USCIS Introduces New Online Platform for H-1B Application Process

USCIS has launched a new online platform that allows multiple people within an organization, 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. The new platform, which is part of the myUSCIS organizational accounts, is required to participate in the H-1B Electronic Registration Process starting in March 2024.

The new platform aims to streamline the H-1B application process, which is subject to an annual cap and a random selection procedure. Every year, USCIS can issue 65,000 H-1B visas, plus 20,000 master’s cap visas, and 6,800 visas reserved for citizens of Singapore and Chile. Employers must register candidates for the H-1B lottery before they can hire someone in the United States on an H-1B visa. Employers are notified by USCIS by March 31, 2024, if a sufficient number of registrations are received. On April 1, 2024, employers can submit H-1B petitions based on selected registrations, with an October 1 employment start date.

The New Platform Requires Valid Passport or Travel Document Information

Starting with the FY 2025 initial registration period, USCIS will require registrants to provide valid passport information or valid travel document information for each beneficiary. The passport or travel document provided must be the one the beneficiary, if or when abroad, intends to use to enter the United States if issued an H-1B visa. Each beneficiary must only be registered under one passport or travel document. In case of multiple registrations for the same beneficiary, USCIS may invalidate all registrations submitted for that beneficiary after the initial registration period has closed.

Therefore, when it’s time to prepare H-1B registrations, the Administrator and legal representative should coordinate and decide who will prepare them to avoid common mistakes and duplicate entries. The legal representative can’t see or change drafts started by company members, but drafts by the legal rep can be checked by the Company Group, which can accept or reject them. Employers should also check passport expiration dates with candidates and renew passports before March 22, 2024, to avoid problems with future H-1B petitions.

The New Platform Enables Online Filing of Form I-129 and Form I-907

In addition to the new platform for H-1B registrations, USCIS will also launch online filing of Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, and associated Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, for non-cap H-1B petitions in March 2024. On April 1, USCIS will begin accepting online filing for H-1B cap petitions and associated Forms I-907 for petitioners whose registrations have been selected.

The online filing of Form I-129 and Form I-907 will offer several benefits for the petitioners and USCIS, such as faster processing, reduced errors, lower costs, and enhanced security. The online filing will also allow the petitioners and USCIS to communicate electronically, upload supporting documents, and track the status of the petitions.

To help guide organizations and legal representatives through the new process, USCIS has launched its Tech Talks session in February 2024. During these sessions, individuals can ask questions about the organizational accounts and online filing of Form I-129 for H-1B petitions. USCIS encourages all individuals involved in the H-1B registration and petition filing process to attend these sessions. Additional information and dates are available on the Upcoming National Engagements page.