In a recent update, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has revealed that a second random selection will be conducted from previously submitted electronic registrations for the fiscal year (FY) 2024 H-1B cap. This comes after the initial selection process conducted in March 2023, where USCIS chose beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption for the FY 2024 H-1B cap.

The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to hire skilled foreign workers in specialty occupations. It is highly popular among professionals, especially those in the technology, engineering, and healthcare sectors. The demand for H-1B visas often exceeds the numerical limit set by the government, resulting in a lottery-based selection process.

The initial random selection in March 2023 determined the beneficiaries eligible to file H-1B cap-subject petitions for the FY 2024. Only those petitioners with selected registrations were permitted to apply during the filing period from April 1, 2023, through June 30, 2023.

However, USCIS recently realized that additional registrations would be required to meet the FY 2024 numerical allocations. As a result, a second random selection process will be conducted from the pool of previously submitted electronic registrations. The agency will select additional beneficiaries using this random process.

Once the second selection process is completed, USCIS will notify all prospective petitioners with selected registrations from this round of selection. Those selected will be eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for the beneficiary named in the applicable selected registration.

To facilitate the process, USCIS will update the myUSCIS accounts of the selected beneficiaries. The selection notice provided in the accounts will include essential details, such as when and where to file the H-1B cap-subject petition.

This additional random selection aims to ensure fairness and increase the chances of skilled foreign workers securing H-1B visas, supporting U.S. employers in attracting top talent from across the globe.

As the H-1B program continues to be competitive, employers and beneficiaries are encouraged to stay informed and be prepared for the next steps in the process. Consulting with experienced immigration attorneys can also provide valuable guidance and support during the H-1B cap-subject petition filing.

For updates on the second random selection process and further information on H-1B visa filings, prospective petitioners and beneficiaries should regularly check the official USCIS website and their myUSCIS accounts.