddit Conversations: On Reddit, users have been engaging in deep discussions about the second lottery, sharing detailed experiences and advice. The H1B subreddit has seen an uptick in posts, with users comparing timelines, sharing resources, and providing moral support to those still waiting for their results.
Final Thoughts on the H1B Second Lottery 2025
The H1B second lottery 2025 has given many applicants a renewed sense of hope in their journey to securing a visa. While the process can be stressful, it’s important to stay informed and prepared. Whether you’re an applicant, an employer, or simply someone interested in the H1B visa process, staying updated on the latest developments is crucial.
For more information on navigating the H1B visa process and staying up-to-date with the latest news, make sure to follow our blog and connect with us on social media. The journey might be challenging, but with the right information and support, you can navigate it successfully.
