On January 31, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a final rule to strengthen the integrity measures of the H-1B visa program. The measures include various updates to the H-1B registration process, the implementation of online filing for crucial H-1B forms, fee changes, and more.
“We’re always looking for ways to bolster integrity and curtail the potential for fraud while improving and streamlining our application processes,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “The improvements in these areas should make H-1B selections more equitable for petitioners and beneficiaries.”
Here’s a general overview of the changes included in USCIS’ latest H-1B final rule:
H-1B Registration Final Rule
To reduce potential fraud during H-1B registration, USCIS has announced a series of changes that will make the H-1B lottery and selection process more equitable and “beneficiary-centric.”
Under the new process, selections will be based on unique beneficiaries rather than registrations as a whole. This updated approach aims to minimize the risk of fraud and ensures that every beneficiary has an equal opportunity for selection, regardless of the number of registrations submitted on their behalf by an employer. Starting in 2025, USCIS will also require valid passport or travel document information for each beneficiary registering for the H-1B lottery.
FY 2025 H-1B Cap Registration Dates
USCIS announced that the registration period for the FY 2025 H-1B cap season will open at 12:00 PM EST on March 6, 2024, and run through 12:00 PM EST on March 22, 2024.
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