We would like to present you with a report on the H-1b registration. In sum, FY 2024 saw a huge increase in the number of applications filed to 780,000. This translates to an overall percentage of about 14%. We also so a huge number of applicants with multiple registrations, in other words, more than one company sponsoring them in the lottery. USCIS feels that this is an abuse of the system if the job offers aren’t bona-fide. As a result, next year we may see further changes in the registration system.
FY 2024 H-1B Cap Registration Process Update
As previously announced, on March 27, 2023, USCIS received enough electronic registrations during the initial registration period to reach the FY 2024 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption also known as the master’s cap.
During the registration period for the FY 2024 H-1B cap, USCIS saw a significant increase in the number of registrations submitted compared to prior years. Generally, we saw an increase in the number of registrations submitted, the number of registrations submitted on behalf of beneficiaries with multiple registrations, and the number of registrations submitted on behalf of unique beneficiaries with only one registration. USCIS saw upward trends in the FY 2022 and FY 2023 H-1B registration periods as well.
This chart shows registration and selection numbers for fiscal years 2021-2024 (as of April 24, 2023).
Cap Fiscal Year | Total Registrations | Eligible Registrations* | Eligible Registrations for Beneficiaries with No Other Eligible Registrations | Eligible Registrations for Beneficiaries with Multiple Eligible Registrations | Selections** |
2021 | 274,237 | 269,424 | 241,299 | 28,125 | 124,415 |
2022 | 308,613 | 301,447 | 211,304 | 90,143 | 131,924 |
2023 | 483,927 | 474,421 | 309,241 | 165,180 | 127,600 |
2024 | 780,884 | 758,994 | 350,103 | 408,891 | 110,791 |
*The count of eligible registrations excludes duplicate registrations, those deleted by the prospective employer prior to the close of the registration period, and those with failed payments.
**The number of selections was smaller in FY 2024 than in prior years primarily due to (a) establishing a higher anticipated petition filing rate by selected registrants based on prior years; and (b) higher projected Department of State approvals of H-1B1 visas, which count against the H-1B cap.