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In its recent update, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the conclusion of the selection process for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 H-1B cap. This news marks a significant milestone as the agency has received enough electronic registrations for unique beneficiaries during the initial registration period to reach the FY 2025 H-1B cap, including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap).
Here’s a breakdown of the latest updates from USCIS to help prospective petitioners and beneficiaries successfully manage the H-1B process.
USCIS has received enough registrations to meet the H-1B numerical allocations for FY 2025. The agency has randomly selected registrations from qualified applicants and notified those with chosen beneficiaries.
Check your online account to see your registration status:
Selected: You can now file an H-1B cap-subject petition for this beneficiary.
Not Selected: Unfortunately, you cannot file a cap-subject petition based on this registration.
Denied: Duplicate Registration: USCIS identified multiple registrations for the same beneficiary. In this case, all registrations for that beneficiary are invalid.
Invalidated: Failed Payment: There was an issue with the payment method used during registration.
Deleted: The registration was withdrawn and is no longer eligible for selection.
Processing Submission: USCIS is still processing your registration. Allow up to 72 hours for your status to update.
Starting April 1, 2024, employers with selected beneficiaries can begin filing H-1B cap-subject petitions. Here’s what you need to remember:
Only selected beneficiaries qualify: Double-check your selection notice before filing.
New form and fees: Use the new April 1, 2024 edition of Form I-129 and ensure you include the updated fees. No grace period applies.
Filing options: Choose between paper (new lockbox address) or online filing (available for selected petitions).
Evidence required: Include a copy of the selection notice and proof of the beneficiary’s valid passport used during registration.
Meeting eligibility: Remember, selection allows you to file, but approval hinges on meeting all eligibility requirements.
USCIS will reject H-1B petitions filed at service centers after April 1, 2024. Use the designated lockbox addresses.
Both online and paper filing options are available, but linking paper filings to online accounts isn’t possible during the initial launch phase.
For more details and resources, refer to the USCIS website.
With the completion of the initial registration selection process and the commencement of the filing period, meticulous attention to USCIS guidelines and deadlines is crucial for H-1B success.
Seeking guidance from an immigration compliance expert is strongly advised to guarantee regulatory compliance and enhance your likelihood of a successful outcome. OnBlick offers comprehensive solutions to streamline your compliance efforts and facilitate the seamless processing of your H-1B petitions. You can schedule a demo to discover how our specialized H-1B case management services can support your needs.
We hope you will act swiftly to ensure a smooth H-1B cap-subject petition process for FY 2025.
