Unlock the Door to Global Talent

Register for the H-1B Lottery March 6-22, 2024

Nicole S. Schram | 03.01.24

In today’s competitive labor market, U.S. employers can expand their labor force by attracting and retaining skilled foreign talent. The H‑1B visa program continues to be the most common pathway to hire specialized employees from abroad, and the registration period for the H‑1B lottery is fast approaching. 

Understanding the H‑1B Visa Program

The H‑1B visa program allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations that require specialized knowledge, such as information technology, engineering, healthcare, finance, and more. The program operates on an annual quota system, with a cap on the number of visas issued each fiscal year. The demand for H‑1B visas always exceeds the numerical cap, so employers may only submit an application for a ​“cap-subject” H‑1B visa after their candidate is selected in the lottery. 

The odds of winning the H‑1B lottery are expected to be somewhat higher in 2024 after the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented much-needed changes to its lottery registration and selection procedure. 

Registering for the H‑1B Lottery

In 2024, the H‑1B lottery registration period will run from March 6 to March 22. Registrations are only accepted during this window. Below is more information about the registration process.

• Electronic Registration. Companies seeking to file H‑1B petitions must first electronically register their candidates for the lottery using USCIS’s online registration platform. Attorneys and other authorized representatives may complete the registration on behalf of the company. The registration includes very basic information about the sponsoring company and the requested worker.
• Registration Fee. During registration, a $10 registration fee will be charged for each prospective H‑1B worker (“beneficiary”). This fee is paid online as part of the registration process.
• Random Selection. After the registration period closes, USCIS will randomly select the winning beneficiaries from the eligible electronic registrations. Employers may only file H‑1B cap-subject petitions if their registration is selected in the lottery.
• Master’s Cap. Beneficiaries who have earned a master’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. institution are eligible for the advanced degree exemption, commonly known as the master’s cap. Those beneficiaries registered under the master’s cap have significantly higher chances of being selected in the lottery.

Conclusion

Leveraging the H‑1B visa program to attract and retain diverse talent from around the world not only enriches company culture but also fosters innovation and competitiveness in an increasingly globalized marketplace. Reach out to the immigration attorneys at Boardman Clark to register for the lottery and position yourself for success this H‑1B season.