H1B Visas – USCIS to Propose Registration Requirement for H-1B Petitions Subject to Numerical Limitations

We recently learned that USCIS is planning to publish proposed rule to establish a mandatory, Internet-based, electronic registration process for U.S. employers seeking to file H-1B petitions for workers that are subject to either the 65,000 or 20,000 annual numerical limitations.

This rule proposes an electronic registration program for petitions subject to numerical limitations contained in the Immigration and Nationality Act. Initially, the program would be for the H-1B nonimmigrant classification; however, other nonimmigrant classifications will be added as needed.

This action is necessary because the demand for H-1B specialty occupation workers by U.S. companies generally exceeds the numerical limitation. This rule is intended to allow USCIS to more efficiently manage the intake and lottery process for these H-1B petitions. We are concerned that large H1B filers may find a way to abuse the registration system, leaving smaller employers at a risk of loosing visas.

Read the proposed rule here