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.
| Cap Fiscal Year | Total Reg. | Eligible Reg.* | Eligible Reg. | Eligible Reg. | Selected Reg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneficiaries with No Other Eligible Reg. | Beneficiaries with Multiple Eligible Reg. | ||||
| 2021 | 274,237 | 269,424 | 241,299 | 28,125 | 124,415 |
| 2022 | 308,613 | 301,447 | 211,304 | 90,143 | 131,924 |
| 2023 | 483,927 | 474,421 | 309,241 | 165,180 | 127,600 |
| 2024 | 780,884 | 758,994 | 350,103 | 408,891 | 188,400** |
| 2025 | 479,953 | 470,342 | 423,028 | 47,314 | 120,603*** |
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?
| Fee Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $215 |
| Form I-129 Fee (depending on the company size) | $460 or $780 |
| Fraud Prevention Fee | $500 |
| ACWIA Fee (depending on the company size) | $750 or $1,500 |
| H-1B Premium Processing (optional) | $2,805 |
| H1B Visa Processing Fee | $205 |
| Estimated Total (excluding Premium Processing) | $2,880 |
| Asylum Program Fee (depending on the company size) | $0 or $300 or $600 |
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.
FAQ for Employers Sponsoring the H-1B
Who can sponsor the H1B Visa?
Any U.S. company offering a specialty occupation and willing to comply with wage and filing obligations.
What’s the timeline from H-1B to Green Card?
Most H-1B holders can remain in status for up to 6 years. Green Card sponsorship can begin any time after employment starts. If long-term retention is a goal, plan early with your immigration partner.
What is the minimum salary for the H1B visa?
Your employees minimum salary or prevailing wage will depend on the specific job role you have offered and the average wage for that role in the U.S. state your company is based.
What happens if an employee on H-1B loses their job?
They have a 60-day grace period to:
- Transfer to another employer (H-1B transfer)
- Change status
- Depart the U.S.
We can support your business and the employee in navigating next steps.
How does an H-1B transfer work?
You can hire a candidate already on an H-1B by filing a new LCA and Form I-129. No lottery required.
Can H-1B workers bring dependents?
Yes. Spouses and children under 21 may apply for the H-4 visa. Note: H-4 holders are generally not authorized to work unless they qualify for a separate employment authorization.