How the Process Works on Bridge
*edited with FY2023 official dates
What is the H-1B lottery?
The H-1B lottery is held once annually for those employed in a specialty occupation role (a job that requires a bachelor's or higher degree in a related major) in the United States for a temporary period.
How does the H-1B Lottery Process work?
In 2020, USCIS introduced a new online registration system (my.USCIS.gov) for companies to enter their employees in a lottery electronically. The registration period was held between March 1st through the 20th, and applicants were selected at the end of March. There was then a 90-day window for employers to file any H-1B petitions for employees selected in the H-1B lottery.
Key Dates for FY 2023
- February 21, 2022 - At 12PM EST Registrants (employees and their attorneys) will be able to create new USCIS accounts
- March 1 - March 18, 2022 - At 12pm EST Registration Period for FY2023 H-1B Cap lottery will open. Employers and legal representatives will be able to complete and submit their registrations using USCIS's online H-1B registration system
- March 31, 2022 - USCIS will send notifications of selection via users' my USCIS online accounts
USCIS hasn’t yet released the official 2022 (FY 2023) H-1B lottery dates, but we suspect that the timeline will be similar to last year and will adjust accordingly if there are changes.
Clients are encouraged to start opening H-1B Cap (2022) cases starting January 3rd, 2022.
Content in this publication is not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult a Bridge-affiliated partner attorney or another qualified legal professional.