H1B Lottery 2025 Statistics: Complete Analysis
FY2025 selection rate reached 21.8% after two lottery rounds. Here's how anti-fraud measures impacted H1B odds.
Combined rate across two lottery rounds
38.6% decrease from FY2024's 781K
120,603 first round + 14,534 second round
FY2025 H1B Lottery Results Breakdown
The H1B lottery for fiscal year 2025 marked a significant turning point in the program's history. With the implementation of the beneficiary-centric selection process, we saw dramatic changes in both registration patterns and selection rates.
Two-Round Selection Process
USCIS conducted two separate lottery rounds for FY2025:
- First Round: 120,603 beneficiaries selected from 479,953 eligible registrations (25.1% rate)
- Second Round: 14,534 additional selections from remaining pool (3% rate)
- Combined Rate: 28.5% total selection rate across both rounds
Impact of Anti-Fraud Measures
The one-registration-per-person rule implemented in March 2024 had profound effects:
- Registration volume dropped 38.6% from FY2024's record 781,000
- Average registrations per person fell from 1.70 to 1.01
- Selection odds improved significantly for legitimate applicants
- Fraud attempts were largely eliminated
Education Level Breakdown
Selection rates varied by education level under the dual-cap system:
- Bachelor's Degree Holders: ~26.67% selection chance
- Master's Degree Holders: ~40% selection chance (dual eligibility)
- Advanced Degree Cap: 20,000 additional slots for US advanced degrees
FY2026 Predictions and Trends
Based on current data and policy trends, we predict:
- Selection Rate: 35% for FY2026 (significant improvement)
- Registration Volume: Expected increase but below FY2024 levels
- Competition: Remains high but more equitable
- System Stability: Beneficiary-centric process to continue
Proposed Weighted Selection Timeline
The wage-based priority system remains under OMB review:
- Current Status: Under Office of Management and Budget review
- Earliest Implementation: FY2027 (March 2026 registration)
- More Realistic Timeline: FY2028 or later
- Key Uncertainty: No official parameters announced
How to Improve Your H1B Odds
While the current system remains lottery-based, here are strategies to consider:
- Pursue Advanced Degrees: US master's/PhD provides dual cap eligibility
- Strategic Timing: Register early during the March window
- Employer Selection: Work with experienced H1B sponsors
- Salary Positioning: Consider wage level implications for future rule
Calculate Your H1B Selection Probability
Use our wage-level calculator to estimate your priority under the proposed weighted selection system.
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