H-1B Lottery Alternatives Emerge as Chances of Winning Grow Dim

The increasingly unfavorable odds of winning the annual lottery for H-1B specialty occupation visas have helped fuel new alternatives to secure visas for high-skilled foreign workers that aren’t subject to the statutory cap.

While their footprint is still small, nonprofits like Boston-based Open Avenues are partnering with colleges and universities to help keep key talent at growing companies.

Skyrocketing demand from employers on the H-1B program is underlining the need for new solutions for workers and employers who rely on international talent, said Danielle Goldman, Open Avenues’ executive director.

“We hire them to train the future US workforce in ...