On November 7, 2019, USCIS announced a final rule that it will require a non-refundable $10 H1b pre-registration fee for each cap-subject petition.

For the upcoming cap-season, USCIS will be rolling out an electronic registration system for certain H-1B petitions. Once implemented, USCIS will require petitioners seeking to file H-1B cap-subject petitions to pay a $10 fee for each electronic registration they submit to USCIS. USCIS states that the H1b pre-registration fee is part of an “agency-wide effort to modernize and more efficiently process applications to live or work in the United States.” The final rule is effective December 9, 2019, and the fee will be required when registrations are submitted.

Porter Law Office, LLC is an AV rated boutique law firm that helps businesses and individuals file H-1B visa petitions. If you need help securing an H-1B visa, contact our office today.

What to Expect

USCIS is testing the system so that it can be implemented in the upcoming FY2021 H-1B cap season. Expect USCIS to announce the implementation timeframe and initial registration period in the Federal Register once a formal decision has been made. USCIS states that the public will receive ample notice of its implementation of the H1b pre-registration procedures. For now, plan to pay an extra $10 for each cap-subject petition you expect to file. Stay tuned for future updates on this requirement.

H1B Pre-Registration Fee for Cap-Subject Petitions

The H-1B visa allows a U.S. employer to temporarily hire foreign workers to perform services in a specialty occupation. Once the electronic registration system has been fully implemented, U.S. employer petitioners seeking to file H-1B cap-subject petitions—including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption—will first have to electronically register with USCIS during a designated registration period. This requirement was suspended last cap season, so we can only assume the agency will work to ensure it is fully implemented this year.

Immigration Lawyer in Columbus, Ohio

H-1B Visa Representation

Porter Law Office, LLC has experience in securing H-1B visas for a wide variety of organization and individuals. The H-1B visa process is complex. There are strict federal labor laws and immigration rules and regulations. Columbus, Ohio immigration lawyer Matthew R. Porter, Esq. assists employers in complying with the H-1B visa regulations and H1B pre-registration. We can help your organization with H-1B visa petition filings and compliance issues. If your organization is considering sponsoring a foreign national on an H-1B visa, contact Columbus, Ohio immigration lawyer Matthew R. Porter to discuss your H-1B visa options.