It’s that time of year again! Time to start preparing for the fiscal year 2024 H-1B cap registration period, expected to open on March 1, 2023.

The H-1B program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in positions that require a high level of expertise, such as in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The H-1B program has an annual cap, which means that there is a maximum number of H-1B visas that can be issued each year. For many years now, the demand for H-1B visas has exceeded the annual cap, and the visas have been awarded through a random lottery system.

The H-1B cap registration process is a new system introduced by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in 2021 that allows employers to electronically register for the H-1B cap lottery. USCIS has not yet confirmed the registration period for this year’s H-1B cap lottery, but we expect it will open on March 1, 2023 and close on March 18, 2023, similar to last year.

Employers who are interested in sponsoring a foreign worker for an H-1B visa in the coming year should start preparing now. This may include identifying potential candidates and gathering the necessary documentation. We also recommend that employers consult with an immigration attorney or qualified professional to ensure that they are prepared for the H-1B registration period and understand the requirements for sponsoring a foreign worker for an H-1B visa.

If you are planning to file an H-1B cap petition this year or would like to find out more about the process, please contact me or any member of Barley Snyder’s Immigration Practice Group for further information.