1. Job Offer from U.S. Employer

You must have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer.

The position must require specialized knowledge (usually in fields like IT, engineering, science, finance, medicine, etc.).

2. Specialty Occupation

The job must qualify as a “specialty occupation,” meaning it normally requires a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific field.

3. Educational Qualifications

You must have a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent in a related field.

A combination of education and experience may sometimes be accepted.

4. Labor Condition Application (LCA)

Your employer must file an LCA with the Department of Labor (DOL), agreeing to:

Pay the prevailing wage

Provide working conditions that do not adversely affect U.S. workers

5. H-1B Registration (Cap-Subject)

For most applicants: your employer must register during the H-1B lottery period (usually March).

FY 2025 registration opened in March 2024 for jobs starting October 1, 2024.

New electronic beneficiary-centric system was used for the first time in 2024.

6. Numerical Cap (Lottery)

Regular cap: 65,000 visas per year

Master’s cap exemption: Additional 20,000 for U.S. master's degree holders

📄 Required Documents (From You and Employer)

From Employee (You):

Passport

Degree certificates and transcripts

Academic evaluation (if foreign degree)

Résumé/CV

Previous work experience letters

From Employer:

Job offer letter

Job description

Company details (tax ID, financials, etc.)

LCA certification from DOL

🕒 Key 2025 Dates (FY 2025 Cap)

Registration period: March 6–22, 2024

Lottery results: End of March 2024

Petition filing window (if selected): April 1 to June 30, 2024

Start date of employment (if approved): October 1, 2024

💡 Tips

Premium processing is available (15-day processing time for an extra fee)

If not selected in lottery, you can try again next fiscal year

Cap-exempt employers (like universities, nonprofits, government research organizations) can file anytime.