USCIS Announces Second Round of H-1B Cap Selections for FY 2025

In a recent update, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a second round of H-1B cap selections for the fiscal year (FY) 2025. This decision comes after the initial random selection conducted in March, which included beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption. The initial filing period for those with selected registrations was from April 1 through June 30, 2024.

Why a Second Selection?

USCIS has determined that additional registrations are needed to meet the FY 2025 regular cap numerical allocation. Consequently, they will soon conduct a second random selection process to select additional registrations from the pool of previously submitted electronic registrations. This selection process aims to identify unique beneficiaries who will be notified that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition.

No Second Selection for Advanced Degree Exemption

Importantly, USCIS has clarified that there will be no second selection for the advanced degree exemption (the master’s cap). This is because sufficient petitions were already received based on the initial round of selections to meet the FY 2025 master’s cap numerical allocation.

What to Expect

• Notification: Prospective petitioners with selected registrations from this second round will be notified via their USCIS online accounts. The notification will include details on when and where to file the H-1B cap-subject petition for the beneficiary named in the selected registration.
• Inclusion of Master’s Cap Registrations: The second round of selection for the regular cap will include previously submitted registrations that indicated eligibility for the master’s cap, along with those indicating only eligibility for the regular cap.

Next Steps for Petitioners

Petitioners with selected registrations should monitor their USCIS online accounts for updates. The selection notice will provide critical information needed for filing the H-1B cap-subject petition. USCIS will announce once the second round of selections and notifications is complete.

This update underscores USCIS’s commitment to ensuring the H-1B cap is met while providing a fair and transparent process for all applicants. Petitioners are encouraged to stay informed and prepared for the upcoming filing opportunities.

For more information or assistance with your H-1B petition, please contact us at Sharma Law Offices, LLC. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process.