USCIS Implements Significant Changes to H-1B Visa Application Process

As the registration period opens for skilled foreign workers seeking entry to the United States, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has initiated significant changes in the application process for H-1B visas.

This transformative initiative, targeting authenticity and fraud reduction, is set to define the visa landscape for the fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 – September 2025).

H-1B Visa Process – Key Changes

1. New registration system

This year, instead of multiple registrations per individual, USCIS will hold a lottery based on individual applications, not the number of registrations from employers. This aims to prevent duplicate entries and ensure genuine interest in the sponsoring employer.

2. Increased Fees

USCIS has announced that effective April 1, 2024, filing fees for various work visas like H-1B (70% increase), L-1 (201% increase), and O-1 (129% increase) will rise significantly. substantial fee increases for various visa petitions.

• H-1B visa fees will increase from $460 to $780.
• L-1 visa fees will rise from $460 to $1,385.
• O-1 visa fees will increase from $460 to $1,055.

3. Decrease in Applications

The revamped H-1B system aims to improve efficiency and weed out duplicate applications. While individuals gain flexibility, employers face uncertainty and higher costs. Notably, applications are expected to drop significantly, from 759,000 in 2023 to an estimated 350,000 this year.

Other Changes

Registration Period: The registration period for this year commenced on March 6 and will conclude on March 22.

Shift in Approach: USCIS, responding to concerns of duplicity and fraud, has altered its methodology. Instead of considering the number of times an employer registers an individual, the USCIS now prioritizes individual applications.

Who Benefits

Individuals: The new process benefits applicants with multiple job offers, allowing them to be considered for the visa lottery only once, irrespective of the number of registrations by different employers. They can then choose the most suitable job offer from selected employers.

Who Faces Challenges

Employers: The new system introduces uncertainty, as chosen individuals might opt to work for another employer after registration. Additionally, increased fees add to the overall cost of hiring foreign workers.

Additional Details

• The registration window for the 2025 H-1B visa lottery was open from March 6th to March 22nd, 2024.
• USCIS estimates around 350,000 individuals will apply this year, significantly less than the 759,000 registrations in 2023.
• Applicants must now possess a valid passport or travel document.
• Employers can utilize the new “myUSCIS” organizational account for registering multiple entities under one account.

Conclusion

In conclusion, USCIS’s revamped H-1B visa application process reflects a proactive step towards transparency and efficiency. However, employers face uncertainty and higher costs, requiring careful planning and adaptation.

The changes aim to safeguard authenticity while addressing challenges faced by both applicants and employers in the evolving immigration landscape.