Hello there! In today’s discussion, we will be focusing on the recent news about the H1B visa lottery system. As you may know, H1B visas are highly sought after by foreign workers looking to work in the United States. The lottery system is used to randomly select applicants for this visa, and there have been recent updates and changes to this process. So, let’s dive in and learn more about the H1B lottery news.
What is the H1B Lottery?
The H1B visa program is a popular way for foreign workers to come to the United States and work in specialty occupations. However, each year, the number of applications for H1B visas far exceeds the number of available visas. As a result, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) uses a random lottery system to select which applications will be processed.
Changes to the H1B Lottery System
In January 2021, the USCIS announced a change to the H1B lottery system. Instead of conducting one lottery to select the required number of H1B visa recipients, the USCIS will now conduct two lotteries. The first lottery will select applicants who have a master’s degree or higher from a US institution. The second lottery will select applicants who do not have a master’s degree or higher.
This change in the H1B lottery system is designed to increase the number of H1B visa recipients with advanced degrees from US universities.
Pros and Cons of the New H1B Lottery System
Pros:
- The new system provides a higher chance for individuals with advanced degrees from US institutions to get selected.
- It could encourage more foreign students to pursue higher education in the US, resulting in a more skilled workforce.
- It could help reduce the dependence on H1B visa holders from other countries like India and China.
Cons:
- It could reduce the chances of H1B visa applicants who do not have advanced degrees from being selected.
- It could lead to more competition among foreign students for US university admissions.
- It could result in a decrease in the number of H1B visa recipients from certain countries.
H1B Lottery Trends
the H1B lottery system is unpredictable, and there are no guarantees that an applicant will be selected. However, Analyzing past H1B lottery trends can help individuals and companies understand their chances of being selected.
One key takeaway from this text is that the H1B lottery system is unpredictable, and there are pros and cons to the recent changes made by the USCIS. The new system aims to increase the number of H1B visa recipients with advanced degrees from US universities but may reduce the chances of applicants without advanced degrees from being selected. It’s essential to understand past lottery trends and work with an immigration attorney to improve your chances of being selected in the H1B lottery.
H1B Lottery Success Rates
The H1B lottery success rate varies each year depending on the number of applications received and the number of available visas. In 2020, the overall success rate for the H1B lottery was 31%, with a 50% success rate for US master’s degree holders and a 24% success rate for all other applicants.
Top Countries for H1B Visa Recipients
India is the top country for H1B visa recipients, accounting for more than 70% of all H1B visa holders. China is the second-largest country, accounting for around 13% of H1B visa holders.
Top Companies for H1B Visa Sponsorship
In 2020, Amazon was the top company for H1B visa sponsorship, followed by Google, Apple, and Facebook. These companies sponsor a significant number of H1B visas each year, and they are also known for offering competitive salaries and benefits.
How to Increase Your Chances of Being Selected in the H1B Lottery
There is no guaranteed way to increase your chances of being selected in the H1B lottery. However, there are a few things that you can do to improve your chances:
- Apply for multiple H1B visas through different employers.
- Apply for H1B visas through smaller companies that sponsor fewer visas.
- Make sure that your H1B application is complete and error-free.
- Work with an immigration attorney who has experience with the H1B visa process.
FAQs for h1b lottery news
What is the H1B lottery?
The H1B lottery is a process that determines which foreign national workers are eligible to receive an H1B visa, which is a non-immigrant visa that allows them to work in the United States for up to six years. The lottery is conducted annually by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and is used to select a limited number of applicants from a pool of H1B visa petitions.
How does the H1B lottery work?
The H1B lottery works by randomly selecting petitions from the pool of applications that were received during the designated filing period. USCIS uses a computer-generated random selection process to choose winners of the lottery. Once selected, the petitioners who have been chosen will be eligible to apply for an H1B visa.
How many H1B visas are available each year?
The number of available H1B visas varies from year to year. However, the current annual quota for H1B visas is set at 85,000, with 65,000 reserved for general petitions and another 20,000 set aside for applicants with advanced degrees from U.S. colleges and universities.
When is the H1B lottery held?
The H1B lottery is typically held in the first week of April each year. USCIS announces the exact date when the lottery will take place in advance, along with the deadlines for submitting application petitions.
What happened in the latest H1B lottery in 2021?
In the latest H1B lottery, which took place on March 31, 2021, USCIS received 275,000 H1B visa petitions from employers, which is the highest number since 2008. USCIS conducted the lottery on March 30, 2021, and notified employers whose petitions were selected. Winners will now have until November 2021 to complete their visa applications.
How do I check the status of my H1B lottery application?
USCIS will send a notification to the employer if their petition has been selected. They will also receive a receipt notice in the mail. If an employer has not received any notice from USCIS after the lottery has taken place, it is likely that their petition was not selected.
What should I do if my H1B lottery application was not chosen?
If your H1B lottery application was not chosen, you will not be able to apply for an H1B visa. However, there are other visa options available that may be a good fit for your situation. It is recommended that you seek the advice of an immigration attorney to explore alternative visa options.