US technology and other companies submitted around 200,000 visa applications for highly skilled foreign workers to the government on Tuesday. This annual lottery is for only 65,000 visas, known as H-1B visas, which allow U.S. companies to hire foreign guest workers for specialized jobs for three years, with the option to extend for another three years. Last year, the U.S. government received approximately 120,000 applications on the first day, leaving many applicants, including Sven, a German civil engineer in San Diego, without a visa. Sven, who requested to keep his last name confidential for privacy reasons, plans to participate in the H-1B visa lottery again this year despite acknowledging the low chances of success. The 33-year-old, who spent eight years earning a civil engineering degree at a German university, described winning the lottery as akin to hitting the jackpot. He was surprised to learn the number of applicants last year. While his company has been supportive, covering legal fees and assisting with paperwork, Sven is disappointed that his ability to work in the U.S. is dependent on luck. This year, experts anticipate that the chances of obtaining an H-1B visa will be even lower. Approximately 200,000 applications are expected on the first day that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) begins accepting visa petitions for the fiscal year starting on October 1, 2008. Jack Krumholtz, managing director of federal government affairs for Microsoft Corp, stated that individuals offered jobs are at the mercy of a lottery system. Last year, USCIS closed the application window after two days and selected visa recipients through a computerized lottery system, giving all applicants an equal chance of being chosen. Tech companies argue that the high demand for visas highlights the necessity for the industry to utilize foreign talent. According to Heather Dickinson, a spokesperson for Cisco Systems Inc., not being able to hire the best workers puts companies like Cisco at a disadvantage. Companies specializing in science, technology, engineering, and technology believe that the current system is problematic as the U.S. is not producing enough qualified candidates and is restricting companies from hiring foreign workers. It is crucial for the U.S. to address this issue in order to remain competitive and maintain economic stability. Immigration lawyer Jacob Sapochnick mentioned that he is handling around 150 visa applications this year for employers and workers in various fields, including high tech, science, marketing, and even culinary arts. Last year, Sapochnick submitted approximately 200 applications, with about half being approved for visas. This year, the situation is even more uncertain as USCIS announced it will not close the application window for five business days. Sapochnick anticipates around 300,000 applications will be submitted during this time. He expressed frustration, calling it "almost like a bad joke." The National Association of Manufacturers has urged for a permanent solution to address the demand for highly skilled workers in manufacturing and other industries. In 2000, the quota for H-1B visas was increased to 195,000 per year but was seldom met. However, as the tech industry declined, the quota was reduced to 65,000. Tech companies have pushed for an increase in the quota, but labor groups are against it, believing it would negatively impact job opportunities for American workers. Around one-third of Microsoft's U.S. employees have needed visa assistance, with the company submitting approximately 1,200 applications for H-1B visas last year, of which about 900 were approved, according to Krumholtz. This year, Microsoft is aiming to increase its odds in the lottery by submitting approximately 1,600 applications. Krumholtz mentioned that the company is looking to fill 3,000 to 4,000 core positions but anticipates only about 40 percent, or 640 visas, will be approved. Attorney Bob Gaynor, who specializes in immigration law in Boston, stated that his clients applying for H-1B visas are concerned about their prospects in the selection process. He predicted that around 200,000 applications will be submitted on Tuesday from various professionals in different fields and countries. Gaynor expressed her sadness, stating that these individuals truly make a valuable contribution to the economic environment of the nation.