Table of Contents
Measures to Strengthen H1B Registration Process
Steps to Improve H1B Registration Selection Process
Key Dates for the FY 2025 H-1B Visa Registration Period
H-1B Visa Fees 2024-25
Summing Up!
Since the H1B lottery process for FY 2025 is around the corner, USCIS is leaving no stone unturned to avoid any kind of discrepancies in the H1B registration and selection process. Some companies resort to unnecessary tactics and even attempt to manipulate the system in order to increase their chances of being selected in the lottery.
To combat the issue, USCIS has announced a rule that imposes strict integrity measures to avoid unfair selection and shortlist only those who deserve it. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is also amending its regulations to implement the beneficiary-centric selection process to ensure fair selection.
In this blog today, we will discuss the enhanced integrity measures that USCIS has taken to combat any discrepancies in the lottery selection process and the steps to facilitate the entire H1B registration process with complete transparency and efficiency.
Measures to Strengthen H1B Registration Process
DHS has taken the following measures to strengthen the H1B registration process.
- Each registration will require the beneficiary’s valid passport information or valid travel document information. It will also prohibit registering the beneficiary on more than one passport or travel document.
- DHS is also trying to figure out ways to give USCIS the ability to deny H1B visa petitions or revoke an approved H1B visa petition in the following circumstances:
● When beneficiary information provided during registration is different from the one in I-129 form
● The registration contained either false or invalid attestation
● Invalid registration fees
● The H1B visa petition was not based on a valid registration - DHS is also codifying USCIS authority to deny the H1B petition where the following statements on the petition are inaccurate:
● H–1B registration,
● Labor condition application (LCA),
● Temporary labor certification (TLC)
Steps to Improve H1B Registration Selection Process
DHS has taken several key steps to improve the H1B registration selection process to benefit deserving individuals only. Let’s have a look:
- DHS is amending the regulation to implement a beneficiary-centric H1B selection process. That means from now on, USCIS will select registrations by unique beneficiary.
- Each unique beneficiary with a registration submitted will be put into the selection process regardless of the number of registrations submitted for the beneficiary. If selected, each registrant who has submitted registrations for the selected beneficiary will get notified.
- Each registrant can file the complete H1B visa petition on behalf of the selected beneficiary.
- DHS has implemented this plan, assuming it will reduce inappropriate ways for registrants to get selected in the H1B lottery. And each eligible beneficiary will get an equal chance to be selected.
Key Dates for the FY 2025 H-1B Visa Registration Period
The H1B visa registration period will start on 6 March and closes on 20 March. Let’s take a look at the other crucial dates.| Date | Action |
| March 6, 2024 | Opening of the FY 2025 H-1B visa registration process |
| March 20, 2024 | Closing of the FY 2025 H-1B visa registration period |
| March 31, 2024 | Lottery selection process |
| April 1, 2024 | Selected applicants will be notified |
| October 1, 2024 | Petitioners can start filing complete H1B visa petitions |
H-1B Visa Fees 2024-25
There are several fees related to H1B visas, including initial registration and filing fees. Take a look:
USCIS H1B visa fees (if selected):
- filing fee- $780 to $1380
- training fee- $750 or $1500
- fraud fee- $500
- premium processing fee- $2805 (this revised fee will come into effect from 2/26/24)
Summing Up!
It is predicted that the H1B registration and selection process will be more transparent after the successful implementation of the new rule. This has given hope to thousands of petitioners and beneficiaries who had to suffer in various ways to be shortlisted in the lottery. Petitioners can also use Imaglity’s H1B lottery app to find eligible beneficiaries and register for the H1B lottery directly through the app. Download the app on the Apple Store and Google Play Store.
