H-1B Filing Process Improvements Give Employers Easier Access to International Talent

HR managers looking internationally for qualified talent may find some relief with new visa program advances. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services recently announced a series of improvements for the H-1B visa program, the nonimmigrant classification which applies to specialty occupation workers. This announcement is important as we approach the highly anticipated fiscal year 2025 H-1B cap season that begins in March 2024.

USCIS plans to introduce organizational accounts for non-cap filings, as well as for the H-1B cap season. The availability of organizational accounts will permit multiple individuals within an organization and their legal representatives to collaborate on and prepare both the H-1B registrations and the forms associated with the petition filing. Although the H-1B registration process has been electronic since 2020, the petition filing process has historically been completed by paper filings. Once the organizational accounts and online filing of the H-1B petition become available, the H-1B process will be fully electronic from start to finish.

For many fields including STEM, AI, real estate, finance and health care, these moves reduce the barriers to entry that have hindered U.S. business expansion. They offer practical solutions that allow companies to take advantage of a rich international talent pool to grow their businesses.

The organizational accounts should become available in February 2024, with online filing of Forms I-129 and I-907 following shortly thereafter. Paper filing will still be available, but USCIS plans to transition the paper filing location in an effort to increase efficiency, standardize processes and reduce costs.

Please contact Brandon Davis, Laura Buck or any member of Phelps’ Immigration or Labor and Employment teams if you have questions or need advice or guidance.