The H-1B visa program in the United States operates as a lottery system due to the high demand for these work visas. Each year, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services （USCIS） receives far more H-1B petitions than the statutory cap of 85,000 visas available. This includes 65,000 regular cap visas and 20,000 additional visas for applicants with advanced degrees from US institutions.
When the number of petitions exceeds the available visas during the initial filing period, USCIS conducts a computer-generated random selection process, commonly known as the H-1B lottery. This random selection ensures fair distribution among all eligible petitioners. The lottery typically occurs in March each year for the upcoming fiscal year.
Indian professionals and companies are significantly affected by this lottery system since India represents the largest source country for H-1B visa applicants. Many Indian IT professionals, engineers, and other skilled workers participate in this annual lottery hoping to work in the United States. |
