Everything You Need to Know About H1B Registration

Everything You Need to Know About H1B Registration

If you are an employer in the United States looking to hire a skilled foreign worker, you may consider sponsoring them for an H1B visa. H1B visas are non-immigrant visas that allow foreign workers to come to the US to work in specialty occupations that require a specific expertise. However, the H1B visa process can be complex and time-consuming, especially with the recent changes in the registration process. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about H1B registration.

What is H1B Registration?

H1B registration is the process of electronically registering prospective H1B workers with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) during a specified registration period. USCIS then selects registrations randomly and invites them to submit H1B petitions. The registration replaces the previous filing process, where employers would submit complete H1B petitions on behalf of their prospective workers, including supporting evidence and documentation, with a fee.

How Does the H1B Registration Process Work?

To participate in the H1B registration process, employers must first create an account in the myUSCIS portal. Once they create an account, they can create and submit H1B registrations for the prospective workers they wish to sponsor.

During the registration period, typically in March, employers must complete a registration form for each H1B worker they want to sponsor. The registration form requires basic information about the employer and the prospective worker, such as their name, date of birth, and passport number. Employers must also provide information about the specialty occupation the worker will be performing and the minimum requirements for the position.

After the registration period, USCIS will conduct a random selection process to choose registrations that will be invited to submit H1B petitions for the workers named in the registrations. Employers whose registrations are selected will have 90 days to submit a complete H1B petition.

What Are the Recent Changes to the H1B Registration Process?

In January 2021, USCIS announced changes to the H1B registration process for the upcoming H1B cap season. The changes include:

– A new registration period timeline, from 9th March to 25th March 2021.
– Employers will need to pay a $10 H1B registration fee for each worker they intend to sponsor.
– USCIS will only open registrations for the H1B cap rather than the lottery selection process directly.

What are the Benefits of the H1B Registration Process?

The H1B registration process provides several benefits for employers, including:

– Reduced costs and less paperwork because employers only need to complete a short registration form instead of a complete H1B petition.
– Increased efficiency because USCIS will select the registrations randomly, reducing the time and resources employers need to dedicate to submitting H1B petitions.
– Flexibility in planning since employers can submit registrations for multiple workers at once and wait for the selection results before submitting a complete H1B petition.

Furthermore, the recent changes in the H1B registration process aim to streamline the process, making it even more efficient.

Conclusion

The H1B registration process is an essential tool for employers looking to hire skilled foreign workers. With recent changes in the process, employers must be aware of the new requirements, timeline, and procedures to participate effectively. By following the guidelines, they can take advantage of the benefits of the H1B registration process and streamline their hiring process.