The United States has recently concluded the second round of its random lottery selection process for the highly sought-after H-1B work visa for the current year. This visa enables US companies to hire foreign professionals possessing technical expertise for specialized roles. Successful candidates have been informed about their selection, marking a crucial step in the process that technology companies, particularly from countries like India and China, rely on to employ thousands of skilled workers each year.
Selection Notification: The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed the completion of the second round of random lottery selection. The agency has informed successful applicants who are eligible for the H-1B visas for the fiscal year beginning October 1. Media reports have highlighted this development, underlining the significance of the visa program for both businesses and skilled professionals.
Reason for Second Round: The decision to conduct a second round of the H-1B lottery was prompted by concerns that arose from the first round held in April. During the initial round, a considerable number of applications that did not meet the eligibility criteria were selected. This led to suspicions of potential manipulation in the submission process.
The USCIS stated that a significant number of eligible registrations were found to be associated with multiple registrations for the same beneficiary. This raised suspicions of collusion among applicants trying to enhance their chances of selection by submitting multiple registrations for the same individual. The USCIS emphasized its commitment to preventing misuse of the registration process and ensuring fairness.
Advantages of Electronic Registration Process: The H-1B electronic registration process, introduced in 2020 for the fiscal 2021 H-1B cap, has streamlined the visa application procedure considerably. This process has reduced paperwork, facilitated data exchange, and provided cost savings for employers submitting petitions. By making the process more efficient, the electronic registration has contributed to the seamless handling of applications.
H-1B Program’s Importance: The H-1B program holds significant importance in the US immigration system and the economy at large. The USCIS expressed its commitment to upholding the law and catering to the evolving demands of the US labor market. Recognizing the need for continued improvement, the USCIS revealed that it is working on a forthcoming H-1B modernization rule. This rule aims to strengthen the H-1B registration process to minimize the potential for misuse and fraudulent activities within the system.