DHS to Amend Lottery Selection Process, but Postpone Implementation of Pre-registration System
- davyday
- Feb 1, 2019
- 1 min read
U.S. immigration news, courtesy of Pearl Law Group
As reported earlier, DHS announced significant proposed changes to the H-1B visa lottery program. On January 30, 2019, DHS posted the final rule and the rule will go into effect on April 1, 2019.
What you should know:
Maximizes visas for those with U.S. Masters or higher degrees. As anticipated for this H-1B cap season, USCIS will reverse the order of the “regular” and “advanced degree” lotteries – now giving priority to those with U.S. master’s and higher degrees. DHS estimates this change will increase by up to 16% (or 5,340 workers) the number of selected H-1B petitions for U.S. advanced degree holders.
Delays the pre-registration program. DHS will establish an online pre-registration system for employers seeking to file H-1B lottery petitions, but implementation is now postponed until next year's H-1B cap. The pre-registration process will change the timing and cadence of H-1B petition submission. See details here, though subject to change.
Employers, we will continue to prepare as usual for this H-1B cap season. Pearl will provide new estimates for H-1B lottery acceptance at our client companies.
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