H‑1B Visa Lottery: USCIS Completes Second Round for FY 2024

USCIS has completed the second round of the H‑1B visa lottery for fiscal year 2024. The agency confirmed that it selected enough additional registrations to meet the annual cap before the fiscal year ends on September 30, 2024.

USCIS announced that it chose a sufficient number of registrations from the remaining pool to reach the FY 2024 cap. All selected petitioners have been notified and may now file H‑1B cap‑subject petitions for the named beneficiaries.

This second round follows the initial selection held in March, which included registrations for beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption.

Filing Requirements for Selected Registrations

Only petitioners with selected FY 2024 registrations may file H‑1B cap‑subject petitions. The first filing window ran from April 1, 2023, through June 30, 2023.

Petitioners must file at the correct service center and within the filing period listed on the selection notice. The filing window lasts at least 90 days. USCIS does not accept online filing for H‑1B petitions, so all submissions must be mailed. A printed copy of the FY 2024 registration selection notice must be included.

This is not the first time USCIS has conducted more than one H‑1B visa lottery. For FY 2022, USCIS held three separate lotteries due to lower-than-expected petition filings. Additional selections occurred in July and November 2021.

Registration Numbers for FY 2024

USCIS received 758,994 eligible registrations for FY 2024. From this large pool, the agency selected 110,791 registrations to meet the annual cap of 85,000 visas. These figures highlight the intense demand for H‑1B visas and the competitive nature of the selection process.

The completion of the second H‑1B visa lottery ensures that USCIS can meet the statutory cap for FY 2024. Selected petitioners now have a clear path to file their petitions and move forward in the process.

If you or someone you know needs guidance on the H‑1B process or other employment‑based immigration options, contact our experienced legal team. We provide clear advice and strong advocacy for workers and employers navigating complex immigration rules.