International Employee Retention During the H-1B Cap Lottery: Key Deadlines for U.S. Employers

U.S. employers with international personnel on OPT have an upcoming deadline they need to meet regarding employees they would like to retain. USCIS is accepting registrations for the H-1B cap lottery. Registrations must be completed by 11 am CST on March 24, 2025. U.S. employers hiring international employees should review their workforce now to determine eligibility.

Important Dates:

• March 7 – March 24, 2025: Register your intent to file for eligible employees with USCIS account and pay the $215 per registration fee.

• By March 31, 2025: USCIS will announce lottery selections. If selected, employers may file H-1B petitions starting April 1.

Steps to Take Now

Before registering, employers should evaluate:

• Whether the role qualifies as a specialty occupation.

• If the candidate meets the educational requirements, specifically, a Bachelor Degree in a specific field, or equivalent.

• Whether the employer can meet the prevailing wage for the position.

• If any exemptions apply.

Additional Resources

For guidance on the H-1B process, check out: 

H-1B Demystified: A Practical Guide for Employers

H-1B Training taught by Corporate Immigration Attorneys

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice applicable to a specific situation. Viewing it does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Ana McMullen

Law Clerk

Mdivani Corporate Immigration Law Firm