The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has completed the initial H-1B electronic registration selection process for the fiscal year (FY) 2025. With enough registrations received to meet the H-1B cap, including the advanced degree exemption, USCIS has selected sufficient candidates and notified prospective petitioners eligible to file H-1B cap-subject petitions.
Important Registration Statuses:
- Submitted: Eligible for future selection if not initially selected.
- Selected: May file an H-1B cap petition.
- Not Selected: Not eligible to file based on this registration.
- Denied: For duplicate registrations for the same beneficiary.
- Invalidated: Due to payment issues.
- Deleted: Registration removed and ineligible for selection.
- Processing submission: Details pending; access to draft restricted.
Filing Period & Requirements:
Starting April 1, 2024, petitioners can file H-1B cap-subject petitions for selected beneficiaries, ensuring submissions are made at the correct location or online, with the filing period lasting at least 90 days. Required documentation includes a copy of the selection notice and evidence of the beneficiary’s valid passport or travel document.
New Fees and Form I-129 Edition:
Effective April 1, 2024, USCIS has adjusted immigration application and petition fees. A new edition of Form I-129, dated 04/01/24, will be required for filings postmarked on or after this date, with no grace period for older versions.
Online Filing and Account Management:
USCIS has launched new online organizational accounts to streamline H-1B registration and petitioning processes, including the option for online filing of Form I-129 and associated Form I-907 for non-cap H-1B petitions starting March 25.
Lockbox Filing for H-1B Petitions:
From April 1, 2024, all paper-based H-1B and H-1B1 petitions must be filed at designated USCIS lockbox locations, with direct filings at service centers no longer accepted.
No More Pre-paid Mailers & Receipt Notice Delays:
USCIS has ceased the use of prepaid mailers for sending communication or notices for H-1B filings. Petitioners should expect automated mail or online notifications for case status changes. Delays in receiving Form I-797 receipt notices may occur due to high filing volumes.
For petitioners and beneficiaries navigating the H-1B cap season, staying informed of these updates and adhering to the new processes and requirements will be crucial for successful filings.
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.
USCIS link: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/notice-of-fy-2025-h-1b-cap-initial-registration-selection-process-completion-and-cap-season