H-1B Registration Process for FY 2025: FAQs

H-1B Registration for FY 2025: Your Essential Guide with FAQs

The wait is over! The H-1B registration period for FY 2025 kicks off on March 6th, 2024. Navigating the process can be tricky, with the recent rule changes implemented by USCIS. This blog is here to address common queries for a smooth registration experience.

H-1B Registration Process FAQs

1. Who is eligible to participate in the H-1B lottery?
   You are eligible if you have a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) in a specialty occupation and are seeking to work in the U.S. under an H-1B visa. Remember, only U.S. employers or their authorized representatives can register you and you cannot apply for an H-1B visa for yourself.
2. What are the key dates for the FY 2025 H-1B registration?
   • March 6, 2024: Registration period opens (noon EST)
   • March 20, 2024: Registration period closes (noon EST)
   • March 31, 2024: Lottery selection process
   • April 1, 2024: Selected applicants notified
   • October 1, 2024: Petitioners can start filing complete H-1B petitions
3. How can a petitioner/US employer submit an H-1B registration?
   You can submit it online through the MyUSCIS online account starting March 06, 2024. You can also use an Immigration Software to easily submit an H-1B registration.
4. What are the new integrity measures implemented by USCIS?
   To ensure fairness and prevent fraud, USCIS now requires:
   • Valid passport information for each beneficiary
   • Registration for each beneficiary only under one passport
   • Potential denial of petitions with discrepancies or false information
5. Is the selection process changing?
   Yes! USCIS is implementing a beneficiary-centric selection process. This means each registered beneficiary has one chance to be selected, regardless of the number of registrations submitted for them.
6. How much does it cost to register for the H-1B Visa 2025?
   The initial registration fee remains $10 per beneficiary. However, if selected, filing fees range from $780-$1380 and a new premium processing fee of $2805 applies (effective Feb 26th, 2024) for expedited processing.
7. What documents do I need to prepare?
   Gather documents like the beneficiary’s passport information, educational credentials, job offer details, and employer information well in advance.
8. What are some tips for a successful registration?
   1. Start early and ensure all information is accurate.
   2. Register early as the system can get overloaded closer to the deadline.
   3. Familiarize yourself with the latest USCIS guidelines and updates.
   4. Seek professional guidance from an immigration attorney if needed.
9. Do all U.S. employers need to go through the H-1B registration process?
   Cap-exempt employers do not need to go through the lottery process and can sponsor employees for an H-1B visa throughout the year.
10. Can a prospective H-1B employee submit an H-1B registration?
    No, only an authorized representative of the employer or an attorney can submit the registration.
11. Does the H-1B lottery mean immediate employment?
    No, it does not guarantee immediate employment for the beneficiary. H-1B registration is the first step in the H-1B process and it indicates that the employer can file a full H-1B petition for a beneficiary. Only when the H-1B petition is approved can the individual start employment no later than Oct 1.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we’ll keep adding more questions to this blog to deepen your understanding of the H-1B registration process. Stay tuned for more valuable insights!

For comprehensive information, get in touch with our experts at sales@imagility.co to learn how Imagility can help with the H-1B petition process, or call us at +1 603 782 4622/+1 617 865 6588.

Stay informed and good luck with your H-1B journey!

Helpful Resources on H-1B Visas

The H-1B Playbook
H-1B Visa FAQs
H1B Visa Stamping Made Simple: A Step-by-Step Guide
Everything You Need to Know About the H-1B Visa Application Process
Tips for Successful H-1B Visa Interviews
H-1B Visa Processing Time: What You Need to Know
H-1B Registration Process
H-1B Visa Extensions through Imagility: Process and Timelines
Improving H-1B Outcomes for Petitioners
Improving H-1B Workload for Attorneys
Comprehensive Guide on H-1B Visa Petitions

FY 2025 H-1B Visa Registration Process to Begin on March 6