2025 H-1B Cap Lottery: 3 Key Insights You Need to Know

Origination season is upon us again! If you’re new to the H-1B lottery or have never gone through it during an administration transition year, we’re here to help guide you through any changes this season will see, and how to prepare for said changes. This season is all about celebrating our communities and the individuals within them. It's about providing support and ensuring that everyone has access to the opportunities they've diligently worked towards. We want to make sure that every person, no matter where they come from, has the chance to thrive and succeed.

It all comes down to supporting Foreign National candidates and ensuring they have a solid sponsorship. How do we make that happen? We keep you informed on any changes or important things to be aware of for a successful season. 

Our Simple Guide to Origination Season (2025 version)

1. What is Origination Season?

Origination or Cap season is the yearly opportunity for foreign nationals to apply for a new H-1B visa. Registration occurs for the following fiscal year (i.e. Online registration for 2026 will open in March 2025.)

>> When can candidates apply?

In 2020, USCIS transitioned to an online registration process for the H-1B cap to streamline processes by reducing paperwork and data exchange, as well as provide cost savings for employers filing H-1B petitions. Online registration for fiscal year 2026 will be open from March 7-24, 2025.

Selections will take place after the initial registration period ends and the cap is reached. USCIS intends to inform petitioners of selection via their myUSCIS online account.

Please note we do not yet have dates for when the lottery will take place. The latest we will be notified is March 31. You can expect a call from an Immigration Specialist sometime after this date.

>> What is the lottery?

This is the system the USCIS uses to select the 85,000 H-1B candidates from the more than 300,000 applicants they receive each year.

H-1B Regular Quota: 65,000 Visas
H-1B Master’s Quota: 20,000 Visas (only US Masters are eligible)

2. Impact of New Administration

As we navigate through 2025, a year marked by presidential and administration change, it's crucial to stay updated on the new policies and guidelines introduced by the incoming administration.

>> What can Consultants expect?

• Anticipate an increase of USCIS worksite audits
• Notify us of any address changes ASAP to your worksite, whether in-home or at an office
• Potential to make premium processing available for other petitions and application types
• Could see a requirement for all Green Card applicants to be interviewed, including employment-based Green Card applicants
• Overall increase in the issuance of Request for Evidence

>> What can Employers expect?

• Knowing legal names of H-1B holders you have working on site, either as a W-2 worker or contracted worker. For example: If a consultant's legal name is Vivek but goes by VJ. Staff needs to provide the legal name Vivek, for any audit visits, not VJ.
• The registration fee has increased from $10 to $215
• Consultants are still only entered once into the lottery, even if submitted by multiple employers

3. Prevailing Wage: Why is it important?

The prevailing wage is the average paid to similarly employed workers in the area/physical address of intended employment. The Department of Labor determines prevailing wages.

>> Why is this important?

Prevailing wages are important to know because:
•    Prevailing wages aren’t applicable to OPT workers
•    If a candidate is applying for an H1, their direct labor rate may need to be adjusted to meet the prevailing wage.
A Populus Group Immigration Specialist will be able to advise you of the wage level needed to file.

Got more questions about H-1B Originations?

Let’s chat! We have an Immigration specialist in your region and they’ll be happy to answer any questions you have!