The H-1B visa remains one of the most sought-after work visas for foreign professionals in the U.S. every year. For 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced significant rule changes affecting how employers apply, who qualifies, and what fees and forms must be used.

If you’re planning to apply for an H-1B visa in 2025, it’s crucial to understand these updates so you don’t miss your chance. In this guide, we’ll break down the latest H-1B rule changes, important deadlines, and step-by-step instructions to help you navigate the process.

Applying for an H-1B Visa

The H-1B visa process in 2025 comes with new rules, higher fees, and stricter requirements. If you plan to apply, make sure you:

1. Understand the new specialty occupation requirements.
2. Use the latest USCIS forms.
3. Register for the lottery before March 24, 2025.
4. Prepare all necessary documents in advance.

For official updates, visit USCIS.gov.

Also Check: US Visa Bulletin for March 2025 – Family & Work Visa Processing Timelines Released!

Applying for an H-1B Visa: What’s New?

USCIS introduced several major rule changes in 2025 aimed at improving fairness, transparency, and efficiency in the H-1B visa system. Here are the top three updates you need to know:

Stricter Specialty Occupation Rules

One of the biggest changes is the updated definition of a “specialty occupation”.

1. Previously, jobs could qualify as long as they “normally” required a bachelor’s degree.
2. Under the new 2025 rule, the degree must be directly related to the job.
3. Example: A Software Engineer must have a degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field—a degree in Mathematics alone may no longer suffice.

Why this matters: Employers can no longer claim flexibility in degree requirements. They must show a direct connection between the degree and job duties.

Applying for an H-1B Visa: New Form I-129 Requirement

Starting January 17, 2025, USCIS will reject any H-1B petition that doesn’t use the new Form I-129.

What’s changed?

1. The updated form asks for more detailed job descriptions, salary details, and employer sponsorship information.
2. Employers must use the latest version available on USCIS’s official website.

Increased H-1B Registration Fee

The registration fee for the H-1B lottery has increased to $215 per applicant.

Who pays this? Employers (not employees) must pay this fee for each candidate they submit for the lottery.

Also Check: $700 Government Payout 2025 – New Payment Dates & How to Claim Your Money!

Step-by-Step Guide to the Applying for an H-1B Visa

If you’re an employer or foreign professional seeking an H-1B visa in 2025, here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process.

Employer Registration (March 7 – March 24, 2025)

The first step is for U.S. employers to register their H-1B applicants online.

How to register:

1. Employers must create a USCIS online account.
2. Enter basic details for each H-1B candidate.
3. Pay the $215 registration fee per candidate.

Deadline: Employers must submit all registrations before March 24, 2025, at noon ET.

H-1B Lottery Selection (March 31, 2025)

Once registrations close, USCIS will randomly select 85,000 petitions (65,000 for the regular cap and 20,000 for U.S. master’s degree holders).

What happens next?

1. If selected, employers receive a USCIS notification by March 31, 2025.
2. If not selected, the employer may try again next year or explore alternative visa options.

Filing the H-1B Petition (April – June 2025)

If an applicant is selected, the employer must file an H-1B petition within 90 days.

What’s needed?

1. Completed Form I-129 (latest version).
2. Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the Department of Labor.
3. Job offer letter, salary details, and educational proof.

Filing deadline: USCIS will specify an exact deadline for each applicant (usually 90 days from selection).

USCIS Processing & Decision

USCIS will review each petition and approve, request more evidence, or deny the application.

Processing time:

1. Regular processing: 3–6 months.
2. Premium processing (optional, $2,500 fee): 15 calendar days.

Also Check: NZ Super Payment Update: Full March 2025 Payout Schedule & Eligibility Check!

Applying for an H-1B Visa Approval & Start Date (October 1, 2025)

If approved, the H-1B visa holder can begin working in the U.S. starting October 1, 2025.

Next steps:

1. If in the U.S., a Change of Status will take effect automatically.
2. If outside the U.S., the applicant must schedule a visa interview at a U.S. consulate.

Applying for an H-1B Visa (FAQs)