Understanding Your Chances of Securing an H1B Visa in 2022

The ongoing pandemic has significantly impacted international travel, leading to a decrease in visa applications. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the H1B visa lottery system remains a crucial avenue for international workers seeking employment in the United States. As the 2022 coming into play, the probability of securing an H1B visa may improve, making it essential to understand the specifics of this process.

How the H1B Lottery System Works

The annual H1B visa lottery is a competitive process, with more than 220,000 individuals applying for fewer than 85,000 available visas. To qualify, applicants must meet certain criteria and submit their applications during the designated period. Here's a breakdown of the process:

Two-Stage Lottery System

For those with a master's degree from a U.S. institution, there are two stages in the lottery process:

Advanced Degree Pool: 20,000 visas are allocated for individuals holding advanced degrees (master's or higher) from U.S. institutions. APPLICATIONS ARE RANDOMLY SELECTED AND THERE IS NO PREFERENCE BASED ON THE QUALITY OF THE APPLICATION. Regular Pool: An additional 65,000 visas are allocated, drawing from all other qualified applicants worldwide.

Applicants who do not win in the advanced degree pool will automatically be entered into the regular pool.

Current Trends and Statistics

As of FY 2022, there has been a significant increase in the number of H1B visa applications compared to previous years. We can still estimate the odds based on historical data:

For U.S. master's degree holders in the advanced degree pool, the odds are approximately 1 in 5. For applicants in the regular pool, the odds are around 1 in 3 for a bachelor's degree holder, or 1 in 4 for a master's degree holder.

These statistics suggest that securing an H1B visa remains a challenging endeavor. Further complicating the process is a noticeable increase in denial rates, which have risen to 15% in recent years, compared to 3% in previous years. As a result, the overall chances of being selected are roughly 1 in 5, or 20%.

How to Increase Your Chances

While the odds are not favorable, there are several strategies you can employ to boost your chances:

Proper Application: Ensure that your application is complete, accurate, and submitted during the designated period. Comprehensive Documentation: Provide all required documentation and evidence to support your application. Professional Assistance: Consider seeking guidance from a professional experienced in H1B visa applications. Multiple Applications: Instead of relying on a single application, consider filling out multiple applications to increase your chances.

In conclusion, while the H1B visa lottery process can be daunting, understanding the system and employing strategic measures can help improve your chances of securing a highly sought-after H1B visa for temporary professional work in the United States.