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The H-1B Lottery was the topic of conversation as Adams and Reese business immigration attorney Mary Kate Fernandez was interviewed on an SCG Legal thought leadership video series, “Global Spinette.”
Adams and Reese is a member of DC-based SCG Legal – a global network of more than 125 law and lobbying firms, and the organization’s thought leadership video series updates members on domestic, national, and international issues affecting businesses, industries, and governments.
Fernandez was joined by attorney Alycia Moss, of Hawley Troxell, and the two were interviewed by SCG Legal CEO Alina Gorokhovsky. The interview covered recent changes to the H-1B Lottery program, the impact of those changes on companies and applicants, and a look ahead to potential changes in 2025.
The H-1B visa program enables U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, such as those in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Each year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allocates a maximum of 85,000 H-1B visas, comprising 65,000 for regular applicants with a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and 20,000 for those with a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution. Due to high demand, with applications approaching nearly 1 million this year, a lottery system was implemented to fairly distribute visas among eligible applicants.
At Adams and Reese, Fernandez focuses exclusively on business immigration, representing employers across a range of industries. With experience guiding clients through U.S. immigration regulations, she helps businesses sponsor and retain skilled talent from around the world. She also assists employers in addressing a wide range of employment issues related to immigration and international employment, ensuring they remain compliant with regulations.
Fernandez has established contacts and experience liaising with the Department of Labor (DOL), USCIS, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Department of State (DOS), and U.S. consulates worldwide. This network enables her to guide clients effectively through regulatory requirements across different jurisdictions.
Earlier this year, Fernandez authored “Navigating the H-1B Visa Lottery Registration: Essential Guide for Employers.”