Understanding the H1B Visa Lottery: Key Statistics and Trends

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Recently, the USCIS released this year’s H1B lottery data, which shows that the number of eligible H1B registrations for 2024 (= FY2025) is 470,342, 38.6% lower than last year; however, the number of H1Bs drawn is 120,603, with a winning rate of only 25.64%, which is only less than 1% higher than last year!

In terms of the winning rate, the effect of the one-person-one-draw for H1B has fallen short of expectations and did not achieve the 30% previously estimated by the INS. The reason is that the actual number of H1B lottery continues to improve: 2023, 2024, 2025 fiscal year the actual number of eligible H1B registrations were 309241, 350103, 423028.

In addition to this, the overseas Indian airborne army continues to serve as the main force in the H1B lottery, significantly squeezing the professional immigrant quota for Chinese nationals.

The H1B Winning Visa also Has a Dark Moment!

For the majority of signers, what is more desperate than not winning the H1B is: winning the H1B but not being able to file! Alan, who won this year but was informed by his company that he couldn’t file, bluntly stated, “Winning the H1B lottery once has drained three years of my good luck, and not being able to file as a result really is bad luck!”

However, Alan’s situation is not unique. With the North American tech industry yet to warm up this year, companies large and small continue to “reduce costs and increase efficiency.” Many of my friends, despite their difficulty in securing an H1B, received notifications from their companies about layoffs, leaving them unable to file… In addition, if you have a six to seven month long H1B, you will have to wait for a long time to get an H1B. Additionally, if one cuts the H1B effective preparation period of up to six to seven months, unfortunately, the chances that the H1B will become invalid are very high.

Four Stages before H1B Effective Date

LCA: about one week, during which time the H1B will be canceled if it is laid off.

File stage: April to June, during which the H1B will be canceled if it is laid off.

File Review Stage: 2-4 months, If USCIS does not approve your application before a layoff occurs, the company is likely to revoke your H1B.

Waiting for the effective period: Before October, if you have received I-797 and the company has not withdrawn your H1B application, find a new job immediately, and wait for the H1B to take effect after the opportunity to transfer.

In recent years, fewer and fewer companies have been giving H1B applications, and even when some companies are willing to sponsor, they attach a series of “unfair” conditions, such as requiring employees who leave their jobs within three years after receiving H1B application approval to pay the previous H1B application fee, and mandating that they serve the company for three years after getting the green card!

However, activating the H1B successfully is not easy, with ongoing concerns about facing layoffs within 60 days, the risk of not securing a job before the visa lapses, encountering delays during green card perm processing promotions, getting stuck, confronting increased salary requirements for H1B extensions, … a series of challenging moments are on the horizon. So much so that, in the case of H1B is so difficult to win, there are still a lot of people who won the visa are hesitant to file.

Career Immigration Route is Long! Difficulty of Dead-end H1B

For most Chinese nationals, the preferred route to remaining in the U.S. is through the EB2/EB3 channels. However, as the H1B visa approval rate declines, fewer companies open perm positions, and the progress of green card scheduling slows, the difficulty of obtaining a green card continuously increases. With the current accumulation of green card cases, processing speed, plus the perm process, it is no longer an alarmist talk that it takes 10 years to get a green card.

So, many partners began to look for other ways to stay in the United States, day 1cpt, marriage green, investment, read phd go eb1/niw, and even some partners choose to relocate to other countries for a year in relocate back to continue h1b ……

“My roommate looked for a computer system intitute school that can work full-time while going to school, with F1 with CPT or something like that worked for three years after her company gave her sponsor to do ABC or something, and now is waiting for the green card. “

“Although we can not go CPT do not go, but around a lot of OPT three years did not win so hanging classmates, but also a desperate when a life-saving straw it. “

In addition, in these years, the United States official NIW and eb1 immigration more support, many companies began to give employees for NIW, through the rate is also very high. Some data show that: 2023 the first two quarters of the USCIS heard a total of NIW immigration applications case 19812 cases, the number of approved cases is 16734 cases, the total approval rate as high as 84.46%!

How to Find H1B Jobs

At this point, you may think, “I know all about the H1B lottery data in 2024, but how do I find a job?”

1. Determine your area of expertise

Organizing your goals and identifying your top skills will help you find jobs that match your qualifications. For many H-1B visa applicants, their primary field of study determines their professional focus. If you’re still pursuing a bachelor’s or higher degree, think about how your current or future education will help you achieve your long-term career goals. You can contact with a career counselor to make sure you’re on track to meet your overseas employment ambitions.

2. Determine your list of ideal employment opportunities

Consider generating a list of the basic types of businesses you’d like to work for, such as a research analysis firm or a huge technology corporation. Look for firms that not only serve your sector but also provide competitive salaries and other workplace advantages. This technique can help you restrict your job search and apply to firms who sponsor H-1B visas.

3. Begin with a basic internet search

Using search engines, you can uncover infographics and list-style articles on companies that promote and sponsor H-1B visa applicants. Alternatively, you might look into internet databases or websites that provide information about H-1B visa prospects. You can utilize this search method to compile a list of specific organizations or agencies to whom you want to apply.

4. Consider internships

If you are a recent graduate or are still pursuing your degree, look into H-1B visa-sponsored internship options. You can uncover these chances by attending virtual job fairs, searching online H-1B visa job databases, and applying directly to U.S. companies with internship openings. International students with existing F-1 student visas may be eligible to shift from internships to full-time positions that sponsor H-1B visas.

5. Apply to multiple companies

Once you’ve identified organizations that support H-1B visas, apply to as many as feasible. This technique may improve your chances of receiving an offer. You can notify recruiters of your desire to acquire an H-1B visa, giving them ample time to assist you with your application.

Maximize Your H1B Job Search with Jobright.ai’s Unique Features

Above we covered the traditional ways to find H1B jobs, but there’s a new way. At Jobright, we’ve built filtering H1B jobs directly into our jobs search functionality.

Simply toggle on the H1B sponsorship filter when you’re using Jobright to find relevant jobs, and you’ll get a list of fresh, ready-to-apply roles that will sponsor your H1B.

Our AI evaluates and filters H1B positions by checking whether the job description explicitly states they support H1B sponsorship or by analyzing the employer’s history of supporting similar roles with H1B sponsorship in the last three years.

You can also check out our daily H1B jobs list here. This is a curated list of daily jobs from Jobright with indicators for H1B qualification.

Once you get the role, you’re not clear yet. You have to apply for the lottery and consider the changes that will impact your chances of approval.

Technical workers can refer to this job repository: Daily H1B Jobs in Tech by Jobright.ai

This job repository provides daily updates and tracks the latest H1B sponsorship jobs in tech. Currently, we focus on four job categories in the United States: Software Engineer, Product Manager, Marketing, Arts & Design.

Are you ready to explore the realm of H1B jobs with Jobright.ai ? Unlock a world of H1B employment possibilities and embark on a journey towards fulfilling your career aspirations. With Jobright.ai’s innovative features, navigating the competitive landscape of H1B visa jobs becomes seamless. Let Jobright.ai be your guiding light as you delve into the realm of H1B work opportunities and open doors to a brighter future.

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