The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has introduced a new H-1B registration system for FY 2025 that aims to make the process more fair and efficient for prospective H-1B workers and employers. The new system is beneficiary-centric, meaning that each unique beneficiary will be entered into the lottery only once, regardless of how many employers submit registrations on their behalf. This will reduce the incentives for fraud and abuse, and increase the chances of selection for individuals with genuine job offers. The new system also allows all employers who submitted registrations for a selected beneficiary to file H-1B petitions for them, giving the beneficiaries more flexibility and bargaining power in the hiring process.
H-1B L
ottery Registration Window Opens March 6, 2024 and runs through noon EST on March 22, 2024: Employers and potential H-1B workers should prepare the necessary information and documentation for the online submission. An immigration attorney is highly recommended to assist with the process.
New Anti-Flooding Measures: Employers must certify that they have not worked with other registrants to submit multiple entries for the same foreign national. USCIS may also track lottery selections by passport number to prevent unfair chances of selection.
Understanding the Lottery Process: Employers and their attorneys must create accounts on MyUSCIS.gov and pay a $10 registration fee for each foreign national. Selected registrants will be notified by April 1, 2024 and must submit the full H-1B Petition by June 30, 2024.
H-1B Occupations and Requirements: Employers should consider entering any foreign workers who are on OPT, STEM OPT, or other nonimmigrant statuses into the lottery. The job description, salary requirements and credentials of each entry should be evaluated carefully. Employers should consult with experienced immigration counsel before filing H-1B petitions under the new system. Please contact us if you need assistance or have questions about the H-1B registration or visa.
