In a recent update, the United States has announced plans to launch an online filing system for H-1B visa applications for the fiscal year 2025, starting this February. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is making the process more convenient by introducing organizational accounts, which will allow collaborative online submissions of H-1B registrations. The official announcement, including account details and registration dates, is anticipated by the end of this month.
According to USCIS, the new organizational accounts are designed for non-cap filings and the upcoming H-1B cap season for the fiscal year 2025. These accounts will enable multiple individuals within an organization, such as a company or business entity, along with their legal representatives, to collaborate on and prepare H-1B registrations, Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker), and the associated Form I-907 (Request for Premium Processing Service).
Here's a quick rundown of the key information you need to know:
Filing Options: H-1B petitioners can now conveniently submit Form I-129 and I-907 premium processing requests online through their organizational accounts. They also have the option to authorize a legal representative for electronic filing. For those who prefer the traditional approach, filing a paper-based Form I-129 is still available. However, it's crucial to note that the H-1B registration process is exclusively conducted online.
To assist organizations and legal representatives in navigating the new process before the H-1B registration period, USCIS will host two national engagement sessions on organizational accounts on January 23 and January 24.
In 2023, the Biden administration aimed to enhance the efficiency of the H-1B system while keeping the 60,000-visa cap intact. Proposed changes focused on easing eligibility for F-1 students, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit employees. The primary goal was to strengthen program integrity by preventing misuse and fraud. Notably, the proposed rule prohibited related entities from submitting multiple registrations for the same beneficiary, streamlining processes, and fortifying eligibility criteria. Global Passport Rankings 2024: Six Countries Share Top Position
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