H-1B New Rule: Only Single Application Per Beneficiary

The United States has announced significant changes to the H-1B visa application process for 2025, aiming to bolster integrity and reduce the potential for fraud.

Under the new rule, H-1B registrations will now be selected based on the unique beneficiary, requiring employers to provide valid passport or travel document information for each beneficiary during registration, along with a $10 fee.

This adjustment is designed to ensure fairness by preventing multiple entries of the same beneficiary in the lottery process and will be effective from the initial registration period for Fiscal Year 2025.

Registration for the 2025 H-1B visa will open on March 6, 2024, at 12 pm EST, and will close on March 22, 2024, at 12 pm EST. The H-1B visa, sought by US-based employers for specialized foreign workers, is initially valid for three years, extendable for an additional three years, with a cap of 65,000 slots and an additional 20,000 for those with a Master’s Degree.