H-1B Visa 2025: Everything You Need to Know

For U.S. companies looking to fill high-skill roles with global talent, the H-1B visa remains the most strategic path.

In FY 2025, USCIS received nearly 480,000 registrations, with only a fraction selected through the lottery. To stay ahead, employers must prepare early and strategically.

This guide outlines what your HR and legal teams need to know to sponsor an H-1B visa holder in 2025—and how our firm can support you every step of the way.

What is the H-1B Visa?

The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign nationals in specialty occupations—roles that require a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific field. It is valid for an initial period of 3 years and can be extended to 6.

H-1B Visa Requirements (for Employers)

To sponsor a foreign national for the H-1B visa, a company must:

• Offer a position that qualifies as a specialty occupation
• Hire a candidate with the required academic background
• Register for the H-1B Cap Lottery, unless the role qualifies for a cap exemption

H-1B Visa Cap Lottery

Each year, USCIS issues:

• 65,000 regular cap slots
• 20,000 additional slots for candidates with U.S. master’s degrees or higher

Due to high demand, USCIS uses a randomized electronic lottery to select registrations.

Cap-Exempt H-1Bs (e.g., for nonprofit research institutions or higher education employers) are not subject to the lottery, offering more flexibility.

How Employers Should Prepare

Successful H-1B sponsorship is the result of early planning and legal precision. Here’s how to prepare:

1. Identify Eligible Roles

Work with immigration counsel to assess current or future openings that qualify as specialty occupations.

2. Create a myUSCIS Account

All H-1B lottery registrations must be submitted electronically through myUSCIS.

3. Organize Candidate Information

Gather details for each candidate you plan to sponsor, including:

• Full legal name and contact info
• Passport details
• Educational credentials
• Work history

4. Set Your Budget

Account for all potential costs, including:

• USCIS filing fees
• Legal fees
• Premium processing (optional)
• Public access file preparation

5. Work with Experienced Immigration Counsel

A seasoned legal partner can ensure compliance, avoid costly errors, and manage the registration and petition process from end to end.

The H-1B Process: A Step by Step Guide

Step 1 Electronic Lottery Registration. In March, your legal team submits an online registration for each candidate. If selected, USCIS issues a notification by April. These portals are accessible via the USCIS website.

Step 2 Labor Condition Application (LCA). File an LCA with the Department of Labor to confirm you’ll pay prevailing wages for the role.

Step 3 File the H-1B Petition (Form I-129). Once the LCA is certified, your immigration counsel files the full petition with USCIS.

Documentation includes:

• Certified LCA
• Proof of the candidate’s education and qualifications
• Job offer and support letters
• Filing fee checks

Visit USCIS website for your H-1B Visa case processing time.

Step 4 Visa Stamping & Employment Start

Upon approval:

• If candidate is in the U.S.: Employment begins on or after October 1
• If candidate is abroad: They must attend a visa stamping interview before entering the U.S.

Visa Stamping Process (for Overseas Candidates)

Make sure your employees are fully informed of each step in the process to ensure a smooth and timely entry into the U.S.

First Complete Form DS-160, which takes about 90 minutes. 

Then Pay the application fee.

Next Schedule an interview at a nearby U.S. embassy or consulate. You can book an appointment here: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

For the interview, bring

• A valid passport (at least six months beyond your planned entry date to the U.S.)
• Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Copies of your approved I-129 petition and I-797 approval notice
• Fee payment receipts
• A passport-sized photo meeting U.S. State Department requirements

Note for candidate: During the interview, expect questions about yourself, the job, your experience, your employer, and your travel history.

How much does an H-1B Visa cost?

The USCIS website provides updated H1B news for any fee changes.

If you need support on sponsoring an employee you can schedule a call with one of our legal experts.