The United States has commenced a pilot program to renew the coveted H-1B work visa domestically, a move that could benefit thousands of Indians. The pilot renewal program that was launched on January 29 will continue until April 1, allowing H-1B visa holders to renew their visas. Meanwhile, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a final rule for the fiscal year 2025 (FY 2025) H-1B cap. The rule introduces a beneficiary-centric selection process to ensure fair and equal opportunities for all beneficiaries, regardless of the number of registrations submitted on their behalf.Additionally, USCIS has announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2025 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 6, 2024, and run through noon Eastern on March 22, 2024. Learn more: https://t.co/UvZpxt8tA4 (3/3)— USCIS (@USCIS) January 30, 2024In addition to this, the department has also published the final Fee Rule adjusting certain immigration & naturalization benefit request fees, providing additional fee waivers & exemptions for certain humanitarian categories, & making changes to some immigration benefit request requirements..@DHSGov published the final Fee Rule adjusting certain immigration & naturalization benefit request fees, providing additional fee waivers & exemptions for certain humanitarian categories, & making changes to some immigration benefit request requirements. https://t.co/Obpim5JN1g— USCIS (@USCIS) January 30, 2024New Selection Criteria:Beneficiary-centric: The selection process now focuses on the individual applicants qualifications and experience, rather than the sponsoring employer. This aims to give everyone a fairer chance.Multiple registrations: Employers can now submit multiple registrations for the same beneficiary with different wage levels and work locations. This increases the chances of selection for the beneficiary.New Rules:Registration period: The registration period for the fiscal year 2025 H-1B cap will be changed from March 1-31 to a five-week window sometime between February and April.Denial/revocation for fraud: USCIS has the authority to deny or revoke H-1B petitions if they find false information in the registration or other irregularities.Fee schedule changes: There will be adjustments to the H-1B visa filing fees.These changes are effective for H-1B petitions filed under the fiscal year 2025 cap, which starts on October 1, 2024.
