The Latest Updates on the 2023 (FY 2024) H-1B Cap: What You Need to Know

As a business owner, HR team member, or recruiter, staying up-to-date on immigration regulations is essential. One critical component of hiring foreign workers is the H-1B program, which enables employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialized fields. This blog will provide the latest updates on the 2023 (FY 2024) H-1B cap, including the H-1B cap lottery and how to prepare for what comes next.

What is the H-1B Cap Lottery?

The H-1B cap lottery is the process by which U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) selects petitions for H-1B visas for each fiscal year. The annual numerical limit, or cap, for new H-1B visas is 65,000. However, an additional 20,000 petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries with a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution of higher education are exempt from the cap. The H-1B lottery is used to randomly select the petitions that will be considered for approval.

Latest Updates on This Year’s Lottery

The FY 2024 H-1B Lottery took place in March 2023.  The annual H-1B visa lottery plays a significant role in the application process for first-time petitions. The government issues a total of 85,000 visas each year, with 20,000 reserved for individuals holding a master’s degree or higher, and 65,000 for other qualified applicants. Last year, over 483,000 registrations were submitted by over 48,000 employers.

USCIS has yet to publicly disclose how many registrations were submitted in this year’s H-1B cap lottery.  However, it’s likely that even more registrations were submitted, making it even more difficult to secure an H-1B visa in the lottery.

Last year, USCIS selected 127,600 registrations in the lottery. The employers who petitioned for these registrants were then able to submit an H-1B application. Those with selected registrations had their myUSCIS accounts updated to include a selection notice, which includes details about when and where to file.

Preparing the Next Steps with Immigration Legal Support Tailored to Your Needs

The H-1B program can be complex and navigating the H-1B cap lottery can be daunting. That’s where immigration legal support comes in. Working with an immigration lawyer who specializes in H-1B petitions can help ensure that your company follows all regulations and that your petitions have the best possible chance of success. An experienced immigration lawyer can also help you understand the latest updates on the H-1B cap lottery and prepare for what comes next.

Understanding the latest updates on the FY 2024 H-1B cap is crucial for any business owner, HR team member, or recruiter seeking to hire foreign workers. For more updates on the H-1B cap lottery, Contact Grey Immigration Law today to learn how our team can improve your immigration experience.