USCIS Hits H-1B Visa Cap for FY 2025: What Applicants Need to Know

In a significant development for the tech industry, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially announced that it has reached the congressionally mandated limit for H-1B visa petitions for the fiscal year 2025.

This includes the 65,000 visas under the regular cap and an additional 20,000 visas reserved for applicants holding advanced U.S. degrees, also known as the master’s cap.

Ongoing Petitions Still Accepted

Despite reaching the cap, USCIS confirmed that it will continue processing certain H-1B visa petitions, including those to:

• Extend the duration of stay for current H-1B holders.
• Modify terms of employment for existing H-1B workers.
• Facilitate employer changes or allow concurrent employment.

This means that current H-1B holders can still adjust their employment terms without concerns about the cap.

Non-Selection Notifications in Progress

Applicants who were not selected in the lottery will be notified through their USCIS online accounts. Non-selected registrations will reflect the status:

“Not Selected: Not eligible to file an H-1B cap petition based on this registration.”

Cap-Exempt Petitions Still Available

While the general cap is closed, USCIS will continue to accept cap-exempt petitions, including those for:

• Non-profit organizations and research institutions.
• Current H-1B workers are changing employers or working additional jobs.

Also Read: USCIS Updates Green Card Application Rules: Form I-693 Now Mandatory

Decline in H-1B Sponsorships

Recent data from USCIS shows a significant decline in H-1B sponsorships by major U.S. companies. Although Indian nationals still dominate H-1B visa allocations, approvals from top tech firms have dropped.

Notable Changes in Sponsorship Trends:

• Amazon remains the largest H-1B sponsor but saw a sharp decline, with approvals dropping from over 11,000 in 2023 to just above 9,000 in 2024.
• Infosys and TCS also reported reduced approvals, signalling a shift in hiring strategies.

Impact on the Tech Industry

The reduction in H-1B sponsorships could signal a broader change in talent acquisition, especially in the tech sector. Companies may be shifting toward hiring more domestic talent or leveraging alternative visa programs.

Also Read: US Expands H-2B Visa Program with 64,716 New Visas for FY 2025

Conclusion

While the H-1B cap for FY 2025 has been reached, opportunities remain for current H-1B holders to extend or modify their status. Employers and applicants should explore cap-exempt options and remain informed about changing sponsorship trends in the U.S.

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