Last Updated on November 6, 2024
As the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B cap season quickly approaches, employers and employees are starting to prepare for the H-1B petition process. This upcoming H-1B cap will largely mirror last year’s cap season in many respects.
The 2025 fiscal year will see the continuation of the electronic registration process, which launched in 2020 and has been well-received by applicants since its debut. According to USCIS, users indicated high satisfaction with the electronic registration process during FY 2023, with an average score of 4.84 out of 5.
USCIS has not yet announced the specific FY 2025 registration dates. We’ll update this blog when they release these important dates.
H-1B Cap Season Rules Stay the Same
It appears that many of the rules in place for the FY 2024 season will stay the same in FY 2025. As such, we anticipate the FY 2025 H-1B cap season proceeding as normal. Should anything change, we will update this blog accordingly.
RFE Issuance
As before, USCIS is still issuing requests for evidence (RFEs). However, the volume of RFEs being issued has declined in the past few years. Learn more about RFEs and recent trends, including the chances of H-1B approval after receiving an RFE.
The Importance of Starting Early
HR teams should gather necessary data and documentation well before the electronic registration deadline. In the past few H-1B cap seasons, USCIS opened the electronic registration period in March.
As such, HR teams should consider starting to work with their company’s stakeholders and legal teams in January and February to avoid delays. Doing so could help create a less stressful H-1B cap season.
Another trend likely to continue in FY 2024 is the need to start the H-1B process early. Due to many factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, budgetary constraints, potential government shutdowns and more, delays are still expected throughout the application process. As the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General notes, USCIS is still experiencing significant backlogs in H-1B applications and other immigration services.
Benefits of Immigration Technology
As flexible work conditions continue to be the norm, it’s now more important than ever before for HR teams to consider utilizing technology during the immigration process. Technology can help HR teams make immigration efficient.
Technology can help HR managers and teams streamline and organize the H-1B petition process in many ways, such as:
- Facilitating HR and attorney correspondence in communication centers
- Disseminating notifications faster and
- Keeping track of important deadlines
HR managers should prepare for H-1B cap season by identifying employees who need an H-1B. Employers should also gather all relevant documentation, prepare LCAs and more.
While there are no significant changes for the FY 2025 H-1B cap season, Envoy will continue to provide updates and additional information on our Resources Center.
Envoy is pleased to provide you with this information, which was prepared in collaboration with Frank Fogelbach, who is a Managing Attorney at Corporate Immigration Partners, P.C., a U.S. law firm who provides services through the Envoy Platform (the “U.S. Law Firm”).
Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. Envoy is not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. If you would like guidance on how this information may impact your particular situation and you are a client of the U.S. Law Firm, consult your attorney. If you are not a client of the U.S. Law Firm working with Envoy, consult another qualified professional. This website does not create an attorney-client relationship with the U.S. Law Firm.
