Subject: H-1B Visa Process Changes Proposed by DHS – Key Points
Hi Team,
I wanted to share some key points regarding the proposed changes to the H-1B visa process that DHS announced in October 2024. These updates aim to enhance the visa process based on community feedback, particularly within our startup ecosystem.
Key Points:
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Premium Processing for H-1B Petitions: Employers will be able to pay an additional fee if their candidate isn’t selected during this year’s H-1B lottery but has a valid petition that meets criteria like good faith intent and job offer.
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Cap Gap Extension: F-1 STEM OPT employees can now extend their work authorization until April 1, 2025, to file an H-1B petition later in 2025 without interruption.
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Multiple Employer Entries Allowed: A candidate with multiple employer registrations will only be counted once for lottery purposes but can choose which employer they prefer when filing the petition.
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Rule Clarifications: The proposed rule includes improvements like treating each unique candidate only once, ensuring fairness in the selection process, and allowing employers flexibility to choose their preferred candidate after selection.
These changes are part of an ongoing effort to streamline and make the H-1B process more efficient for everyone involved.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to reach out. Let’s discuss how we can navigate these updates effectively.
Best regards,
Sophie
