If your company needs to hire a temporary worker, NOW is the time to start the immigration process for those who may fit the H-1b category. An example of an employee who would need an H-1b is an engineer currently working on “Optional Practical Training” (OPT) whose employment authorization is ending in June, 2022, or a qualified worker you would like to hire from abroad. The H-1b visa is for various types of professionals such as engineers, teachers, scientists, business executives, architects, etc.
For FY 2023, a company must register electronically with USCIS between March 1, 2022 and March 18, 2022. Registrants (petitioners) who wish to employ an H-1b worker subject to the annual quota must register on the USCIS website to have a chance at being “selected” in the subsequent lottery process. If selected, only then can the petitioner (employer sponsor) submit an H-1b petition for the potential worker. That petition will then be approved or denied.
The registration fee is $10 per each requested worker. Registrants can create new USCIS accounts starting Feb. 21, 2022 at noon. An account is a prerequisite to registering for the lottery.
Mandelbaum Barrett PC’s Immigration department can assist your company through the registration and H-1b petition process.
IMPORTANT: This is an annual opportunity. If missed, you will not be able to petition for your worker during the rest of the year and the worker’s status or work authorization may expire. If you are unsure about whether your employee or potential hire may need H-1b sponsorship, contact our attorneys for a consultation.