In the realm of H-1B visas, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) introduces a significant shift with the H-1B Electronic Registration Process for the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY2025). This transformative process is the reflection of the new "one person, one registration" rule, reshaping the landscape of application procedures to enhance efficiency, minimize paperwork, and establish fairness in the selection process.
One Person, One Registration Rule: Unlocking Fairness and Efficiency
The cornerstone of the FY2025 H-1B visa application process lies in the distinctive "one person, one registration" rule. This rule signifies a departure from the traditional approach, where registrations were selected on behalf of employers rather than individual beneficiaries. Under this rule, employers must furnish valid passport or travel document information for each beneficiary during the registration, accompanied by the requisite $10 fee.
This rule substantially increases the chances of a beneficiary being selected, as it ensures that each individual stands alone in the selection process, irrespective of the number of registrations submitted on their behalf by an employer. USCIS emphasizes the importance of fairness, stating, "This new process is designed to reduce the potential for fraud and ensure each beneficiary would have the same chance of being selected..."
The transition to the "one person, one registration" rule stems from concerns over potential abuse witnessed in previous years. USCIS states that it remains committed to curbing fraudulent practices and upholding fairness in the selection of beneficiaries. Prospective petitioners are now required to sign an attestation, under penalty of perjury, affirming the accuracy and completeness of registration information, the legitimacy of the job offer, and a dedication to fair play.
Penalties for False Attestations: A Strict Deterrent
USCIS has implemented rigorous measures to address false attestations. If an attestation is found to be untrue, the registration is considered improperly submitted, potentially leading to the denial or revocation of a petition. Individuals or entities submitting false attestations may face referrals to federal law enforcement agencies, highlighting the gravity of maintaining integrity in the registration process.
Mark Your Calendar: FY2025 H-1B Visa Registration Dates
Registration for the FY2025 H-1B visa will open at 12 pm EST on March 6, 2024, and will remain accessible until 12 pm EST on March 22, 2024. Prospective petitioners and beneficiaries are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the nuances of the “one person, one registration” rule, ensuring a smooth and transparent application process.
Author: Blair Xu. Blair is an associate at Anderson & Associates Law, P.C. She focuses her practice on business immigration and general corporate matters. Prior to joining the firm, she worked at a personal injury law firm in New York City. She also interned/worked at various leading law firms in China and Japan, focusing on cross-border legal issues. Blair graduated from Cornell Law School with a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree. She also earned an LL.M. degree from Nagoya University in Japan and her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from Tongji University in China.