USCIS Opens Registration for FY 2025 H-1B Visa Cap, March 6-22, 2024

In the fiscal year 2023, 1,135 Nepalis received the H-1B visa, showcasing a steady increase over the years.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the opening of the registration period for the Fiscal Year 2025 H-1B visa cap, allowing employers or their representatives to register details for skilled foreign workers. The registration period commences at noon Eastern on March 6, 2024, and concludes at noon Eastern on March 22, 2024.

Online Registration Process and Lottery Announcement:

• Online registration for the H-1B  for fiscal year 2025 will be open from 12:00 noon on March 6 to 12:00 noon on March 22.
• Employers or their representatives are required to create an online account with USCIS to register workers’ details. Self-registration by workers is not permitted.
• A confirmation number will be provided for each registration, which can be used to check the registration status. However, it cannot be used to verify the status of the complete application. A registration fee of $10 will be charged for each individual.
• US employers and agents can register the details of potential employees, including passport numbers or travel permit documents.
• Legal representatives have the option to add customers to their accounts, and details for multiple individuals can be submitted in one online session. Duplicate submissions for the same person will result in automatic disqualification.

Selection and Visa Process:

• USCIS aims to notify applicants about their selection status by March 31, 2024, if enough registrations are received by March 22.
• The selection process is conducted through a lottery system. Only selected applications can be forwarded for the visa process starting from April 1, 2024.
• The H-1B worker visa cap is set at 65,000, with an additional 20,000 slots reserved for those with an American master’s degree, making a total of 85,000 visas available for the fiscal year.

Qualifications for H-1B Visa:

• Applicants must have a job offer from a US-based company to be eligible.
• Beneficiaries must have at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent for positions requiring specialized knowledge.
• The work must be complex or unique, necessitating a person with the specified degree.
• Employers must confirm the requirement of a degree for the position or establish the job’s complexity requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher.

H-1B Visa for Nepali Applicants:

• In the fiscal year 2023, 1,135 Nepalis received the H-1B visa, showcasing a steady increase over the years.
• The H-1B visa is granted to foreign workers with special knowledge, primarily in fields such as IT, with Indians being the largest group.
• The visa duration is three years, extendable up to six years.

Beware of Fraud:

• Fraudsters are active, demanding money in the name of providing H-1B visas.
• New York-based lawyer Keshab Raj Seadie advises individuals to be cautious and check the background of companies offering jobs in the US.
• Legitimate companies do not charge fees for visa applications, and individuals are urged to stay away from those demanding money.

Application Process Clarified:

• The H-1B visa cannot be filed by the worker; it requires a job offer from a US employer.
• Employers initiate the online registration, and if selected, the visa process for the foreign worker begins.
• Attorney Seadie emphasizes that reputable companies do not charge applicants for visa processing.

As the registration window approaches, prospective applicants and employers are encouraged to adhere to the outlined guidelines to ensure a smooth and lawful process for the H-1B visa application.