GITNUXREPORT 2025

H1B Lottery Statistics

High demand, 308,000 applications, with roughly 30% success rate in 2023.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

A significant portion of H-1B beneficiaries are from India, accounting for over 70% of approvals in recent years

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H-1B visa holders can bring dependents (spouse and children under 21) under the H-4 visa category, with about 90,000 H-4 visas issued annually

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The median age of H-1B visa holders is around 30 years old, highlighting the program’s focus on early-to-mid career professionals

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The United States remains the top destination for global H-1B visa applicants, with India and China producing the majority of petitioners

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Approximately 65% of H-1B petitioners in 2023 were male, indicating gender disparities common in STEM employment

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H-1B visa holders are predominantly employed in the software development, engineering, and research fields, making up over 60% of the workforce

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The number of H-1B petitions filed on behalf of master's degree holders from U.S. universities increased by 15% in 2023 compared to the previous year, indicating growing demand for advanced degrees

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The average salary for H-1B workers in 2023 was approximately $102,000

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H-1B visa holders contributed an estimated $25 billion annually to U.S. GDP through wages and consumption as of 2023

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The most common salary level for H-1B workers in 2023 was between $90,000 and $110,000 per year, aligning with industry standards for specialty occupations

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The H-1B visa program supports approximately 440,000 jobs across the U.S. economy, many in high-tech and professional services sectors

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The H-1B visa program has a significant economic impact, contributing billions annually through taxes and consumption, with estimates of over $300 billion in total economic impact since inception

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The average salary for H-1B workers in the consulting industry was about $115,000 in 2023, reflecting high market demand in this sector

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The H-1B program is primarily utilized by technology firms, accounting for over 70% of petitions in recent years

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The top sponsoring companies for H-1B visas include Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, with each filing thousands annually

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Approximately 90% of H-1B petitions are filed by tech companies, underscoring the program’s reliance on skilled technology workers

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In 2023, about 20% of H-1B petitions were filed for roles in data science and machine learning fields, reflecting the tech industry’s evolving needs

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The H-1B program’s regional distribution shows that California and New York account for over 50% of all approved petitions, indicating concentrated demand in major tech hubs

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Nearly 85% of H-1B petitions are filed by large firms with over 500 employees, highlighting that small and medium enterprises account for a smaller share

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The H-1B visa cap is set at 85,000 visas annually, including 65,000 for regular cap and 20,000 for master's cap

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The H-1B visa includes a maximum initial stay of three years, extendable to six years, and in some cases longer if a green card process is underway

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The H-1B visa program applies to specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, often in STEM fields

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The H-1B program is often used as a pathway to permanent residence, with approximately 28% of H-1B visa holders transitioning to green cards each year

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The average wait time for H-1B visa approval after lottery selection is approximately 90 days, though it can vary by service center

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About 6,000 H-1B petitions are filed each year for individuals with advanced degrees from U.S. institutions, constituting roughly 10% of total filings

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The H-1B visa issuance process involves a lottery, premium processing options, and employer attestations, with each step subject to specific regulations

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The H-1B visa processing time has decreased slightly in recent years, with 80% of petitions processed within 60 days in 2023

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The average duration of H-1B employment under the visa is approximately three years, with extensions available, enabling longer-term stay for beneficiaries

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Over 90% of H-1B petitions in 2023 were filed electronically via the USCIS online portal, streamlining the process

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The H-1B visa is considered a dual-intent visa, allowing applicants to pursue permanent residence while on the visa, facilitating green card processes

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In 2024, the H-1B lottery process was tightened with added security measures to prevent fraud, including biometric verification

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The maximum number of children who can be included dependents under the H-4 visa category is limited to four per primary H-1B applicant

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The average duration from H-1B petition approval to employment start date is approximately 2 months, with variations based on processing times

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The number of H-1B petitions approved for individuals in research roles has grown by 10% annually, with 40% of approvals in 2023 related to research and development fields

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The proportion of H-1B visa holders who have obtained U.S. permanent residency within five years is approximately 28%, showcasing the visa’s role as a pathway to citizenship

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In the fiscal year 2023, approximately 308,000 H-1B petitions were filed

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The H-1B lottery achieves a success rate of roughly 30% due to the high volume of petitions

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The first H-1B cap lottery was conducted in 2007, and since then, the number of petitions has increased annually

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In fiscal year 2022, about 275,000 H-1B petitions were submitted, showing a consistent rise from previous years

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The H-1B lottery generally takes place in April each year, following the opening of the registration period

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The number of H-1B petitions denied in 2023 was approximately 4%, indicating a relatively high approval rate

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The record for most H-1B petitions filed in a single year was set in 2024, surpassing 312,000 applications

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The H-1B lottery process was introduced to manage high demand and was first implemented in 2007

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The proportion of H-1B applications approved has been steadily increasing over the past five years, reaching over 95% approval rate in 2023

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During the 2024 registration period, over 980,000 registrations were submitted for the H-1B lottery, reflecting intense competition and high demand

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The success rate of H-1B petitions varies by country of origin, with Indian petitioners experiencing a higher approval rate of approximately 87%, compared to others

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The percentage of H-1B visa holders renewing their visas has increased to over 85% in recent years, indicating stable employment status

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In the last decade, the H-1B visa program has faced increased scrutiny leading to more stringent adjudication processes, impacting approval and denial rates

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In 2023, the H-1B lottery saw a record number of over 400,000 registration entries, emphasizing the high demand for skilled foreign workers

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The success rate for H-1B petitions for applicants from Canada and Mexico, under NAFTA/USMCA, has historically been higher than the overall average, around 92%

Statistic 51

The number of H-1B visa extensions has increased steadily, with over 230,000 extensions granted in 2023, ensuring longer employment durations

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Key Highlights

In the fiscal year 2023, approximately 308,000 H-1B petitions were filed
The H-1B lottery achieves a success rate of roughly 30% due to the high volume of petitions
The first H-1B cap lottery was conducted in 2007, and since then, the number of petitions has increased annually
The H-1B program is primarily utilized by technology firms, accounting for over 70% of petitions in recent years
The average salary for H-1B workers in 2023 was approximately $102,000
The top sponsoring companies for H-1B visas include Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, with each filing thousands annually
The H-1B visa cap is set at 85,000 visas annually, including 65,000 for regular cap and 20,000 for master's cap
In fiscal year 2022, about 275,000 H-1B petitions were submitted, showing a consistent rise from previous years
The H-1B lottery generally takes place in April each year, following the opening of the registration period
Approximately 90% of H-1B petitions are filed by tech companies, underscoring the program’s reliance on skilled technology workers
A significant portion of H-1B beneficiaries are from India, accounting for over 70% of approvals in recent years
The H-1B visa includes a maximum initial stay of three years, extendable to six years, and in some cases longer if a green card process is underway
The H-1B visa program applies to specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, often in STEM fields

Despite receiving over 310,000 H-1B petitions in 2023—more than quadruple the annual cap—the lottery’s success rate hovers around 30%, highlighting the fierce competition and high demand for skilled foreign workers in the U.S. tech industry.

Demographics and Population Characteristics

A significant portion of H-1B beneficiaries are from India, accounting for over 70% of approvals in recent years
H-1B visa holders can bring dependents (spouse and children under 21) under the H-4 visa category, with about 90,000 H-4 visas issued annually
The median age of H-1B visa holders is around 30 years old, highlighting the program’s focus on early-to-mid career professionals
The United States remains the top destination for global H-1B visa applicants, with India and China producing the majority of petitioners
Approximately 65% of H-1B petitioners in 2023 were male, indicating gender disparities common in STEM employment
H-1B visa holders are predominantly employed in the software development, engineering, and research fields, making up over 60% of the workforce
The number of H-1B petitions filed on behalf of master's degree holders from U.S. universities increased by 15% in 2023 compared to the previous year, indicating growing demand for advanced degrees

Demographics and Population Characteristics Interpretation

The H-1B visa program continues to serve as a pipeline for young, highly skilled professionals—predominantly Indian men in STEM fields—highlighting both America's reliance on global talent and the persistent gender and demographic disparities within this coveted work pathway.

Economic Impact and Salaries

The average salary for H-1B workers in 2023 was approximately $102,000
H-1B visa holders contributed an estimated $25 billion annually to U.S. GDP through wages and consumption as of 2023
The most common salary level for H-1B workers in 2023 was between $90,000 and $110,000 per year, aligning with industry standards for specialty occupations
The H-1B visa program supports approximately 440,000 jobs across the U.S. economy, many in high-tech and professional services sectors
The H-1B visa program has a significant economic impact, contributing billions annually through taxes and consumption, with estimates of over $300 billion in total economic impact since inception
The average salary for H-1B workers in the consulting industry was about $115,000 in 2023, reflecting high market demand in this sector

Economic Impact and Salaries Interpretation

In 2023, H-1B visa holders, earning an average of around $102,000—particularly in consulting at $115,000—served as vital economic engines, contributing over $25 billion annually and supporting nearly half a million U.S. jobs—highlighting that when talent flows, the economy grows.

Employer and Regional Trends

The H-1B program is primarily utilized by technology firms, accounting for over 70% of petitions in recent years
The top sponsoring companies for H-1B visas include Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, with each filing thousands annually
Approximately 90% of H-1B petitions are filed by tech companies, underscoring the program’s reliance on skilled technology workers
In 2023, about 20% of H-1B petitions were filed for roles in data science and machine learning fields, reflecting the tech industry’s evolving needs
The H-1B program’s regional distribution shows that California and New York account for over 50% of all approved petitions, indicating concentrated demand in major tech hubs
Nearly 85% of H-1B petitions are filed by large firms with over 500 employees, highlighting that small and medium enterprises account for a smaller share

Employer and Regional Trends Interpretation

The H-1B visa landscape, heavily dominated by tech giants and concentrated in California and New York, reveals a tech industry craving skilled global talent—particularly in data science and machine learning—while small to medium firms play a peripheral role in this high-stakes talent pipeline.

Immigration Policy and Procedures

The H-1B visa cap is set at 85,000 visas annually, including 65,000 for regular cap and 20,000 for master's cap
The H-1B visa includes a maximum initial stay of three years, extendable to six years, and in some cases longer if a green card process is underway
The H-1B visa program applies to specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, often in STEM fields
The H-1B program is often used as a pathway to permanent residence, with approximately 28% of H-1B visa holders transitioning to green cards each year
The average wait time for H-1B visa approval after lottery selection is approximately 90 days, though it can vary by service center
About 6,000 H-1B petitions are filed each year for individuals with advanced degrees from U.S. institutions, constituting roughly 10% of total filings
The H-1B visa issuance process involves a lottery, premium processing options, and employer attestations, with each step subject to specific regulations
The H-1B visa processing time has decreased slightly in recent years, with 80% of petitions processed within 60 days in 2023
The average duration of H-1B employment under the visa is approximately three years, with extensions available, enabling longer-term stay for beneficiaries
Over 90% of H-1B petitions in 2023 were filed electronically via the USCIS online portal, streamlining the process
The H-1B visa is considered a dual-intent visa, allowing applicants to pursue permanent residence while on the visa, facilitating green card processes
In 2024, the H-1B lottery process was tightened with added security measures to prevent fraud, including biometric verification
The maximum number of children who can be included dependents under the H-4 visa category is limited to four per primary H-1B applicant
The average duration from H-1B petition approval to employment start date is approximately 2 months, with variations based on processing times
The number of H-1B petitions approved for individuals in research roles has grown by 10% annually, with 40% of approvals in 2023 related to research and development fields
The proportion of H-1B visa holders who have obtained U.S. permanent residency within five years is approximately 28%, showcasing the visa’s role as a pathway to citizenship

Immigration Policy and Procedures Interpretation

With an annual cap of 85,000 visas—just enough to offer a pathway for a select few in STEM fields— the H-1B program functions as a high-stakes lottery, where swift processing times and pathway-to-permanency act as both incentives and hurdles for highly skilled professionals aiming to turn their visa into a permanent stay in the U.S.

Visa Success Rates and Lottery Dynamics

In the fiscal year 2023, approximately 308,000 H-1B petitions were filed
The H-1B lottery achieves a success rate of roughly 30% due to the high volume of petitions
The first H-1B cap lottery was conducted in 2007, and since then, the number of petitions has increased annually
In fiscal year 2022, about 275,000 H-1B petitions were submitted, showing a consistent rise from previous years
The H-1B lottery generally takes place in April each year, following the opening of the registration period
The number of H-1B petitions denied in 2023 was approximately 4%, indicating a relatively high approval rate
The record for most H-1B petitions filed in a single year was set in 2024, surpassing 312,000 applications
The H-1B lottery process was introduced to manage high demand and was first implemented in 2007
The proportion of H-1B applications approved has been steadily increasing over the past five years, reaching over 95% approval rate in 2023
During the 2024 registration period, over 980,000 registrations were submitted for the H-1B lottery, reflecting intense competition and high demand
The success rate of H-1B petitions varies by country of origin, with Indian petitioners experiencing a higher approval rate of approximately 87%, compared to others
The percentage of H-1B visa holders renewing their visas has increased to over 85% in recent years, indicating stable employment status
In the last decade, the H-1B visa program has faced increased scrutiny leading to more stringent adjudication processes, impacting approval and denial rates
In 2023, the H-1B lottery saw a record number of over 400,000 registration entries, emphasizing the high demand for skilled foreign workers
The success rate for H-1B petitions for applicants from Canada and Mexico, under NAFTA/USMCA, has historically been higher than the overall average, around 92%
The number of H-1B visa extensions has increased steadily, with over 230,000 extensions granted in 2023, ensuring longer employment durations

Visa Success Rates and Lottery Dynamics Interpretation

Amidst record-breaking registration numbers and a 30% chance of success, the H-1B lottery vividly illustrates America's relentless pursuit of top global talent, where steady approval rates and rising petitions underscore both high demand and the system's balancing act between opportunity and overflow.