Last year, USCIS implemented an online registration process for H-1B cap-subject petitioners to streamline the process. Applicants register online BEFORE the lottery and if selected, then they have 90 days to file a completed H-1B petition. This process will be repeated this year for FY2022 applicants and is likely to become the new normal.
Here is what you need to know:
USCIS accepts online registrations starting on March 9th at noon Eastern Time. Registration closes March 25th at noon Eastern Time.
Petitioners filing on behalf of H-1B employees must register online through USCIS.gov by creating a myUSCIS account at www.myaccount.uscis.gov/users/sign_up. Petitioners – also known as registrants – will submit company information along with a $10 registration fee for each beneficiary.
Only submit ONE registration per BENEFICIARY. If a beneficiary has more than one registration, they will be disqualified.
The 20,000 visa advanced degree cap will be selected first followed by the 65,000 visa regular cap. This will give beneficiaries with advanced degrees two chances at being selected in the randomized lotteries.
On March 31, USCIS will notify registrants that they have been selected to file a complete petition. The following day, on April 1st, USCIS will begin accepting full H-1B petitions for FY2022.
Do not hesitate to file the completed petition. We anticipate RFE rates to be high again this year, and we have seen as many as three rounds of RFEs before visa approval. Be sure to identify weaknesses in your case and anticipate any additional evidence or documentation you will need BEFORE you file.
For a free review of your case visit www.ccifree.com. We will respond in 4 hours or less.
Sheila Danzig
Sheila Danzig is the director of CCI TheDegreePeople.com. Sheila specializes in overturning RFEs and Denials for work visas.