Key points to note:
- USCIS has implemented upgrades to improve the overall experience for H-1B visa applications.
- These enhancements involve the inception of organizational accounts and the ability to electronically submit Form I-129 and premium processing requests.
- The primary objective of these accounts is to promote collaboration among individuals within organizations, encompassing both companies and their legal representatives.
In a significant development slated for February, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) is set to introduce a transformative online platform, featuring organizational accounts and facilitating electronic filing for Form I-129, the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. This initiative is exclusively tailored for H-1B petitioners in preparation for the Fiscal Year 2025.
Amid this transition, stakeholders, comprising all legal representative account holders and organizations possessing an H-1B registrant account, along with prospective new users, are poised to benefit from a series of novel account enhancements. These refinements encompass a sophisticated redesign and incorporation of advanced case management features, thereby elevating the overall user experience.
H-1B petitioners will now have the convenience of electronically submitting Forms I-129 and associated Form I-907 premium processing requests through their organizational accounts. Alternatively, they may opt for a legal representative to file on their behalf electronically, or if preferred, adhere to the traditional method of submitting a paper-based Form I-129. Notably, the H-1B registration process will exclusively be accessible through the online portal.
USCIS has diligently conducted usability testing on the organizational account, engaging individuals with diverse roles in the H-1B registration and petition filing processes. This inclusive approach involved employers, human resources personnel, attorneys, and paralegals, all of whom provided valuable feedback. The insights gleaned from this collaborative effort have been instrumental in refining content, enhancing interactions, and optimizing functionality within the organizational account.
To ensure a seamless transition for organizations and legal representatives, USCIS is organizing two national engagements on Jan. 23 and Jan. 24, along with several smaller sessions leading up to the H-1B registration period. These engagements will serve as a platform for guiding participants through the intricacies of the organizational account and addressing queries related to the upcoming FY 2025 H-1B registration period.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation. Our dedicated team is here to support you through the petition process and address any concerns you may have.