CALL US: +44 (0)20 8004 3492

H-1B Selection Process & Key Dates 2021

H-1B Selection Process & Key Dates 2021

The H-1B registration period for cap-subject petitions opened on March 9, 2021 and will remain open until 12:00 PM EST on March 25, 2021.

Since 2020, sponsors have been required to submit the initial electronic registration for inclusion in the H-1B lottery rather than submitting a complete petition at this early stage.

To register an H-1B petition, the sponsor (‘petitioner’) will be required to pay a $10 registration fee and provide basic information about the beneficiary.

USCIS will then select H-1B petitions using a random lottery selection process for FY 2022.

Selected registrants can expect to be notified by March 31 to submit their full petition.

The application window for full petitions will then open on April 1, 2021.

Selection in the H-1B lottery is not a guarantee that a visa will be granted. Similarly, “submitted” registrations that are not (at least initially) successful in the lottery process are not denied or invalidated, until USCIS has determined the annual H-1B cap has been reached.

Introduction of a wage-based selection process for the H-1B scheme has been postponed until December 31, 2021 and as such will not impact this year’s H-1B cap selection.

US immigration advice

NNU Immigration are a team of London-based US immigration attorneys. We advise employers, entrepreneurs, investors, workers and other non-US nationals on all aspects of travel and settlement in the US, including H-1B petitions, visa sponsorship and NIE waiver applications. Please contact our US immigration specialists for the latest advice for your specific circumstances.

This article does not constitute direct legal advice and is for informational purposes only.

By Nita Nicole Upadhye

Nita Nicole Upadhye is the Founder & Principal Attorney at NNU Immigration. A recognized leader in the field of US business immigration law, Nita successfully acts for corporations and professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, actors, and athletes from across the globe, providing expert guidance on all aspects of US visa and nationality applications, and talent mobility to the USA.

Need legal advice?

For specialist advice on your query, get in touch with our team of US immigration attorneys.​

Need legal advice?

For specialist advice on your query, get in touch with our team of US immigration attorneys.

Share on social

For specialist advice on a US immigration or nationality matter for your business, contact our US immigration attorneys. 

For specialist advice on a US immigration or nationality matter for your business, contact our US immigration attorneys.