The H1B visa is a non-immigrant work visa that enables individuals from other countries to engage in specialized occupations within the United States. It is highly sought after by proficient international students and skilled professionals desiring to pursue employment opportunities in the US. Nevertheless, due to the limited availability of H1B visas, there exists a system resembling a lottery to determine successful applicants.
This informative piece aims to offer a complete roadmap for comprehending the H1B lottery procedure and enhancing the likelihood of being selected.
Understanding the H1B Visa Lottery
The H-1B visa lottery functions as the mechanism by which the United States government manages the allocation of employment-sponsored visas for highly skilled professionals. Instituted in 2005, this lottery system was implemented to effectively address the overwhelming demand for H1B visas.
It is not like a normal lottery. The term "lottery" is employed to describe this procedure since the yearly quota for new visas is limited to 65,000, with an additional 20,000 visas specifically reserved for individuals who have completed Master's degree programs within the United States. Consequently, the total cap for H1B visas stands at 85,000 per fiscal year.
The USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) administers the lottery system in two phases.
During the first phase, all applications received by the USCIS are collected and categorized into a pool. A random selection process is then employed to choose 20,000 applicants who hold advanced degrees. If any of these applicants with advanced degrees remain unselected, they are returned to the pool alongside the applicants from the general category.
Moving on to the second round, another random selection process is utilized to choose the remaining 65,000 applicants. This second round includes both the applicants from the general category and any unselected advanced degree applicants from the first round.
The purpose of this two-round lottery system is to provide an opportunity for both advanced degree holders and applicants from the general category to be selected for immigration benefits.
Chances of Getting Selected in the H1B Lottery
The probability of being chosen in the H1B lottery is considerably low due to the immense demand for visas. Recent data provided by the USCIS indicates that in 2020, the likelihood of being selected in the H1B lottery stood at a mere 38%. However, this probability varies.
An examination of the H-1B visa lottery for the next year reveals that the chances of being selected this year are approximately 10%. In simpler terms, out of every ten applications, only one has the opportunity to succeed.
These statistics demonstrate a noticeable decline of 5% compared to the previous year, signaling a significant increase in the number of lottery applications received. For individuals who were not fortunate enough to secure a place in the lottery, it is advisable to explore alternative visa options.
Preparing for the H1B Lottery
Before entering the H1B lottery, it is crucial to ensure a few things. Initially, you need to meet the eligibility requirements for obtaining an H1B visa. To be eligible, you must have a job offer from a US employer for a specialized occupation that requires at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent.
Obtaining a sponsor for the H1B visa holds great significance during the application process. The US employer acts as the sponsor and takes on the responsibility of submitting the H1B petition on behalf of the employee. However, it is essential to note that this selection process should not be arbitrary.
It is crucial to seek out a reputable employer who possesses experience in the H1B visa application process and is willing to act as a sponsor for the visa.
Equally important is to have a comprehensive understanding of the H1B application process, as it is instrumental in preparing for the lottery. The process encompasses multiple steps, such as filing the Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the US Department of Labor. Subsequently, the H1B petition should be submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), followed by attending an H1B visa interview at a US consulate or embassy.