USCIS Announces Implementation of H-1B Electronic Registration Process for FY2021

USCIS announced last week that the pilot testing phase of the registration process was successful and that they intend to implement this registration process in the FY2021 H-1B lottery. Employers seeking to file H-1B cap-subject petitions for the FY2021 cap must first electronically register and pay a $10 registration fee. This new rule applies to those eligible for the advanced degree exemption as well.

According to USCIS, this new registration process will "dramatically streamline processing" by reducing paperwork. USCIS also claims that it will reduce costs for the employers.

How will the new registration process work?

Employers will complete the registration with basic information about their company and each worker requested. The initial registration period will be from March 1, 2020 to March 20, 2020. The H-1B random selection process will be run on those electronic registrations, and only those with selected registrations will be eligible for H-1B cap-subject petitions. USCIS will then only require those selected to submit a full petition. This will save significant time, unnecessary paperwork, and mailing costs. It is a part of USCIS's current initiative to modernize and transition from paper-based filing to online filing.

USCIS will post additional step-by-step instructions closer to the initial registration period, along with key dates and timelines. The agency may ultimately extend the registration period or open an additional registration period if it does not receive enough registrations.

For More Information:

View the final rule in the Federal Register here.

This blog post does not serve as legal advice and does not establish any client-attorney privilege. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our legal team directly.

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