📰Recent USCIS Updates – H-1B Lottery Selections / New USCIS Filing Fees

H-1B Lottery:

The USCIS announced that it had received enough electronic registrations during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap). Therefore, the Service conducted its randomly generated H-1B lottery and has since notified all prospective petitioners with selected beneficiaries of their eligibility to file a cap-subject H-1B petition with the USCIS. Note, that similar to previous years, the online status for those beneficiaries not selected remains as “Submitted” as opposed to “Not Selected,” thus providing hope that a second lottery could occur later in the year should the Service not receive and/or approve a sufficient number of H-1B petitions to reach the mandated annual H-1B quotas.

For more information regarding the H-1B lottery results, feel free to follow the link below:

Notice of FY 2025 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Selection Process Completion and Cap Season Reminders | USCIS

New USCIS Filing Fees in Effect as of April 1, 2024

As previously announced by the USCIS and as referenced in GG&W’s prior News Bulletin, the final rule regarding USCIS’ fee increase went into effect on April 1, 2024 (with no grace period). The Service has posted an FAQ’s page regarding these filing fee increases, which can be found at:

Frequently Asked Questions on the USCIS Fee Rule | USCIS

As always, please feel free to contact GG&W regarding any questions you may have regarding your immigration needs, including the above-referenced news.