In a significant development, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially declared that the online application filing period for H-1B visa applications for the fiscal year 2025 (FY25) is set to commence in February. This announcement brings with it a noteworthy enhancement to the H-1B registration process, as USCIS introduces organisational accounts to facilitate a more collaborative and efficient approach.
The organisational accounts are designed to empower multiple individuals within an organization, including companies and their legal advisors, to collaborate seamlessly in preparing H-1B registrations, Form I-129 (petition for a non-immigrant worker), and associated Form I-907 (request for premium processing service). USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou expressed enthusiasm about the move, stating, “USCIS is always striving to improve and streamline our processes, and this is a big step forward.”
The introduction of organisational accounts marks a pivotal shift towards a fully electronic H-1B lifecycle, encompassing registration, petition preparation, and final decision transmission to the Department of State. This move is expected to enhance efficiency and reduce paperwork, aligning with USCIS’s ongoing efforts to modernize and improve immigration processes.
The USCIS is set to disclose detailed information about the availability of organisational accounts and H-1B registration dates by the end of January. To assist organizations and legal counsel in adapting to the new system, the USCIS will conduct two nationwide engagement sessions on organisational accounts on January 23 and January 24. These sessions will provide an opportunity for individuals to seek clarification and ask questions ahead of the FY 2025 H-1B electronic registration process and the launch of online filing for Form I-129 H-1B petitions.
Notably, the Biden administration has been actively working on improving the effectiveness of the H-1B system while maintaining the annual cap of 60,000 visas. Proposed modifications aim to simplify qualifying requirements, offer more flexibility to F-1 students, business owners, and individuals connected to nonprofit organizations. The proposed regulations also address concerns about fraud and misuse by prohibiting linked companies from submitting multiple registrations for the same beneficiary, reinforcing the program’s integrity procedures.
As the USCIS takes strides towards a more streamlined and electronic H-1B application process, stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the upcoming engagement sessions to gain insights and prepare for the changes that will shape the FY 2025 H-1B visa application cycle.
Sources By Agencies
