US technology and other companies submitted around 200,000 visa applications on Tuesday for highly skilled foreign workers, competing for just 65,000 H-1B visas. These visas allow U.S. companies to hire foreign workers for specialized jobs for up to six years. Last year, the government received 120,000 applications on the first day, leaving many applicants, including German national Sven, without a visa. Sven, who prefers not to disclose his last name for privacy reasons, will once again participate in the H-1B visa lottery this year despite knowing that his chances are slim. The 33-year-old, who spent eight years studying civil engineering at a German university, likened winning the visa lottery to hitting the jackpot. He was surprised by the number of applicants in just two days last year. Although his company has been supportive by covering legal fees and supplying necessary information to the government, Sven is disappointed that his fate of working in America is left to chance. This year, there is a possibility that it will be even harder to obtain an H-1B visa. Experts predict around 200,000 applications will be submitted on the first day that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) starts accepting visa petitions for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2008. Jack Krumholtz, managing director of federal government affairs for Microsoft Corp, expressed concern that job offers are dependent on a lottery system. Last year, USCIS closed applications after two days and selected visa recipients through a computerized lottery to ensure equal chances for all applicants. However, technology companies argue that the high demand for visas highlights the necessity for the industry to utilize foreign talent. Heather Dickinson, a spokesperson for Cisco Systems Inc., stated that not being able to hire the most skilled workers puts U.S. companies like Cisco at a competitive disadvantage. Companies in STEM fields believe the current system creates a dilemma where there are not enough qualified American candidates and restrictions prevent companies from hiring foreign workers. Krumholtz emphasized the importance of finding a solution to maintain the U.S.'s competitiveness and economic well-being. Immigration lawyer Jacob Sapochnick described the current situation as a "bad joke" and mentioned he is processing numerous visa applications for employers and workers in various industries. Last year, Sapochnick filed around 200 applications for visas and approximately half of them were approved. This year, the situation is even more uncertain as the USCIS announced it will not be closing the application window for five business days. Sapochnick anticipates around 300,000 applications will be submitted during this time. He described the situation as almost comical. The National Association of Manufacturers is calling for a permanent solution to address the shortage of skilled workers in manufacturing and other industries. In 2000, the quota for H-1B visas was increased to 195,000 per year but as the tech industry declined, the quota was lowered to 65,000. Tech companies are pushing for an increase in the quota, while labor groups are against it, believing it would negatively impact job opportunities for American workers. Approximately one-third of Microsoft's U.S. employees have needed visa assistance, with the company submitting 1,200 H-1B visa applications last year and receiving 900 approvals. This year, Microsoft is increasing its chances in the lottery by submitting approximately 1,600 applications. Krumholtz stated that the company has 3,000 to 4,000 job openings that they are looking to fill. However, he mentioned that their immigration staff anticipates only getting about 40 percent, or 640 visas, approved. Attorney Bob Gaynor, who specializes in immigration law, expressed concerns from his clients applying for H-1B visas this year, especially in the computer selection process. Gaynor, who represents professionals from various countries, estimated that around 200,000 applications would be submitted on Tuesday. "It is unfortunate," Gaynor expressed. "These individuals truly make a significant impact on the economic environment of the nation."