H-1B visa 2025: Selection timeline, fees, and what to expect next
The H-1B visa registration for fiscal year 2025 closed on March 24, with notifications due by March 31. Successful applicants have 90 days to file their petitions. The 2026 registration window is expected next March. The Trump administration may i...
By ET Online |
Agencies
The H-1B visa registration period for fiscal year 2025 concluded on March 24, 2025, after opening on March 7, 2025. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is set to notify selected applicants by March 31, 2025. Successful candidates will then have 90 days to file their H-1B petitions.
Next H-1B Registration Window
The next H-1B visa registration window is expected to open in March 2026, following the usual annual schedule. However, with the Trump administration back in power, potential policy changes could impact this timeline. Any modifications will be communicated via the USCIS website.
Registration Fee
Employers must pay a registration fee of $215 per H-1B application. Before filing Form I-129 with USCIS, they need to submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) and obtain certification from the US Department of Labor.
Visa Duration
The H-1B visa allows foreign workers to stay in the US for an initial period of three years, with an option to extend for another three years, making the maximum stay six years. After reaching this limit, individuals must either leave the country or apply for a change of status.
Eligibility Criteria
Foreign professionals with a bachelor's degree or higher who have secured a temporary professional position from a US employer are eligible to apply for an H-1B visa. The annual cap includes 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 allocated for applicants with advanced degrees from US institutions.
Current H-1B Holders
Individuals already in valid H-1B status do not need to reapply through the lottery. They can seek extensions or changes of status without undergoing the registration process again.
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Potential Policy Changes
The Trump administration may introduce changes affecting the H-1B registration process, including adjustments to fees, timelines, or eligibility criteria. Employers and applicants should monitor the USCIS website for updates.
Notification Process
USCIS will notify applicants of their selection status by March 31, 2025. Those selected will have a 90-day window to submit their H-1B petitions for fiscal year 2026. Employers should closely monitor notifications to ensure timely filing.
Annual Visa Cap
Each fiscal year, 65,000 new H-1B visas are issued, with an additional 20,000 visas available for applicants holding advanced degrees from US institutions. Due to high demand, these slots are filled quickly, making early registration crucial.
H-1B visa application process: A step by step guide
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To get an H-1B visa, you need a company to sponsor you. If you're already in the US on a student visa, ask your employer if they can sponsor your H-1B. Otherwise, consult an immigration lawyer about your options.
Your sponsor can be your current or a new employer, as long as they're willing to support your application.
To get an H-1B visa, you need a company to sponsor you. If you're already in the US on a student visa, ask your employer if they can sponsor your H-1B. Otherwise, consult an immigration lawyer about ..
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Every company who want to hire a foreign worker on an H-1B visa needs to first complete and submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the US Department of Labor (DOL). This document is crucial and serves as a guarantee that the company will follow specific rules, such as paying the prevailing wage and not negatively impacting US worker opportunities.
However, before getting the LCA approved by the DOL, the company must go through certain mandatory steps. These steps involve providing details about the job, ensuring proper wage standards are met, and meeting legal requirements to protect the rights of both the foreign worker and US workforce.
Every company who want to hire a foreign worker on an H-1B visa needs to first complete and submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the US Department of Labor (DOL). This document is crucial an..
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To ensure H-1B visa workers aren't paid less than others doing similar jobs in the same area, the prevailing wage is used as a benchmark. This wage is confirmed by the state employment agency and should be met by the employer. If not, a wage determination is required.
There are three ways to find the prevailing wage: 1. National Prevailing Wage and Center (NPWC): This is the most reliable and recommended option - it offers "safe harbor status," meaning employers using the NPWC wage are less likely to face legal challenges related to underpaying workers.
2. Independent survey: An independent and credible source can conduct a wage survey to determine the prevailing wage.
3. Other legitimate sources: While possible, using other sources (besides the NPWC) is generally not advised due to potential legal risks.
To ensure H-1B visa workers aren't paid less than others doing similar jobs in the same area, the prevailing wage is used as a benchmark. This wage is confirmed by the state employment agency and sho..
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Once the employer acquires the current prevailing wage, the next step involves submitting the Labor Condition Application (LCA) through the completion of Form ETA 9035, which is filed with the Department of Labor (DOL). This application must be electronically submitted using the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system.
The submission should not exceed a six-month timeframe from the commencement date of the employment period.
In cases where employers face physical disabilities or lack internet accessibility, an alternative option is available. They may seek permission from the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) for special consideration to submit their ETA 9035 application by mail.
Once the employer acquires the current prevailing wage, the next step involves submitting the Labor Condition Application (LCA) through the completion of Form ETA 9035, which is filed with the Depart..
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After concluding the Labor Condition Application (LCA) process, the employer can move forward with the submission of the H-1B petition by completing Form I-129, officially known as the Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker. It is crucial for the employer to attach an employment letter containing precise details such as the position's duties, employment dates, comprehensive job description, offered salary, position requirements, and contact information.
Supporting documents for the foreign employee, including academic qualifications, training certificates, membership records, resume, and a letter of support, should be included.
The final stage in the H-1B visa application process involves monitoring the petition's status. This can be done by entering the receipt number into the USCIS website. As soon as USCIS processes and records your application, they will update the status on their system.
After concluding the Labor Condition Application (LCA) process, the employer can move forward with the submission of the H-1B petition by completing Form I-129, officially known as the Petition for N..
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After your I-129 is approved, you will receive Form I-797 Notice of Action and you are one step closer to completing the process. Based on weather you're in the Us or not at the time, your next steps will change.
After your I-129 is approved, you will receive Form I-797 Notice of Action and you are one step closer to completing the process. Based on weather you're in the Us or not at the time, your next steps..
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If you are currently in the United States, your immigration status will automatically shift to H-1B, and the USCIS will update your I-94 record to reflect this change. It's essential to refrain from engaging in any employment activities until your status has officially transitioned.
To obtain an H-1B visa stamp, the process involves submitting DS-160 and scheduling a visa stamping appointment within 90 days before your intended start of work in the US This option is applicable to individuals already holding a valid nonimmigrant status, such as O-1, J-1, or L-1 status.
Alternatively, if you are currently residing in the US, you can opt for consular processing. This route requires traveling back to your home country to get the visa stamped at the US embassy or consulate there. It's important to note that consular processing entails additional applications and documentation. Additionally, there is a chance of administrative processing, which may potentially cause delays in your employment commencement.
If you are currently in the United States, your immigration status will automatically shift to H-1B, and the USCIS will update your I-94 record to reflect this change. It's essential to refrain from ..
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Applicants who submitted their application outside of the United States, will not only have to complete the DS-160 form but also schedule and attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate. Following the approval of the I-129 form, the next step is to submit a nonimmigrant visa application at a US embassy or consulate in one's home country.
This process requires specific documentation and a face-to-face interview at the embassy or consulate. Upon successful visa issuance post-interview, the individual becomes eligible to travel to the United States.
The granted visa serves as a valid travel document to enter the United States. However, approval to enter the country is still required upon reaching a port of entry. Additionally, each visa comes with an expiration date, necessitating entry into the US before this expiration. Upon arrival at the airport or border, permission from the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is required for admission to the United States as an H-1B visa holder.
Applicants who submitted their application outside of the United States, will not only have to complete the DS-160 form but also schedule and attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate. Followi..
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