In 2025, the H-1B visa continues to be one of the most sought-after employment visas in the United States. Each year, tens of thousands of highly skilled workers apply through the H-1B lottery, hoping for a chance to live and work in the U.S. While the demand for H-1B visas hasn’t slowed down, the rules and selection process have evolved. Understanding how the system works today is essential — whether you’re a professional seeking sponsorship or an employer trying to bring talent to your team.

At Hanlon Law Group, based in Los Angeles, we’ve helped both individuals and businesses successfully apply for H-1B visas and other employment-based immigration options. Here’s what you need to know to succeed in 2025.

What Is the H-1B Visa?

The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa for foreign workers in specialty occupations. These are jobs that generally require:

  • A bachelor’s degree or higher
  • Advanced knowledge in a specific field
  • U.S. employer sponsorship

Industries that commonly rely on H-1B workers include:

  • Information Technology
  • Engineering
  • Finance
  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Architecture

The visa is initially valid for three years and can be extended to a maximum of six years. Many H-1B holders eventually transition to permanent residency through employer-sponsored green cards.

How the H-1B Process Works in 2025

In 2025, the H-1B application process still involves a lottery, due to the annual cap on visas. The total cap remains:

  • 65,000 visas under the regular category
  • 20,000 additional visas for applicants with a U.S. master’s degree or higher

The process includes several key steps:

  1. Electronic registration: Employers must first submit a basic online registration with the prospective employee’s information. This typically occurs in March.
  2. Lottery selection: If the number of registrations exceeds the cap — which it usually does — USCIS conducts a random lottery to determine who can move forward with filing a complete H-1B petition.
  3. Petition filing: Selected applicants have 90 days to submit a full petition with supporting evidence, including job description, proof of specialty occupation, and educational qualifications.

In recent years, USCIS has increased scrutiny of job roles and wage levels to prevent misuse of the system. Employers must show that the job genuinely requires a degree-level education and that they are offering a fair market wage.

What’s New for 2025?

There have been several important developments that affect H-1B filings this year:

  • Beneficiary-centered selection: USCIS now uses a new system to prevent multiple employers from filing for the same applicant, which had previously skewed lottery results. Each individual now has only one entry in the lottery, regardless of how many employers want to sponsor them.
  • Digital efficiency improvements: The USCIS electronic registration platform has been upgraded for better reliability, though the filing process remains complex and time-sensitive.
  • Enhanced employer verification: To prevent fraud, there is a stronger focus on verifying that employers are legitimate businesses actively hiring for real positions.

These changes are designed to make the process more equitable but also raise the bar for compliance and precision in filings.

What Are the Chances of Being Selected?

In 2024, USCIS received more than 700,000 H-1B registrations. Similar numbers are expected in 2025. While only 85,000 visas are issued, certain applicants have a slightly better chance:

  • Applicants with U.S. master’s degrees are included in both the regular and advanced degree lotteries.
  • Cap-exempt employers — such as universities, research organizations, and certain non-profits — are not subject to the lottery and can apply year-round.

It’s important to be aware that the odds of selection remain low in the general lottery. However, a well-prepared application can reduce the chance of rejection even if you’re selected.

Tips to Improve Your Success

Whether you’re a worker or employer, here are some steps that can help improve your chances of success: 

For Workers:

  • Make sure your degree aligns clearly with the job you’re being offered
  • Seek employers who have experience sponsoring H-1B candidates
  • Explore cap-exempt roles, especially at universities or research institutions

For Employers:

  • Submit your registration accurately and on time during the open window
  • Ensure your job description and wage levels meet current Department of Labor standards
  • Work with an experienced immigration attorney to reduce errors and improve approval rates

Small mistakes or vague documentation can result in delays or denials — even after being selected.

What If You’re Not Selected?

If you’re not chosen in the lottery, you still have options. At Hanlon Law Group, we often help clients explore alternatives, including:

  • O-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary abilities in fields like science, business, or the arts
  • L-1 Visa: For employees of international companies transferring to a U.S. branch
  • TN Visa: Available to professionals from Canada and Mexico
  • F-1 OPT and STEM Extensions: For recent U.S. graduates working in technical fields

Each of these has its own criteria and benefits and may be a better fit for your long-term goals.

Call Hanlon Law Group for Legal Help With Your H-1B Application

Applying for an H-1B visa in 2025 is still possible — but the process demands precision, preparation, and legal expertise. Whether you’re a professional looking to work in the U.S. or an employer seeking to hire international talent, working with a skilled immigration attorney can give you the clarity and confidence you need. 

At Hanlon Law Group, we guide clients through every stage of employment immigration. From electronic registration and petition preparation to long-term visa strategy, we provide the knowledge and support you need to succeed. Ready to explore your H-1B options or alternative visa pathways? Contact us today for a consultation.

typing on laptop closeup