In a significant overhaul of the H-1B visa lottery system, the US federal agency announced that the application submission process for the fiscal year 2025 will commence on March 6. The revamp aims to ensure fairness and integrity in the selection process for this specialized visa category, which allows US companies to hire foreign workers with expertise in various fields.
Under the new system, H-1B visa applications will be counted and accepted based on individual applicants, eliminating the practice of multiple applications by individuals that often led to abuse and fraud. Even if an individual files multiple applications for different companies, they will now be counted as one application based on personal credentials like passport numbers.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also introduced new rules to strengthen the integrity of the registration process, reducing the potential for fraud and ensuring equitable selection of beneficiaries. The new measures include requiring valid passport information for each beneficiary and allowing flexibility in the requested employment start date on certain petitions.
The USCIS emphasized the shift towards a beneficiary-centric selection process, aimed at reducing fraud and ensuring equal chances for all applicants. Registrants will now be selected based on unique beneficiaries rather than registrations, creating a fairer system.
The announcement of these reforms comes after last year’s registration period saw an overwhelming number of submissions, highlighting the need for changes to the existing system. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) welcomed the revisions, stating that they will create a more equitable lottery process, leveling the playing field for all applicants.
With these changes, the USCIS aims to streamline the H-1B visa application process and enhance transparency, ultimately ensuring that the selection process is fair and accessible to all qualified applicants.
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