If you’re an international student, foreign worker, or anyone looking to obtain an H1B visa, you’re probably wondering when the H1B visa 2019 lottery will be held. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the necessary information on the H1B visa 2019 lottery date, including its history, the 2019 lottery process, changes in the visa process, and tips to help increase your chances of obtaining an H1B visa.

History of the H1B Visa Lottery

The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US employers to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations for a temporary period of up to six years. Every year, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receives a limited number of H1B visa applications. In 2018, the USCIS received 190,098 H1B visa applications, out of which only 85,000 were awarded through the lottery.

The H1B visa lottery was introduced in 2005 to randomly select a limited number of H1B visa applications for processing. Before the introduction of the lottery, the H1B visas were awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

H1B Visa 2019 Lottery Process

The H1B visa 2019 lottery process began with the registration period from March 1 to March 20, 2020. During this period, employers or their attorneys registered for the H1B visa lottery by submitting an electronic registration form and paying a $10 processing fee.

The USCIS announced on March 27, 2020, that it had completed the H1B visa lottery and had selected enough registrants to meet the congressionally-mandated cap of 65,000 H1B visas in the general category and 20,000 H1B visas for applicants with a US master’s degree or higher.

Changes in the Visa Process

The current administration has made several changes to the H1B visa process over the past few years. One of the major changes is the suspension of premium processing for H1B visa petitions in 2019, which meant that employers could not pay an extra fee to expedite their applications for processing. This suspension resulted in longer processing times for H1B visas.

Another significant change was the increase in the minimum salary requirement for H1B visa holders, which was set at $60,000 in 2017. The current administration has also changed the definition of specialty occupations required for obtaining an H1B visa.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Obtaining an H1B Visa

Obtaining an H1B visa can be challenging, but there are things you can do to increase your chances. Here are a few tips to help you:

• Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for the H1B visa
• Consult an experienced immigration attorney to ensure your application is error-free
• Have a backup plan in case your H1B visa application is not selected
• Consider other visa options, such as the O-1 visa or the L visa
• Apply for jobs in industries that have a higher H1B visa approval rate

Key Takeaways

• The H1B visa 2019 lottery was held on March 27, 2020, and the USCIS selected enough registrants to meet the congressionally-mandated cap of 65,000 H1B visas in the general category and 20,000 H1B visas for applicants with a US master’s degree or higher.
• The H1B visa lottery was introduced in 2005 to randomly select a limited number of H1B visa applications for processing.
• The current administration has made several changes to the H1B visa process over the years, including the suspension of premium processing and the increase in the minimum salary requirement for H1B visa holders.
• To increase your chances of obtaining an H1B visa, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria, consult an experienced immigration attorney, have a backup plan, consider other visa options, and apply for jobs in industries that have a higher H1B visa approval rate.

FAQ

Q: What is the H1B visa?

A: The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US employers to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations for a temporary period of up to six years.

Q: How many H1B visa applications are received every year?

A: The USCIS receives a limited number of H1B visa applications every year, and in 2018 it received 190,098 H1B visa applications.

Q: When was the H1B visa lottery introduced?

A: The H1B visa lottery was introduced in 2005 to randomly select a limited number of H1B visa applications for processing.

Q: How can I increase my chances of obtaining an H1B visa?

A: To increase your chances of obtaining an H1B visa, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria, consult an experienced immigration attorney, have a backup plan, consider other visa options, and apply for jobs in industries that have a higher H1B visa approval rate.