The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) introduced a fully online system for the H-1B visa registration process this year. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 22. The H-1B visa programme is an essential channel through which US companies can hire skilled workers with specialised knowledge. With the help of these visas, foreign nationals can engage in temporary employment in specialised fields in the US.
Earlier this year, the US government announced a new measure for the H-1B visa process, slated for implementation in 2025. The proposed changes were aimed at strengthening the integrity measures of the programme and curbing potential instances of misuse or fraud. By improving vetting procedures and imposing stronger restrictions, the US authorities want to ensure that the H-1B visa programme functions effectively, benefiting US firms and skilled foreign workers while safeguarding the programme's integrity.
Changes in H-1B visa registration procedure
The recent changes made in the H-1B visa registration procedure hold significance for several tech workers from India aspiring to work in the US.
As per the new rule, the selection process for H-1B registrations prioritises individual beneficiaries rather than simply through the registration process itself, The Times of India reported.
The US employers seeking to sponsor foreign workers for H-1B visas will have to provide detailed information for each beneficiary as part of the registration process. This includes key details such as passport information or valid travel documents.
Those planning to apply for the same, can access Form I-129 for a non-immigrant worker for H-1B petitions, and Form I-907 for premium processing service, through USCIS online accounts.
From April 1 onwards, a candidate has to pay $110 in visa fees, marking a major jump from $10 earlier. This is the first hike made by the US in visa fees since 2016. Moreover, registration fees for H-1B visas are increased from $10 to $215.
On February 28, USCIS launched the new myUSCIS organisational accounts intending to enhance user experience to manage immigration-related matters. These accounts "will allow multiple people within an organisation, as well as their legal representatives, to collaborate on and prepare H-1B registrations, H-1B petitions, and any associated Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service," a statement said.
The online registration for the H-1B visas for the fiscal year 2025 started on March 6.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
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