How to Check if You’re Picked in Second H1B Lottery

To know if you've been picked in the second H1B lottery for FY 2025, employers should check their USCIS online accounts. If selected, your registration status will change from "Submitted" to "Selected." USCIS updates statuses within days after selection. Only employers can access official results. Ensure accurate registration details and be wary of scams.

Robert Pyne
By Robert Pyne - Editor In Cheif 9 Min Read

Key Takeaways:

  • Employers must check H1B lottery selection results via their myUSCIS account; beneficiaries can’t check directly.
  • Selected registrations will change status from “Submitted” to “Selected” with a “View Notice” link providing filing details.
  • USCIS may update statuses in batches; exact dates aren’t provided, so patience and careful monitoring are essential.

How Can I Know If I Am Picked in the Second H1B Lottery for Fiscal Year 2025?

When Will USCIS Announce the Second Selection?

How to Check if You're Picked in Second H1B Lottery
How to Check if You're Picked in Second H1B Lottery

USCIS is expected to announce the completion of the second H1B lottery selection process soon. This is part of their annual process to reach the FY 2025 regular cap numerical allocation. Keep a lookout for official announcements from USCIS indicating that the second selection is done.

How Do Employers Check Selection Results?

The only way to verify selection results is through the employer’s USCIS online account. Employers or their authorized representatives should log in to their myUSCIS account to check the status of your H1B lottery registration. Only they have access to the official selection results for the second selection.

What Status Changes Should I Expect?

If you are selected in the second H1B lottery, the status of your registration will change from “Submitted” to “Selected.” This change indicates that you are now eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition.

Additionally, you will see a “View Notice” link next to your “Selected” status. This notice will provide critical details about the filing period and other instructions needed to proceed.

What Is the Notification Timeline Like?

USCIS typically updates statuses within a few days after completing the selection process, although they do not provide an exact date for these updates. Be patient during this period, as the updates could occur in batches.

Can I Check My Status Directly as a Beneficiary?

No, beneficiaries cannot directly check their status. Only your employer or their authorized legal representative has access to this information. They are responsible for informing you of the results.

What Does the Second Selection Cover?

The second H1B lottery selection for FY 2025 applies to the regular cap, which includes both regular cap-eligible registrations and those eligible for the advanced degree exemption, also known as the master’s cap. This second round aims to ensure that the numerical allocations are met.

How Is the Selection Process Conducted?

USCIS employs a beneficiary-centric approach for the H1B lottery. This method ensures that each unique beneficiary has an equal chance of selection, regardless of how many registrations they have.

What Should I Do If I Am Selected?

If you are selected in this second round, your employer will have at least 90 days to file the complete H-1B petition. The selection notice will specify the exact filing window. Make sure your employer prepares all the necessary documentation, including any required changes prompted by new USCIS fee structures starting April 1, 2024.

What Are My Options If I Am Not Selected?

If you aren’t selected, consider discussing other visa categories or employment-based options with your employer. Among these alternatives are the O-1 visa, L-1 visa, or continuing your education which might qualify you for employment authorization.

How Can I Protect Myself from Scams?

Trust only the information conveyed by your employer or their authorized legal representative. USCIS will never directly contact beneficiaries about selection results. Be cautious of unsolicited messages claiming otherwise.

Should I Stay Informed About Future Selections?

Yes, occasionally, USCIS may conduct additional selection rounds if the cap remains unmet. Continue to monitor USCIS announcements throughout the year to stay updated on any new developments.

What Were the Initial Numbers for FY 2025?

For FY 2025, USCIS initially selected 120,603 registrations out of 470,342 eligible submissions. The number of additional selections in the second round is not yet disclosed but will aim to fill the remaining slots in the 85,000 total cap, which includes 65,000 for the regular cap and 20,000 for the advanced degree cap.

How Important Is Correct Registration Information?

Ensure that your employer used the correct passport information during the registration. Accuracy in the details submitted is now more critical than ever, as USCIS uses this information in their selection process.

What About New USCIS Fees?

Be prepared for potential fee changes. New USCIS fees are expected to take effect on April 1, 2024. Should you be selected, your employer may need to pay these updated fees when filing the petition.

Additional Resources

For consistent updates and accurate information, always refer to USCIS’s official website. It is your most reliable source for tracking any changes or requirements in the H1B process.

According to VisaVerge.com, understanding these steps can significantly streamline the process of determining whether you’ve been picked in the second H1B lottery for fiscal year 2025. Always follow official guidelines and consult with authorized representatives to ensure that your H1B application proceeds smoothly.

Use this guide to navigate each step meticulously and stay informed about your H1B lottery status.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration Terms

  1. H1B Lottery: A random selection process used by USCIS to choose H1B visa beneficiaries from a pool of registered applicants, typically conducted to meet the annual cap on H1B visas.
  2. USCIS: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency responsible for overseeing lawful immigration to the United States, including the processing of visa applications and determining selection results in the H1B lottery.
  3. Regular Cap: The annual numerical limit set by USCIS for the number of H1B visas issued, generally 65,000 visas, not including exemptions such as the advanced degree exemption.
  4. Advanced Degree Exemption (Master’s Cap): An exemption within the H1B visa cap that allows an additional 20,000 H1B visas to be issued to applicants who have earned a U.S. master’s degree or higher.
  5. MyUSCIS Account: An online portal where employers or their authorized representatives can manage H1B visa registrations, check the status of applications, and receive updates directly from USCIS.

This Article In A Nutshell:

To know if you’re picked in the second H1B lottery for FY 2025, your employer must check the USCIS online account. The status will change from “Submitted” to “Selected.” Only employers or their representatives can access this information. Stay tuned for official announcements from USCIS.
— By VisaVerge.com

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. If you reference or use any content from this article, please attribute it to VisaVerge.com by including a link to the original source. We appreciate your adherence to our content usage policies and your commitment to giving proper credit.

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Robert Pyne
Editor In Cheif
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Robert Pyne, a Professional Writer at VisaVerge.com, brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique storytelling ability to the team. Specializing in long-form articles and in-depth analyses, Robert's writing offers comprehensive insights into various aspects of immigration and global travel. His work not only informs but also engages readers, providing them with a deeper understanding of the topics that matter most in the world of travel and immigration.
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