Dear Sophie:
If you are wondering when you can register for the H-1B lottery for your employee, the answer depends on a few factors.
The H-1B lottery is designed to grant a limited number of visas to foreign workers in specialty occupations. It is an annual program starting in April 2021, and the registration opening window is normally within the first week of March. So if you are planning to apply and register for the lottery, you should do it at least a few weeks prior to the official opening window.
Before you attempt to register, there are few steps you should take to make sure your employee is eligible and to get ready to file the application. First, you need to demonstrate that the position your employee will be filling is a specialty occupation. That means you will have to provide proof that your employee’s job requires a higher level of education or specialized experience. You should also make sure that your company is selective in its hiring, and that the wage you offer is in line with what other companies pay.
Once you have all the necessary documents in order and you are ready to apply, you will need to go through the online registration process, which typically includes filing fees, completing forms and submitting documents. After successful completion of the registration, you and your employee will typically be notified within seven days as to whether your application has been accepted or rejected.
If you are accepted into the lottery, then all that is left is for you and your employee to wait for the H-1B lottery results. The results are typically released in May of each year, so you will know within a few weeks whether or not your employee has been chosen.
In conclusion, you need to be prepared to register for the H-1B lottery in March and then wait for the results in May. Good luck!
