USCIS Issues Important Updates for FY 2025 H-1B Visa Applicants

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially closed the initial registration period for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 H-1B cap season. As of noon Eastern Time on March 25, 2024, the registration window ceased, marking a crucial milestone in the H-1B visa application process.

Selection Process Underway

Following the closure of the registration period, USCIS will soon commence the selection process. The agency will randomly choose sufficient unique beneficiaries from properly submitted registrations to meet the numerical allocations for the FY 2025 H-1B cap.

This includes allocations for the advanced degree exemption, also known as the master’s cap.

Once the selection process is complete, USCIS will notify all prospective petitioners whose beneficiaries have been selected, informing them of their eligibility to file an H-1B cap-subject petition.

Also Read 9 Reasons Your US Visa Application Might Get Rejected!

Important Filing Location Update

Starting April 1, 2024, a significant change in filing procedure will come into effect. H-1B and H-1B1 (HSC) Form I-129 petitions must no longer be submitted at USCIS service centres. Instead, all paper-based petitions of this nature must be filed at USCIS lockbox locations. This requirement applies to cap, non-cap, and cap-exempt H-1B filings.

Failure to adhere to this change will result in rejection of the petition, with no grace period provided. USCIS has provided specific mailing addresses for cases subject to the H-1B cap, ensuring accuracy in filing locations.

Fee Adjustments and Form Edition Update

Effective April 1, 2024, new fees will be applicable for most immigration applications and petitions, following a final rule published by USCIS on January 31, 2024.

Petitions postmarked on or after this date must include the updated fees; otherwise, USCIS will not accept them. Additionally, a new edition of Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, dated 04/01/24, will be required, without any grace period for the transition.

Online Filing and Organizational Accounts

USCIS has introduced new online organizational accounts, facilitating collaboration among multiple individuals within an organization and their legal representatives.

This enables efficient preparation of H-1B registrations, petitions, and associated forms. Online filing for non-cap H-1B petitions commenced on March 25, with cap petitions set to be accepted online starting April 1.

Elimination of Pre-paid Mailers

As of March 25, USCIS has discontinued the use of pre-paid mailers for any communication or final notices related to H-1B or H-1B1 (HSC) petitions. With the transition to lockbox or online filing, this method is no longer feasible. USCIS will now automate the printing and mailing of H-1B petition approval notices by first-class mail.

Conclusion

These updates signify a series of changes aimed at streamlining the H-1B visa application process, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring compliance with new regulations. As USCIS continues to modernize its systems and procedures, prospective petitioners are urged to stay informed and adapt to the evolving landscape of immigration processes.