H-1B Cap Registration to Begin on March 6

Timeline­*

What to Do or Expect

January – Early March

• Recruit H-1B employees, consult with attorneys
• Evaluate the “specialty occupation” position you plan to file for, and determine job duties and requirements
• Gather employer/employee documents and other supporting docs

 February 28 - March 6

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  H-1B employers/attorneys to create USCIS accounts.

March 6 - March 22

• Attorneys/Employers to enter H-1B registrations online
• Employers to verify / approve registrations
• Attorneys/Employers to submit H-1B registrations

Mid-March – End of March

• USCIS to conduct 1st electronic random selection ("lottery")
• Results of 1st draw will be released between 3/29 to 3/31

• Attorneys/employers to submit complete H-1B petition with LCA to USCIS (for first batch of the selected applications)

• USCIS to adjudicate H-1B petitions
• Respond to any Request for Evidence (RFE)

Mid-August

• USCIS may conduct a 2^nd H-1B lottery to use up any leftover visa numbers

 Mid-August – Mid-November

• Submit complete H-1B petition with LCA for candidates selected in the 2^nd lottery to USCIS

 September/October and onwards

• USCIS continues to adjudicate throughout this time
• Change of Status Employees may start working in H-1B status upon approval starting October 1
• Consular Processing Employees to apply H-1B visa stamp for entry to commence H-1B employment