USCIS just announced the details for this year's H-1B visa lottery, including a fee increase for the H-1B registration process.
Because the demand for H-1B visas far exceeds the number of available visas each year, there is a lottery to decide who gets the chance to apply.
Here’s what you need to know for this year’s H-1B lottery registration:
Opens: March 7, 2025, at 9 AM PT
Closes: March 24, 2025, at 9 AM PT
New registration fee: $215 per beneficiary (previously $10)
USCIS will continue using the beneficiary-centric selection process, meaning selections are based on unique individuals, not multiple registrations.
From my experience handling H-1B cases, I know how important it is to plan ahead—especially with the higher fee and updated selection process. Employers should start preparing now to avoid last-minute issues when registration opens.