H-1B Specialty Occupation & H-4 Dependent visas

Overview As of January 17, 2025, a new rule allows H-1B beneficiaries to self-petition even if they have a controlling interest in the petitioning entity. This change is designed to facilitate access to H-1B visas for entrepreneurs and beneficiary-owned businesses, providing them with the opportunity to contribute to the U.S. economy through innovation and job...

When an employer is unfamiliar with the H-1B process, the most common question I hear after approval is, “What should we do next?”  When an employee changes their status to H-1B, there are several important steps and considerations to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws. Here is a comprehensive guide for employers navigating this process:...

We have updated our H-1B FAQs to provide you with the most current and accurate information regarding H-1Bs.  1. What is an H-1B and who is eligible to apply? An H-1B visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s...

For many foreign workers in the United States, the H-1B visa program represents an opportunity for professional growth and career advancement. However, navigating the intricacies of the H-1B transfer process can be challenging, especially if you find yourself in a situation where you’ve been benched for an extended period.  Being “benched” refers to a scenario...

Introduction: A group of immigrants and employer groups filed a lawsuit against the exponential fees increase proposed by USCIS scheduled to take effect from April 1, 2024. This case was filed by the Plaintiffs Samantha Moody, American Immigrant Investor Alliance (AIIA), and IT Service Alliance at The District court of Colorado. This case addresses significant...

H-1B Registration Opens March 6th! As March approaches, so does the opening of the H-1B registration period for FY2025. For many skilled foreign workers and employers alike, this marks a crucial time to secure work authorization in the United States. The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations,...

USCIS recently introduced a final rule that details improvements made to the online filing of H-1B petitions. The rule focuses on establishing a beneficiary-focused selection process for employer registrations and codifies the FY 2025 registration period. As an effort to strengthen integrity and minimize the risk of fraud in the H-1B registration process, selections will...

USCIS recently confirmed the receipt of 780,884 registrations for FY 2024, marking an increase of about 62% from the previous year. This surge in registrations explains the low selection rates this year. This same agency also announced that it has verified the presence of collusion among technology companies who aim to improve the probability of...