Only 10% of H-1B Work Visa applications were approved by USCIS for the 2024 Season
The H-1B work visa selection process for the United States is always a complex one, and the fiscal year 2024 season was no exception. With a record number of H1B registrations filed, the acceptance rate decreases each year. Here are the details.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) received an overwhelming number of H1B registrations for the fiscal year 2024 season, totaling 780,884 filed.
This figure reflects both the high demand for work visas in the United States and the continued interest of foreign companies and professionals in seeking job opportunities in the country.
This increase could be attributed to several factors, including economic growth, the need for specialized talent, and changes in immigration policies. However, out of this figure, only 758,994 registrations were deemed eligible.
This discrepancy is due to various factors such as duplicate registrations and failed payments, resulting in the elimination of approximately 21,890 registrations. This information underscores the importance of submitting complete and accurate registrations during the H1B visa application process, as well as the need for careful management by employers and applicants.
Increase in H-1B registrations compared to previous seasons
Comparing the H1B 2024 season with the previous fiscal year, we see a significant increase in the number of H1B registrations filed. In fiscal year 2023, 483,927 registrations were filed, while for fiscal year 2024, the figure increased by 61.36%, reaching 780,884 registrations.
This increase reflects the growing demand for H1B visas and increasingly intense competition in the US labor market. This comparative analysis provides important insights into trends in H-1B work visa selection and highlights the importance of adapting to a changing and highly competitive environment.
Moreover, it is essential to consider that this increased demand may have significant implications for employers and applicants, from longer processing times to fiercer competition in the H1B lottery.
Therefore, it is essential to be prepared to face these challenges and take proactive measures to achieve the goal of working and developing in the country, especially when the results of the H-1B visa selection show such a significant increase in demand.
Applicants and employers must be vigilant about these trends and adequately prepare to explore alternative paths.
Selected H-1B Work Visas
To meet the maximum limit of available H1B visas, which for 2024 is 85,000, USCIS selected 110,791 H-1B registrations. This figure exceeds the actual limit by approximately 25,791 registrations, taking into account possible denials and non-submissions of applications.
This surplus in the selection of H1B registrations highlights the importance of careful planning by employers and applicants.
Additionally, it is important to note that the number of selected registrations may fluctuate from year to year depending on demand and current immigration policies.
Therefore, it is crucial to stay updated on changes in regulations and adapt strategies accordingly.
Selection Odds of 10.89% for Fiscal Year 2024 H-1B
By analyzing the figures, we can calculate the selection odds in the H1B lottery. For every maximum space for H1B visas, USCIS received approximately 9 H1B registrations. This translates to a selection probability of 10.89% for the registrations filed.
These statistics show the significant competition applicants face in the H-1B lottery and underscore the importance of a carefully planned strategy to improve success chances.
Moreover, it is essential to consider that these probabilities may vary depending on various factors, such as labor market demand and changes in immigration policies. Therefore, conducting a detailed analysis and adapting strategies accordingly is essential to maximize selection chances in the H1B lottery.
EB-5 Program, the Best Solution to the H-1B Visa Shortage
Although obtaining an H-1B visa in the United States is a common goal, as we have seen, successfully navigating the visa lottery becomes more complex every year, defining who can apply for work permission.
However, there are other alternatives that ease the path, such as the EB-5 Program, which with an investment of $800,000 (an amount that will be returned with interest) grants the Green Card for the investor and their family.
This means that H-1B visa holders can bypass common obstacles in the traditional process and expedite their path to permanent residency, without the natural limitations of a non-immigrant visa.
Thus, the EB-5 investment emerges as a strategic alternative, as it advances much of the slow process of obtaining a work visa to develop in one of the world’s most important countries.
