March 18
USCIS has not changed the March 20, 2020, deadline for filing registrations for the lottery for cap based H-1B visas.
If a petitioning company did not register for a beneficiary by the deadline, they will not be able to apply for a cap-based H-1B for the period of October 1, 2020-September 30, 2021.
The beneficiary will still be able to apply for cap exempt H-1B visas for positions in universities or related petitioners.
USCIS has responded to COVID-19 by temporarily closing offices to the public beginning March 18, 2020, through at least April 7, 2020. USCIS is working to adopt remote work agreements that will be offered to some immigration officers to move quickly toward implementing virus-mitigation strategies. The USCIS office closures and staff reductions are expected to produce adverse effects on adjudication times and build backlogs that will grow over time.
Adjudication of all visa requests and immigration benefits will take more time and leave the underlying visa status of petitioners in limbo. This includes the ability to depart and reenter the United States as well as employment authorization of both current and prospective noncitizen employees. However, the visa lottery and pre-registration deadlines remain in place.
We recommend that employers and employees consult with OnlineVisas to discuss any such changes and the ensuing impacts on foreign-national employees.
Tags
CAP, COVID 19, H1B, LOTTERY
Attorney Sidebar Immigrant Voices in Action Pros More job opportunities Drives U.S. innovation Economic growth booster Cons Policy uncertainty Political resistance Increased employment competition Quick Fact: The H-1B visa program is capped annually, with only 85,000 visas issued. Amid debates on its future, industry leaders argue for expansion to address workforce needs while balancing domestic
Read MoreHome for the Holidays: A Comprehensive Guide to Visitor Visas for Immigrant Families The holiday season is a cherished time for families to come together, share traditions, and create lasting memories. For immigrants in the United States wishing to reunite with their loved ones during this festive period, understanding the process of obtaining a B-2
Read MoreAttorney Sidebar Immigrant Voices in Action Pros Faster application process Fewer processing delays Reduced RFEs overall Streamlined submission workflow Cons More upfront planning Higher initial costs Risk of rejection Increased applicant confusion Quick Fact: In fiscal year 2023, USCIS announced the mandatory inclusion of Form I-693 with all green card applications to reduce delays and
Read MoreWhether you are an individual, family, investor, or company, we are ready to help make your immigration dreams come true... right now!