Congratulations on your selection in the H-1B visa lottery for the fiscal year 2025! If you’ve received a Form I-797C Notice of Action indicating your beneficiary’s selection, here’s a guide to help you understand the notice and the next steps.
Overview of the Notice
The H-1B visa selection notice is a critical document issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) indicating that your beneficiary has been chosen in the lottery towards the H-1B numerical cap, including for those with advanced degrees (master’s cap). It contains essential details such as the Beneficiary Confirmation Number, Notice Date, and the period you must file the corresponding H-1B petition.
Key Details from Your Notice:
- Notice Date: 03/28/2024
- Eligibility to File: From 04/01/2024 to 06/30/2024
- Location: Filing must be done according to the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-129 on the USCIS website.
Next Steps
- Prepare Your H-1B Petition: Gather all required documents to submit with Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. This includes a copy of the H-1B selection notice, labor condition application, proof of beneficiary’s qualifications, and other supporting documents.
- File at the Correct Address or Online: Refer to the “Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker” on the USCIS website for the appropriate filing location. Alternatively, you can file online at my.uscis.gov. Remember, your petition may be denied or rejected if not filed at the correct location or within the designated period.
- Include the Selection Notice: A copy of the H-1B registration selection notice must be included with your petition. This document is crucial for your application’s consideration under the FY2025 cap.
- No Beneficiary Substitution: The notice is valid only for the beneficiary named in the registration. Attempting to substitute the beneficiary or transfer the registration to another petitioner will result in the denial or rejection of your H-1B petition. If multiple petitioners enter the lottery for the same beneficiary, each petitioner will be notified of the beneficiary’s selection in the lottery.
- Accuracy is Key: Ensure all information in the electronic registration matches the petition. Discrepancies must be explained with supporting documentation, or USCIS may reject or deny your petition.
Important Reminders
- Filing Deadline: Please file your H-1B petition within the filing period indicated in your notice. Late submissions will not be accepted.
- Consistency of Information: USCIS emphasizes the importance of consistency in the information provided during registration and in the petition. Any changes or discrepancies should be clearly explained.
Conclusion
Being selected in the H-1B lottery is the first step towards obtaining H-1B visa status. The next step is to file your H-1B petition promptly and accurately. By following these steps and ensuring all information is consistent and well-documented, you can start the next phase of the H-1B visa process.
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You may have questions regarding the FY 2025 H-1B Visa Lottery Selection. 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 to 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.
