What Is the H1B Cap Season?

As the global economy continues to integrate highly skilled professionals from around the world, the H1B visa remains a pivotal pathway for bringing specialized talent into the United States. However, the opportunity to apply for this visa is governed by a critical timeframe known as the H1B cap season, a period that both U.S. employers and foreign professionals must strategically navigate.

Understanding the H1B Visa Cap

The H1B cap refers to the annual numerical limit imposed by the U.S. Congress on the number of new H1B visas that can be granted in a fiscal year. The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields such as IT, finance, engineering, mathematics, science, medicine, etc.

The regular H1B cap is set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year. This cap applies to all eligible H1B visa applicants who do not qualify for the advanced degree exemption. In addition to the regular cap, there is an exemption for holders of U.S. master’s degrees or higher, known as the Master’s cap. This exemption allows for an additional 20,000 visas to be granted to individuals who have earned a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution of higher education. This is intended to prioritize the retention of highly educated foreign workers in the U.S.

Certain H1B Visa petitions are exempt from the annual cap:

Visa transfers (workers changing from one employer to another)
Extensions of existing visas
Certain non-profit organizations, government research organizations, and institutions of higher education can sponsor these employees without being subject to the cap.

The cap is a critical aspect of U.S. immigration policy affecting employers and prospective employees, shaping the availability of skilled foreign workers in the U.S. labor market each year.

The H1B Cap Season Timeline

The H1B season is the period during which U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) accepts petitions for the upcoming fiscal year, typically starting on April 1. Due to the high demand for these visas, which often exceeds the available cap, USCIS uses a lottery system to select the petitions that will be processed randomly. If the number of applications exceeds the cap limit, the lottery is conducted first for the regular cap. All unselected applicants with a U.S. master’s degree or higher are then entered into the lottery for the Master’s cap.

The H1B season timeline outlines the annual process for submitting H1B visa petitions to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), starting from registration to the final submission of petitions. This timeline is crucial for both employers and prospective workers to understand and prepare for the visa application process. Here’s an overview of the typical H1B season timeline:

1. Pre-Registration Period: Before March 2024

Employers begin identifying potential candidates, gathering necessary documents, and preparing for the electronic registration process. It’s also a good time for candidates to ensure they meet eligibility requirements and have all their documentation in order.

2. H-1B Visa Registration Period: March 6-22, 2024

USCIS opens the H1B registration period typically in early March. During this period, which usually lasts for at least two weeks, employers (or their authorized representatives) must submit electronic registrations for each candidate they wish to sponsor for an employment visa. A nominal fee is required for each registration.

3. H1B Lottery Selection: Late March into April 2024

Once the registration period closes in late March, USCIS conducts a random lottery if the number of registrations exceeds the annual cap limits (65,000 for the regular cap and an additional 20,000 for the advanced degree exemption). USCIS first conducts the lottery for the regular cap and then for the Master’s cap from the remaining registrations that qualify for the advanced degree exemption but were not selected in the regular cap lottery.

4. Notification of Selection: April 2024

USCIS notifies employers (and their representatives) about the selection results through their online accounts. Selected registrations will receive information on when and how to file the complete H1B visa petition.

5. H1B Petition Filing Period: April 1, 2024, Onwards

Employers of selected candidates can begin filing the full visa petitions with USCIS on April 1. There is typically a 90-day window to file these petitions. This stage involves submitting detailed documentation, including evidence of the beneficiary’s qualifications, the job offer, and the employer’s ability to pay the prevailing wage.

6. Adjudication: April-September 2024

Selected petitions undergo the USCIS review process. The processing times can vary, and employers may opt for premium processing to expedite the review of their petitions. If approved, the H1B visa allows the foreign professional to commence employment at the start of the U.S. federal government’s fiscal year.

7. Start Date for Employment: October 1, 2024

The start date for the new H1B visa employment is October 1, the beginning of the U.S. government’s fiscal year. Beneficiaries of approved petitions can start working for their sponsoring employer from this date, assuming all other prerequisites (such as visa stamping for candidates outside the U.S.) have been completed.

This timeline is subject to changes and adjustments by USCIS, and both employers and candidates need to stay informed about any announcements or modifications to the process.

Preparing for the H1B Cap Season

Preparing for the season is crucial for both employers and prospective employees to enhance their chances of success in the highly competitive visa process. Here are strategies and tips for preparation:

H1B Visa Preparation Tips for Employers

Early Identification of Candidates: Identify potential H1B candidates early, ideally several months before the registration period in March. Consider current employees on OPT or STEM OPT, recent graduates, or overseas talent with specialized skills.
Understand the Cap and Process: Familiarize yourself with the cap, the registration process, and any recent changes or updates to immigration policies affecting the H1B program.
Gather Necessary Documentation: Start collecting required documents for the petition early, including proof of the specialty occupation, the candidate’s qualifications, and the Labor Condition Application (LCA).
Use Legal and Professional Services: Consider consulting with an immigration attorney or using professional services specializing in petitions to navigate the complexities of the process.
Budget for Expenses: Prepare for the costs associated with filing petitions, including USCIS filing fees, legal fees, and premium processing fees, if opted.
Plan for Multiple Candidates: To increase the chances of success, consider registering multiple eligible candidates, keeping in mind the business’s actual needs and the ethical considerations of the process.
Prepare for Alternatives: In case candidates are not selected in the H1B lottery, explore alternative visa options such as L-1, O-1, or TN visas, depending on the candidate’s nationality and qualifications.

H1B Visa Preparation for Employees (Candidates)

Ensure Eligibility: Confirm that you meet the H1B visa requirements, including holding a bachelor’s degree or higher in a field related to the job offer.
Document Preparation: Gather all necessary documents, including educational certificates, work experience letters, and any certifications required for the specialty occupation.
Engage with Potential Employers: Communicate your intent and eligibility for H1B sponsorship to potential employers, especially if you are on OPT or STEM OPT and seeking to transition to H1B status.
Understand the Timeline and Process: Familiarize yourself with the cap season timeline, registration, selection, and petition filing processes.
Consider Multiple Opportunities: To increase your chances, you may consider job offers from multiple employers willing to sponsor your visa, as each employer can submit a registration on your behalf.
Stay Informed: Keep up to date with any changes in immigration policies or procedures that may affect the H1B visa process.
Prepare for Plan B: Have a backup plan in case you are not selected in the lottery. This could include extending your current visa status, exploring other visa categories, or considering opportunities in other countries.

Both employers and employees should start preparing well in advance of the H1B cap season to ensure a smooth and timely application process. Collaboration and clear communication between both parties are key to navigating the application process successfully.

Prepare for H1B Cap Season With Litwin & Smith

Navigating the H1B cap season requires careful planning, timely action, and a deep understanding of the process. For both employers and foreign professionals, the assistance of experienced immigration attorneys can be invaluable in achieving a successful outcome. As the global talent pool continues to expand, the visa remains a key component of America’s economic and technological growth, making the cap season a critical period for many in the international community.

If you have more questions about H1Bs, Litwin & Smith offers a complete guide to the H1B Process for employers. If you’re already preparing, our skilled immigration attorneys are available to assist you. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about how we can support you during the H1B cap season.