ACT IMMEDIATELY: New H1b system – only $10.00!

USCIS announced on December 6,  2019 that they would implement a new electronic registration system for H1B petitioners. Therefore, beginning on March, 1, 2020, petitioners will be able to register online and pay the registration fee of $10 in order to file for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 H1B cap-subject petitions. This initial registration process is to go from March 1, 2020 to March 20, 2020 (USCIS to release actual final registration date on USCIS website). After the registration deadline, USCIS will conduct an initial selection process and announce by the latest March 31, 2020 who is selected to file their H1B cap-subject petitions. Petitions can begin to be filed on April 1, 2020.

The electronic registration system is intended to facilitate an easier process for employers and authorized representatives to register for H1B cap-subject petitions. By registering online, this system hopes to reduce paperwork and provide overall cost savings to applicants. The registration process will be utilized to obtain basic information about the employer and each worker they are requesting for. After the initial selection period, only the selected registrants will be eligible to file their petitions come April 1, 2020.

How can companies prepare for the new registration process? FIRST AND FOREMOST CONTACT OUR OFFICE IMMEDIATELY IF INTERESTED IN FILING ANY H1B PETITIONS THIS YEAR. In order to register online, all companies will need to create a USCIS online account to allow the registration of each potential employee they are seeing H1b status for. Prospective petitioners (also known as registrants) will be allowed to create what’s known as a new “registrant” account starting on February 24, 2020. USCIS will provide additional information and details as the registration period approaches. Again, if you are thinking of filing an H1B petition this year please contact our office immediately to discuss process. This is a brand new system that is being developed as we speak therefore it is critical that you work hand in hand with an experienced attorney to not lose out on being part of the 2021 year lottery.