The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently unveiled the statistics for the H1B visa lottery for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. Despite a notable increase from last year's initial round selection rate of 15%, this year's rate stands at 26%, falling below the anticipated range of 30-40%.
GENERAL STATS PROVIDED BY THE USCIS
The number of unique beneficiaries this year for FY 2025 (approximately 442,000) was comparable to the number last year for FY 2024 (approximately 446,000).
The number of unique employers this year for FY 2025 (approximately 52,700) was also comparable to the number last year for FY 2024 (approximately 52,000).
The number of eligible registrations was down dramatically (-38.6%) for FY 2025 (470,342) compared with FY 2024 (758,994).
H1B DATA FROM FY 2021 TO FY 2025
Source: USCIS
DID THE NEW H1B SELECTION PROCESS AFFECT THE SELECTION RATE?
This year, USCIS implemented a beneficiary-centric selection process - each beneficiary is considered uniquely, regardless of how many employers submit their applications for the lottery. Consequently, only one slot will be allotted per beneficiary. This change has led to a notable decrease in registrations, dropping from last year's 758,994 to 470,342 resulting in a fairer and less congested selection process. However, the total number of beneficiaries participating in the lottery has remained steady at 442,000 compared to last year. Despite these adjustments, the overall selection rate has remained consistent at around 25%, indicating that the impact of the new H1B selection process on increasing beneficiaries' selection rates has been minimal.
WILL THERE BE A SECOND ROUND OF LOTTERY THIS YEAR?
The likelihood of a second round of H1B lottery for this year is minimal. The selection of 114,000 H1B beneficiaries, along with the implementation of the new beneficiary-centric selection process, makes it highly likely that the annual H1B cap of 85,000 will be reached despite potential factors like layoffs. A second round of lottery will not be needed once this quota is met.
I DIDN'T GET SELECTED, WHAT OTHER OPTION CAN I CONSIDER?
DON'T BE SAD, H1B MIGHT NOT BE THE BEST ROUTE TO GREEN CARD AFTER ALL
The H1B visa program is primarily a temporary work visa, not intended as a direct pathway to permanent residency or a green card. Transitioning from an H1B visa to a Green Card can be complex and uncertain due to various factors, including the limited number of available green cards and the lengthy processing times. Moreover, H1B holders may face challenges in obtaining sponsorship from their employers for Green Card applications, as it requires significant time, resources, and commitment from both parties. Additionally, changes in immigration policies and regulations can further complicate the process and create uncertainty for H1B visa holders seeking permanent residency.
EB-2/EB-3 FOR INDIAN NATIONALS: YOU NEED TO WAIT 100 YEARS
For Indian nationals, the EB-2 or EB-3 programs may not be the most favorable options due to extensive waiting periods and backlogs. The high demand for these visas, coupled with per-country quotas, has resulted in substantial delays, with wait times stretching up to several decades, particularly for Indian applicants. Such prolonged waits can hinder career advancement, family plans, and overall stability. Additionally, the uncertainty surrounding immigration policies and potential changes further exacerbates the challenges faced by Indian nationals pursuing these pathways.
May 2024 Visa Bulletin (Chart A)
NO EMPLOYER-SPONSORSHIP NEEDED,
FAST TRACK YOUR GREEN CARD JOURNEY WITH EB-5
What is EB-5?
The EB-5 immigrant investor program is a visa pathway designed for foreign investors seeking to obtain permanent residency (Green Cards) in the U.S. Under this program, investors can qualify for a Green Card by making substantial investment in a commercial enterprise that creates jobs in the U.S. The EB-5 program at this time has no backlog, and the expected processing time frame is only around 2-3 years.
How will EB-5 helps?
EB-5 offers a unique pathway to obtain permanent residency in the U.S. The program provides flexibility for individuals to explore career opportunities and establish roots in the U.S., offering a potential long-term solution for those seeking to remain in the country.
Under the program's new law (EB-5 RIA 2022), EB-5 petitioners and families who are currently residing in the U.S. with a valid visa are eligible to file their Green Card petition (form I-526E) concurrently with the Adjustment of Status package (which includes form I-485, I-131 and I-765). This EB-5 concurrent filing process will not only save time and money but also provides them with 5-year combo cards (work authorization & advance parole) within just 3-6 months of filing, so that applicants can freely work in the U.S. and travel while waiting for their EB-5 petition to be processed. Many of ARCFE investors and families who filed their petitions concurrently in the U.S. have successfully obtained their combo cards.
Some samples of previously issued combo cards for ARCFE investors
CHOOSING THE RIGHT EB-5 PROJECT
Choosing the right EB-5 project requires careful consideration and due diligence. Investing in EB-5 projects in urban areas offers significant advantages over rural projects. Urban areas are characterized by higher population density, robust economies, and diverse industries, which create a favorable investment climate. These projects benefit from greater market demand, ensuring a higher likelihood of success. Urban areas also tend to have well-established infrastructure, transportation networks, and access to amenities, providing a more desirable living environment for potential residents. Furthermore, the presence of skilled labor, educational institutions, and cultural attractions in urban areas enhances the quality of life for both investors and their families. Investing in urban EB-5 projects maximizes the potential for economic growth, job creation, and a prosperous future.
EB-5 projects located in urban areas can still be qualified as TEA (High Unemployment), which put the investment capital to $800,000 USD per investment unit & meet requirement for 10% set aside EB-5 visa.
GROUP 19 PROJECT OPENS FOR INVESTMENT
START YOUR EB-5 JOURNEY WITH AN INITIAL INVESTMENT OF $200,000
Group 19 is a residential development project located in the emerging and vibrant Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn (NYC). With a total construction area of 135,000 sqft, this 14-story mixed-use building will have 130 rental units, along with ~9,000 sqft of ground-floor retail space and ~6,000 sqft of art space. This project qualified for TEA, meets requirement for 10% visa set aside and expected to create sufficient jobs for all investors. Group 19 offers flexible investment plans to meet your investment needs.
Group 19 Brooklyn Gowanus: Progress picture taken on April 22nd, 2024
AWARD-WINNING EB-5 REGIONAL CENTER
ARCFE is an award-winning Regional Center first designated by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services on March 5th, 2013 (Pre-EB-5 RIA 2022) and was redesignated under the EB-5 RIA 2022 bill on December 15th, 2022. We have assisted over 1500 clients through 15 real estate development projects, with a 100% project approval rate up to date. ARCFE has successfully raised and managed EB-5 funds and has returned EB-5 funds to all of our eligible investors. As of December 2023, we have repaid $62M+ USD. Our team consists of highly experienced professionals in the real estate, finance, and immigration industries, including team members who are CFA and CPA.
HEADQUARTERS
28-07 Jackson Ave, LIC, NY 11101
212-889-5333