USCIS Announces Customer Experience Enhancements for H-1B Cap Season
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is set to revolutionize the H-1B cap season with a series of customer experience improvements, marking a significant stride in increasing efficiency and collaboration for organizations and their legal representatives.
Introduction of Organizational Accounts
The USCIS has planned the launch of organizational accounts for non-cap filings and the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B cap season. This innovative move will enable multiple individuals within an organization, such as a company or other business entity, and their legal representatives to work together seamlessly on H-1B registrations, Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker), and the associated Form I-907 (Request for Premium Processing Service).
Launch Timeline
The organizational accounts are expected to be operational in February 2024. Following this, the online filing of Forms I-129 and I-907 will be introduced. These changes are anticipated to not only streamline the Form I-129 H-1B petition process but also to minimize duplicate H-1B registrations and other common errors.
Transition to USCIS Lockbox
In an effort to increase efficiency by standardizing processes and reducing costs, the paper filing location for Forms I-129 and I-907 will transition from service centers to the USCIS lockbox.
Engagement and Information Sessions
To ensure a smooth transition, USCIS will host two national engagements on January 23 and 24, along with several smaller sessions prior to the H-1B registration period. These sessions aim to guide organizations and legal representatives through the new process. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions about the organizational accounts in preparation for the FY 2025 H-1B electronic registration process and the launch of online filing for Form I-129 for H-1B petitions.
Conclusion
These customer experience improvements by USCIS signify a pivotal change in the H-1B cap season, aiming to make the process more efficient and user-friendly for organizations and their legal representatives. We are pleased with USCIS’s decision to shift the paper filing locations to the lockbox, a move that promises to reduce confusion among those filing these applications with different service centers.