The H1B registration period for the fiscal year 2025 (FY25) is starting from March 6, 2024. And while there are a few minor changes to the registration system this year, the core process of submitting registrations will be very similar to last year’s system. Below are answers to several frequently asked questions from foreign nationals and prospective H1B employers.
- How does the new beneficiary-centric H-1B selection process differ from the previous system?
Under the previous system, registrations were based on employers submissions, whereas the new beneficiary-centric process focuses on unique beneficiaries. Registrations must include the beneficiary’s valid passport or valid travel document information. Each beneficiary is counted only once for the H-1B cap, regardless of how many employers submitted registrations for them.
- What information must be included in the registration?
USCIS requires the following information to register an employee for the H-1B cap lottery:
- Beneficiary’s full name
- Date of birth
- Country of birth
- Country of citizenship
- Gender
- Passport or travel document number
The employer also is required to make certain attestations, such as that each registration relates to a bona fide job offer and that, if the registration is selected, the employer intends to file an H1B petition for the individual.
- Can more than one company submit H1B registrations for same beneficiary?
It is possible for an individual to be registered for the lottery by more than one U.S. company. However, based on a rule change implemented this year, sponsorship by more than one employer will no longer improve one’s odds of selection in the lottery.
- How will employers be notified if their registered beneficiary is selected under the new process?
USCIS will notify all employers who submitted registrations for the selected beneficiary that their registration has been selected, and each of these employers are eligible to submit an H-1B petition during the 90-day filing period.
- Can multiple registrations be filed by related entities?
There is no change in USCIS position w.r.t to multiple filings by related entities. USCIS prohibits related entities from submitting registrations for the same beneficiary unless they have a separate legitimate job offer.
- Can we add or delete a beneficiary from a registration?
Organization may add or delete beneficiaries from a draft registration during the open registration period and prior to submission. Once a registration has been submitted, we wont be able to make any changes.
- Can beneficiaries update their passport or travel document information after registration?
Yes, the beneficiary can update the passport information in case of changes due to marriage, changes in gender identity, or changes in passport number or expiration date due to renewal or replacement of a stolen passport. The employee has the burden of proving that the information was correct at the time of submitting the registrations.
- What are the requirements to qualify under the master’s cap?
To qualify for the H1B master’s degree exemption, two things are required: a master’s degree from a US university accredited by an agency that’s nationally recognized; Thee second requirement states that the institution must be public or non-profit.
- In May 2024 – two months after the electronic registration period ends – I will complete my final course to earn my master’s degree. Can my prospective employer submit my registration under the master’s cap?
Yes, it is permissible under the registration rule. However, if the registration is selected, the employer and employee must wait to file the H1B cap-subject petition with the USCIS only upon attainment of the master’s degree.
- Is premium processing available for H-1B FY 25 cap petitions?
USCIS has not yet announced whether any restrictions will be placed on usage of premium processing for FY 25 H1B Cap filings.
