NEWS
H-1B
USCIS Will Conduct Second Random Selection for Regular Cap from Previously Submitted FY 2025 H-1B Cap Registrations
In March, USCIS conducted an initial random selection on properly submitted electronic registrations for the fiscal year 2025 H-1B cap, including for beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption. Only those petitioners with selected registrations for FY 2025 are eligible to file H-1B cap-subject petitions during the filing period on their registration selection notice. The initial [...]
USCIS Publishes FAQs for Individuals in H-1B Nonimmigrant Status
USCIS published a series of FAQs addressing questions dealing with the H-1B nonimmigrant Visa. However, some of the information contained is hard to understand without proper context. We recommend consulting with an Attorney before relying on this information.
Easing the Nonimmigrant Visa Process for U.S. College Graduates
On June 18, 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration announced actions to more efficiently facilitate employment-based nonimmigrant visas for those who have graduated from college in the United States and have a job offer. This initiative will allow certain individuals to more quickly receive nonimmigrant work visas if they are deemed eligible. As part of [...]
The CEO Who Went Over and Beyond – And Drove a Bus to get There! Impressions Series – Blog post by Attorney Kidambi
In this article, Attorney Kidambi relates an incredible experience lobbying Congress for additional H-1B Visa Numbers and meeting with preeminent legislators. He also shares an interesting anecdote about one of our clients and how it shaped our practice. Read the linked in blog article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ceo-who-went-over-beyond-drove-bus-get-vaman-kidambi-bu2kc/?trackingId=mV0MAOyrQUS4hBXB6RFZvA%3D%3D
An Extended Deadline and Dealing with a Record Number of H-1B CAP Registrations. What Happens Now?
Today, Noon ET March 25th marks the end of the H-1B CAP Registrations for FY 2025 (USCIS follows a fiscal year October 1st to September 30th). Year after year, even during the pandemic, registrations have been steadily increasing. This chart shows registration and selection numbers for fiscal years 2021-2024 (as of July 31, [...]
USCIS Extends Initial Registration Period for FY 2025 H-1B Cap
USCIS has extended the initial registration period for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B cap. The initial registration period, which opened at noon Eastern on March 6, 2024, and was originally scheduled to run through noon Eastern on March 22, 2024, will now run through noon Eastern on March 25, 2024. USCIS is [...]
Online Filing For Organizational Accounts – The Kidambi Approach
We have been scheduling one on one calls to go over the setting up of myUSCIS accounts and CAP registration for FY2025. If you have not received a phone call from our Office to go over the process and how to set up “Organizational accounts”, kindly feel free to email intake@kidambi.com to follow [...]
USCIS Offers – FAQ on Organizational Accounts
On Feb. 28, 2024, USCIS officially launched new organizational accounts that will allow multiple people within a company or organization to collaborate and prepare H-1B registrations, H-1B petitions, and associated requests for premium processing. Note that a new organizational account is required to participate in the H-1B Electronic Registration Process starting in March 2024. [...]
The Beneficiary Centric Approach to H-1B CAP Selection – A Quick Overview
We are given to understand that under the new system, the agency will run the H-1B selection process based on the beneficiary’s valid passport number, or the number of another valid travel document, regardless of the number of employer H-1B registrations submitted on behalf of an individual beneficiary. Beneficiaries who are selected will [...]
Online Filing For Organizational Accounts – The Kidambi Approach
USCIS online accounts have been glitching and we have received reports that USCIS is aware of the issue and is working to resolve the problems users are facing. As a result, apart from using it to register H-1B CAP cases, we will be offering clients the option of continuing to paper file H-1B [...]
H-1B CAP FY 2025 – Summary Overview
On January 30, 2024, USCIS announced a series of changes that will impact the FY2025 H-1B registration system and cap filing season. H-1B Registration Final Rule DHS posted a final rule revising the H-1B Registration System and it is set to be published on February 2, 2024. USCIS published the revised Fee Schedule [...]
No Changes To H-1B CAP/Registration for 2024 (FY 2025). $10 Fee Remains Unchanged
During an interactive Webinar held on January 24th, USCIS representatives confirmed that the H-1B CAP for this year will remain unchanged for the most part. Although, the USCIS has published the “H-1B Modernizing Rule” in the Federal Register, it appears there is not enough time for implementation during this year’s CAP season. Consequently, [...]
USCIS Updates Guidance on Untimely Filed Extension of Stay and Change of Status Requests
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced an update to its Policy Manual providing that USCIS, in its discretion and under certain conditions, may excuse a nonimmigrant’s failure to timely file an extension of stay or change of status request if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the applicant [...]
DOS Provides FAQ & Additional Information on Domestic Renewal of H-1B Nonimmigrant Visas for Certain Applicants
The Department of State has announced a pilot program to resume domestic visa renewals for qualified H-1B nonimmigrant visa applicants who meet certain requirements. The pilot program will accept applications from January 29, 2024, through April 1, 2024, or when all application slots are filled, whichever comes first. Participation in the pilot program [...]
USCIS to Launch Organizational Accounts, Enabling Online Collaboration and Submission of H-1B Registrations
USCIS will launch organizational accounts for non-cap filings and the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B cap season. The introduction of organizational accounts will allow multiple individuals within an organization, such as a company or other business entity, and their legal representatives to collaborate on and prepare H-1B registrations, Form I-129, Petition for a [...]
USCIS Announces Inflation Adjustment to Premium Processing Fees
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced a final rule that will increase the filing fee for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, to adjust for inflation. The USCIS Stabilization Act established the current premium processing fees and the authority for the Department of Homeland Security to adjust the premium fees on a biennial [...]
FY 2024 H-1B CAP Reached
USCIS has received a sufficient number of petitions needed to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap and the 20,000 H-1B visa U.S. advanced degree exemption, known as the master’s cap, for fiscal year (FY) 2024. READ MORE
How to Submit a Case Assistance Request
The Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) assists individuals and employers in resolving difficulties they are experiencing with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
DOS Expected to begin Stateside Visa Renewal Pilot in Early 2024
On October 17, 2023, DOS sent for review a Federal Register notice entitled Pilot Program to Resume Renewal of H-1B Nonimmigrant Visas in the United States for Certain Qualified Noncitizens to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. This document, once published, will lay out the eligibility criteria for participation in the Stateside [...]
USCIS Proposed Rule to Amend H-1B Regulations
USCIS Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to amend the H-1B regulations. The NPRM states that the changes will “modernize and improve the efficiency of the H-1B program, add benefits and flexibilities, and improve integrity measures.” The NPRM will be published in the Federal Register on 10/23/23. READ MORE