H-1B Pre-Registration for Fiscal Year 2025
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the H-1B pre-registration period for the 2025 Fiscal Year will open at noon ET on March 6, 2024, and will close at noon ET on March 22, 2024. This window gives employers the opportunity to register potential employees for the highly sought-after H-1B visa, which is subject to an annual cap.
For the upcoming filing period, USCIS has made significant changes to combat fraud and ensure a more beneficiary-centered process. Notably, foreign nationals will be required to provide unique identifiers such as passport identification or equivalent travel documents during the pre-registration process. This move is aimed at:
- Enhancing the integrity of the pre-registration system.
- Reducing the instances of multiple submissions that have plagued the lottery system in the past.
Streamlined Employer Registration
USCIS has also introduced an online organizational account system to further streamline the process for U.S. employers. The system will be available for new accounts and for current account holders to upgrade starting February 28, 2024. Employers will receive notifications through this system if their applicants have been selected in the lottery and are eligible to file an H-1B cap petition.
Document Requirements for Foreign Nationals
There will be a strict rule in place ensuring that only one passport or travel document is used by the foreign national for all registrations submitted on their behalf. In exceptional cases, such as with refugees or stateless individuals who cannot obtain passports, other forms of travel documents may be used. If selected, the same document identifier must be used in the H-1B petition submission.
USCIS Filing Fees Increase
It is critical for all applicants and employers to be aware of the significant increase in USCIS filing fees which will take effect on April 1. For the H-1B pre-registration process, the current filing fee of $10 will remain in effect for this year. However, from March 2025 onwards, the fee for pre-registration will skyrocket to $215, marking a 2050% increase.
Other fee increases include:
– I129 Form for H-1B petitions: A 70% increase from $460 to $780.
– I129 Form for L1A and L1B petitions: A whopping 201% increase from $460 to $1,385.
– I129 Form for smaller employers: A 51% increase from $460 to $695.
– I129 Form for various classifications including E1, E2 E3, TN, and H3: Increasing by 121% from $460 to $1,015.
– Citizenship applications: Increasing to $710 for online filings and $760 for paper filings, up from $640.
– EB-5 – I526 filing fee: A notable leap from $3,675 to over $11,000 per filing.
Do note that an additional “Asylum Program Fee” of $600 will be applied to each I129 and I140 petition. Smaller companies and some nonprofits will have a reduced additional filing fee of $300.
Premium Processing Update
For those seeking faster processing times, USCIS is expected to revise its premium processing service. The adjudication time will shift from 15 calendar days to at least 15 business days, effectively lengthening the time by a week or more. Along with this change, the premium processing filing fees will be raised to $2,805 from April 1.
The impact of these increases and changes cannot be overstated, as they are likely to influence the decision-making process for employers and prospective employees alike. It’s essential for all involved parties to plan accordingly and be prepared for these financial adjustments.
Preparing for the Changes
To stay updated and plan your next steps effectively, it is advised to keep a close eye on the official USCIS website. Not only will it provide accurate and up-to-the-minute information, but it will also offer guidance on how to navigate the new systems and fee structures.
These developments emphasize the importance of timely and accurate submissions, and they underscore the value of familiarizing oneself with the intricacies of immigration procedures. By addressing these recent announcements proactively, employers and potential H-1B cap-subject foreign nationals can navigate upcoming pre-registrations and petitions with greater confidence.
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Glossary or Definitions
- H-1B visa: A nonimmigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. The H-1B visa is subject to an annual cap and is highly sought after by employers and foreign nationals.
- Pre-registration: The process by which employers register potential foreign employees for the H-1B visa program during a specified period before filing the actual visa petition. Pre-registration helps streamline the selection process and reduces instances of multiple submissions.
Unique identifiers: Specific identification information required from foreign nationals during the pre-registration process, such as passport identification or equivalent travel documents. This requirement aims to enhance the integrity of the system and prevent fraud.
Lottery system: The method used to select H-1B visa beneficiaries when the number of applications exceeds the annual cap. In the lottery system, applications are randomly selected for further processing.
Organizational account system: An online system introduced by USCIS that allows U.S. employers to create and manage their accounts to participate in the H-1B pre-registration process. It helps streamline the process for employers and provides notifications regarding the selection of applicants.
Filing fee: A fee charged by USCIS for processing various immigration petitions and applications. It covers the administrative costs associated with the adjudication of these filings.
I129 Form: The form used to petition for a nonimmigrant worker, including H-1B, L1A, L1B, E1, E2, E3, TN, and H3 classifications. The filing fees for the I129 Form vary depending on the specific classification.
Premium processing: An expedited service offered by USCIS for faster processing of certain immigration petitions. It allows applicants to receive a decision on their petition within 15 business days instead of the standard processing time.
Adjudication time: The period it takes for USCIS to make a decision on an immigration petition or application. The adjudication time for premium processing is currently 15 calendar days but is expected to increase to at least 15 business days.
Asylum Program Fee: An additional fee of $600 that is applied to each I129 and I140 petition to fund the USCIS Asylum Program. Smaller companies and some nonprofits may have a reduced fee of $300.
EB-5 – I526 filing fee: The filing fee for the Form I-526, which is used by investors seeking to obtain an EB-5 immigrant visa. The fee is set to increase from $3,675 to over $11,000 per filing.
USCIS: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the government agency responsible for overseeing lawful immigration to the United States. USCIS processes immigration benefits and services, including visa petitions and applications.
USCIS website: The official website of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. It provides accurate, up-to-date information about immigration processes, policies, and requirements. It also offers guidance on navigating the new systems and fee structures.
Cap-subject foreign nationals: Foreign nationals who are subject to the annual numerical limit, or cap, of available visas. For example, H-1B visas are subject to an annual cap, and foreign nationals seeking these visas are considered cap-subject.
Note: It is important to regularly check the official USCIS website for the most current and accurate information as immigration policies and procedures can change.
So there you have it, folks! The H-1B pre-registration period for FY 2025 is fast approaching, and USCIS has made some major changes to the process. From enhanced fraud prevention measures to streamlined employer registration, it’s clear that they’re serious about improving the system. And don’t forget about those USCIS filing fee increases – they’re no joke! To ensure you’re well-prepared and up to date, head over to visaverge.com for more immigration insights. Happy navigating, and good luck on your H-1B journey!
This Article in a Nutshell:
The H-1B pre-registration for the FY 2025 opens on March 6, 2024, and closes on March 22, 2024. USCIS has made changes to combat fraud, require unique identifiers, and streamline the process. USCIS filing fees will increase significantly, and premium processing times will be longer. Stay updated on the USCIS website for accurate information and guidance.
