The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced significant changes to the filing procedures and fees for H-1B visa petitions, effective April 1, 2024.
Initial Registration Period Closure:
The initial registration period for the FY 2025 H-1B cap season concluded on March 25, 2024.
USCIS will randomly select beneficiaries from properly submitted registrations to meet the FY 2025 H-1B numerical allocations.
Selected petitioners will be notified to file an H-1B cap-subject petition.
Filing Location Change:
Starting April 1, 2024, H-1B and H-1B1 (HSC) Form I-129 petitions must be filed at USCIS lockbox locations.
USCIS will reject petitions received at service centers on or after April 1, 2024, without a grace period.
New Fees and Form Edition:
Effective April 1, 2024, USCIS has adjusted fees for most immigration applications and petitions. Petitions postmarked on or after this date must include the new fees.
A new edition of Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (04/01/24), must be used, including the correct fee calculation.
Form I-129 Edition Acceptance:
The 05/31/23 edition of Form I-129 will be accepted if postmarked before April 1, 2024. However, postmarks on or after April 1, 2024, must use the 04/01/24 edition.
USCIS will determine the correct form version and fees based on the postmark date.
Premium Processing Fee Increase:
USCIS increased the filing fee for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, effective Feb. 26, 2024, to adjust for inflation.
Incorrect filing fees received on or after this date will result in the rejection of Form I-907.
Online Filing and Organizational Accounts:
New online organizational accounts allow collaboration on H-1B registrations, petitions, and associated Form I-907.
Online filing for non-cap H-1B petitions began on March 25, with cap petitions accepted starting April 1.
Discontinuation of Pre-paid Mailers:
As of March 25, 2024, prepaid mailers are no longer used for any communication or final notices regarding H-1B or H-1B1 (HSC) petitions.
USCIS will now send automated H-1B petition approval notices by first-class mail and notify MyUSCIS account holders electronically.
These changes reflect USCIS’s efforts to streamline processes and enhance efficiency in the H-1B visa program.
Petitioners should ensure compliance with the new filing procedures and fee requirements to avoid delays or rejections in their petitions.
