The registration period for fiscal year 2025 (FY2025) H-1B cap-subject petitions is open. It began on Wednesday, March 6, at 12 noon (ET). The period will close at 12 noon (ET) on March 22. This two-week window is the only time employers can submit electronic registrations for foreign workers. The employers want to sponsor these workers for H-1B visas.

The H-1B Visa Program

The H-1B visa program lets U.S. employers temporarily hire foreign workers. These workers must be in “specialty occupations.” These jobs require a bachelor’s degree or a higher degree in a specific field. Due to high demand, a cap limits the number of H-1B visas issued each fiscal year. That cap is 85,000. It includes a general cap of 65,000 and an additional 20,000 for workers with a U.S. master’s degree or higher.

The registration period is the first step in the H-1B cap process. Employers must register each prospective employee online with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

New Rules and Key Changes

The FY2025 H-1B cap season introduces a new “beneficiary-centric” selection process. This change is meant to reduce fraud and make the lottery more fair. Under the new rule, USCIS selects registrations based on the unique beneficiary. It does not select based on the number of registrations submitted for them. This means that if multiple employers register for the same person, that person is entered into the lottery only once. This holds true regardless of how many registrations are filed.

Another significant change is a new non-refundable $215 registration fee per beneficiary. This is a big increase from the prior $10 fee.

What Happens Next

After the registration period closes, USCIS will conduct a lottery. The agency plans to announce the results by March 31. Only employers with a selected registration can file a full H-1B petition. They get a 90-day window to file the petition. This window typically starts on April 1. If approved, the H-1B status becomes effective on October 1, the start of the new fiscal year.

This electronic registration process streamlines the H-1B cap’s first phase. It also saves both employers and the government significant resources. This eliminates the need for employers to prepare and submit full petition packets for all candidates.