Yes! Here’s What You Need to Know
The H-1B visa is one of the most sought-after work visas for skilled foreign professionals in fields such as technology, engineering, healthcare, and finance. Due to high demand, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducts an annual lottery to randomly select candidates for the limited number of H-1B visas available.
A common question from applicants is:
“Can multiple employers submit separate H-1B registrations for the same candidate?”
The short answer is yes—but with important conditions.
Understanding the H-1B Registration Process
Before filing an H-1B petition, employers must first submit an electronic registration on behalf of the candidate. USCIS then conducts a lottery if the number of registrations exceeds the annual cap.
Each individual candidate is entered into the lottery only once, regardless of how many different employers register them. However, multiple employers can submit separate registrations for the same candidate.
If selected, each employer that submitted a registration may file an H-1B petition on the candidate’s behalf. This means that if multiple employers submit registrations for you and you are selected, you may have the option to choose which employer you want to work for.
Key Rules for Multiple H-1B Registrations
- Each employer must be independent – The candidate cannot create multiple registrations under the same employer. However, different employers can file separate registrations if they are offering legitimate job opportunities.
- USCIS monitors for fraud – If an employer tries to game the system by submitting multiple registrations for the same candidate under related business entities or through coordinated efforts, USCIS may reject all associated registrations.
- Candidates are not penalized for multiple employers – As long as a separate, unrelated employer submits each registration, this is perfectly legal and does not affect your eligibility.
Benefits of Multiple H-1B Registrations
If you receive multiple job offers from different U.S. employers, having each one submit an H-1B registration does NOT increase the chances of selection in the lottery since each registration is employee-centric. However, if selected in the lottery by multiple employers, you will need to decide which job offer to accept, as you can only work for the employer that files a successful H-1B petition on your behalf.
Avoiding H-1B Registration Fraud
USCIS has strict rules to prevent abuse of the registration system. Some candidates and employers have attempted to increase their odds by working with multiple affiliated companies to submit multiple registrations. USCIS has taken action against such fraudulent practices, including:
- Rejecting duplicate registrations from related employers – If USCIS determines that companies have coordinated to submit multiple registrations for the same candidate, all associated registrations may be denied.
- Disqualifying candidates involved in fraudulent activity – If a candidate knowingly participates in an attempt to manipulate the lottery system, they may be barred from consideration.
It’s important to follow USCIS rules to ensure your registration is valid and that you remain eligible for selection.
Next Steps After Selection
If you are selected in the lottery, the employer that submitted the registration must file a complete H-1B petition on your behalf. This includes:
- Filing Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) – This is the official petition submitted by your sponsoring employer.
- Providing a Labor Condition Application (LCA) approval – Your employer must obtain an approved LCA from the U.S. Department of Labor, confirming compliance with wage and work condition requirements.
- Submitting supporting documents – This includes proof of your educational qualifications, job offer details, and employer financials.
If multiple employers submitted registrations for you and more than one was selected, you can choose which employer to proceed with for your H-1B petition. However, once an H-1B petition is approved, you can only work for that employer unless you transfer to another H-1B employer later.
Need Help with the H-1B Process?
Understanding H-1B registration rules and navigating the lottery system can be challenging. To ensure you follow all regulations and maximize your chances of success, consult an immigration attorney or visit the USCIS H-1B Registration page for official guidance.
Key Takeaway
Multiple employers can submit separate H-1B registrations for the same candidate, but each candidate is entered into the lottery only once. If selected, each employer that registered you can submit an H-1B petition, giving you options.
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You may have questions regarding the H1B Visa Registration. We invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people work and live in the United States. Read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
