Last month, the U.S. Immigration Service “USCIS” announced a new H-1B registration process for FY2021. This new system will hopefully streamline the process, reduce paperwork and costs for potential H-1B employers. In the past, petitioners were required to incur the cost of preparing full H-1B cases and submitting them by mail to USCIS, which would then run a lottery if the H-1B quota was reached. Under the new system, foreign workers are now required to complete a brief online pre-registration. Then, if there is an H-1B lottery, only those who are selected in the lottery will be allowed to submit their H-1B cases to USCIS.

Please contact us right away if you are interested in pursuing H-1B status for any current or prospective employees.  We would be required to file the H-1B petition within 90 days of being notified of success in the lottery.  Registration requires the following:

  • A $10 fee to the USCIS
  • Information about the employer
    • Complete legal name and dba, if applicable
    • Federal Employer Identification Number
    • Headquarters address
    • Name, title and contact information of person who will sign the H-1B petition
  • Information about the employee
    • Complete legal name (as in passport)
    • Gender
    • Date of birth
    • Country of citizenship and country of birth
    • Passport number
    • Whether the employee has a U.S. master’s degree

Like all new processes, this one is sure to have benefits
and disadvantages. Both employers and employees may need help navigating the
new rules and criteria. Saev Hernandez Immigration Practice is ready to help
with all aspects of the H-1B process, including:

  • Explaining the process
  • Analyzing eligibility
  • Determining the prevailing wage
  • Responding to Requests for Evidence, and
  • Consular visa processing.

We hope that this new system will reduce the level of uncertainty and initial cost exposure for prospective H-1B employers and will encourage them to file H-1B petitions. Companies with experience using the old system would likewise benefit from expert guidance with this new procedure. Schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys to get started. The H-1B registration period is March 1 – 20, 2020.