Home – Finance – H-1B Visa 2025: What You Need to Know About New Rules & Application Dates!
The H-1B Visa 2025 season brings new rules and updates, including an increased registration fee and revised Form I-129. This detailed guide covers the application dates, eligibility criteria, step-by-step application process, and tips for success. Stay informed and maximize your chances of selection in this highly competitive lottery system.
H-1B Visa 2025: The H-1B visa continues to be one of the most sought-after U.S. work visas for foreign professionals in specialty occupations, including technology, engineering, healthcare, and finance. As we approach the 2025 H-1B visa application season, several changes and updates have been introduced. If you’re planning to apply or are an employer looking to hire international talent, here’s what you need to know.
The H-1B visa 2025 season introduces new rules, including an increased registration fee, a revised Form I-129, and the continued use of the beneficiary-centric selection process. Staying informed and preparing early are key to maximizing your chances of selection. Whether you’re an applicant or an employer, understanding these updates and navigating the application process strategically is essential for a successful outcome.
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. These roles are typically found in fields such as IT, engineering, mathematics, architecture, and healthcare.
The H-1B visa is subject to an annual cap:
Due to high demand, USCIS conducts a random lottery to select applicants from the pool of registrations.
Source: USCIS FY 2026 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Announcement
The registration fee for each H-1B beneficiary has been increased to $215, up from $10 in previous years. This change aims to cover processing costs.
A new version of Form I-129 becomes mandatory on January 17, 2025. Petitions filed using outdated forms will be rejected.
USCIS continues to enforce a beneficiary-centric selection process, preventing multiple registrations for the same individual by different employers.
The Biden administration is considering implementing a wage-based selection system, favoring higher-paid positions. This proposal is still under review and may impact future H-1B lotteries.
To qualify for an H-1B visa, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
Employers must register electronically through the USCIS online portal during the registration period (March 7-24, 2025).
A non-refundable fee of $215 per beneficiary is required at the time of registration.
USCIS will conduct a lottery if registrations exceed the cap. Selected registrants will be notified by March 31, 2025.
Employers can file Form I-129 for selected beneficiaries starting April 1, 2025.
Approved applicants can begin employment on or after October 1, 2025.
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There are 85,000 visas available: 65,000 for the general cap and 20,000 for the advanced degree exemption.
No, the beneficiary-centric selection process prevents multiple registrations for the same person by different employers.
Yes, premium processing is available for an additional fee of $2,500, guaranteeing a decision within 15 days.
Yes, H-1B visa holders can transfer their status to a new employer by filing a new Form I-129.
The initial duration is three years, with the possibility of a three-year extension, totaling six years.
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