USCIS Announces Organizational Accounts: H-1B Process to Get Easier?

The H-1B visa program, bridging the gap between U.S. businesses and global talent, is a lifeline for companies seeking specialized skill sets. Yet, unlocking its potential often requires navigating a bureaucratic maze. Recognizing this, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced the upcoming launch of a package of customer experience improvements for H-1B cap season.

Read this blog to find out what this significant step is all about.

What’s Changing?

• Organizational Accounts: Launching in February 2024, these accounts allow multiple authorized users within companies and their legal representatives to collaborate on H-1B registrations and petitions (Form I-129) electronically. This streamlines communication, lowers redundancy, and simplifies the overall process.

• Online Filing for Form I-129: Following the launch of organizational accounts, online filing for Form I-129 will become available, eliminating the need for paper submissions. This enhances efficiency, reduces processing times, and minimizes errors.

• Better Collaboration: Multiple individuals within a company can work together on H-1B petitions within the secure organizational account platform.
• Reduced Errors: Electronic filing minimizes the risk of typos or missing information, increasing petition approval chances.
• Faster Processing: Online filing and efficient collaboration are expected to shorten processing times for H-1B petitions.
• Cost Savings: Eliminating paper forms and postage reduces administrative costs for both employers and legal representatives.

Additional Initiatives

• USCIS Lockbox Transition: Paper filings for Forms I-129 and I-907 (Premium Processing Service) will move to a central lockbox for standardization and efficient processing.
• National Engagements: USCIS will conduct informational sessions in January and February to guide organizations and legal representatives through the new system. ??

Looking Ahead

The launch of organizational accounts and online filing represents a significant modernization of the H-1B petition process. This will benefit employers, legal representatives, and, ultimately, the skilled workers seeking H-1B visas. By promoting transparency, collaboration, and efficiency, USCIS is taking a positive step towards a smoother and more streamlined H-1B experience for all stakeholders. ?

OnBlick is committed to monitoring the USCIS and will promptly share the latest updates as soon as they become available.