Early this year of 2023, the H1B visa lottery competition reached a historic peak, with an astonishing 780,884 applicants - the highest number ever recorded! This surge in applicants has brought to light the intense competition for the limited number of H1B visas available each year.
A Brief Overview The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) maintains an annual limit of 65,000 H1B visas, with an additional 20,000 visas reserved for individuals who have earned a master's or doctoral degree in the U.S. With the number of applicants continually rising, the chances of securing an H1B visa have become increasingly slim.
In 2021, for the first time, USCIS conducted a second round of the lottery, and in 2022, they went a step further with a third round - a move that was both unexpected and unprecedented. These additional rounds provided hope to many applicants who missed out in the initial rounds.
Many of us hoped for a third round of the lottery this year as well. However, on December 13, 2023, USCIS dashed these hopes by officially announcing that they had reached the Fiscal Year 2024 H-1B Cap. This announcement USCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2024 H-1B Cap means there will be no third round this year.
If you, like many others, were not selected in this year's H1B lottery, don't lose hope. As a fellow candidate and OPT (Optional Practical Training) student, I understand the disappointment and uncertainty you might be feeling. The key is to maintain your F1 student status and prepare for the next year's lottery.
For those whose OPT is nearing its end, consider enrolling in a university that offers low tuition and supports students working from day one. This approach, commonly referred to as "Day 1 CPT (Curricular Practical Training) universities," allows you to keep your current job while remaining eligible for the next H1B lottery.
There's a silver lining for future applicants. In FY2025, USCIS proposes rule changes for the H-1B process, with one significant amendment being that a candidate can only be selected once, regardless of the number of applications filed on their behalf. This change aims to level the playing field for all applicants.
For more information about maintaining your F1 status and navigating the complexities of Day 1 CPT universities, feel free to contact our agents. Additionally, I recommend reading our article on "15 Common Mistakes About Day 1 CPT" for further insights.
While the absence of a third lottery round in FY2024 is a setback for many, it's crucial to stay informed and prepared for future opportunities. By understanding the process, maintaining your student status, and keeping an eye on upcoming changes, you'll be better positioned for success in the next H1B visa lottery.