H-1B Initial Electronic Registration Selection Process Completed: What’s Next?

We are pleased to inform you that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has completed the initial H-1B electronic registration selection process for fiscal year 2023. As you may be aware, the H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations that require specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s degree or higher.

This fiscal year’s H-1B visa cap is set at 65,000 for regular applications, with an additional 20,000 visas reserved for individuals with a master’s degree or higher from U.S. institutions. The initial registration period ran from March 1 to March 20, 2023, and USCIS has now completed the random selection process, ensuring a fair distribution of visas.

Here’s what you need to know if you or someone you know participated in the H-1B electronic registration process:

1. Selection notification

The selected registrations have been notified to employers and their authorized representatives via their online accounts by USCIS. Employers should review their accounts to see if any of their registrations were chosen. USCIS will not send any physical notices or emails for selected registrations.

2. Submitting H-1B petitions

Employers with selected registrations will have a 90-day window to submit their complete H-1B petitions, starting April 1, 2023. It is crucial to gather all the required documentation and submit the petition within this timeframe, as late submissions will not be accepted.

3. Premium Processing

If an employer wishes to expedite the processing of their H-1B petition, they can opt for Premium Processing. This service, available for an additional fee, guarantees a response from USCIS within 15 calendar days. However, please note that Premium Processing does not guarantee approval; it only ensures a faster decision on the petition.

4. Unselected Registrations

Registrations that were not selected in the first round of random selection will be placed on a waitlist. If more visas become available, USCIS may choose from the waitlist and notify employers.

5. H-1B alternatives

Don’t give up if you were not chosen in the H-1B registration process! Alternative visa options include the L-1 visa for intracompany transferees, the O-1 visa for individuals with exceptional abilities, and the TN visa for professionals from Canada and Mexico under the USMCA. You could also look into the E-3 visa for Australian professionals and the J-1 visa for exchange visitors.

We hope that this update has given you all of the information you need about the H-1B initial electronic registration selection process. We recognize the importance of employers and foreign professionals staying informed and navigating the complex immigration landscape. Keep checking back for more updates and immigration news!