The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reached a significant milestone for the fiscal year 2024 H-1B visa program. The congressionally mandated caps for the regular H-1B visa cap (65,000) and the U.S. advanced degree exemption, also known as the master’s cap (20,000), have been met. USCIS will notify non-selected registrants through their online accounts in the coming days.
Non-Selection Notifications and Status Update
For those whose registrations were not selected for the FY 2024 H-1B numerical allocations, the status in their online accounts will display as “Not Selected – not eligible to file an H-1B cap petition based on this registration.” USCIS will complete sending out these non-selection notifications to ensure transparency in the selection process.
Exemptions and Continued Processing
While the caps have been reached, USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that qualify for exemptions from the cap. This includes petitions filed for current H-1B workers who have been previously counted against the cap and still retain their cap number. USCIS will accept and process petitions for the following purposes:
- Extend when a current H-1B worker remains in the United States.
- Change the terms of employment for current H-1B workers.
- Allow current H-1B workers to change employers.
- Permit current H-1B workers to work concurrently in additional H-1B positions.
H-1B Program and Specialty Occupations
The H-1B program is crucial for U.S. businesses employing foreign workers in specialty occupations. For those involved in H-1B petitions, staying informed is critical. USCIS encourages H-1B petitioners to subscribe to the H-1B cap season email updates for timely information and announcements. This subscription can be done by visiting the dedicated H-1B Cap Season page on the USCIS website.
Stay Informed and Subscribe for Updates
In conclusion, the USCIS update regarding the FY 2024 H-1B visa caps signals significant changes for prospective applicants. Stay informed about the non-selection notifications, cap exemptions, and ongoing petition processing. H-1B petitioners are urged to subscribe to the H-1B cap season email updates through the official USCIS website for real-time updates and crucial information. USCIS remains committed to transparency and efficiency in managing the H-1B cap season, and timely updates will be crucial for those navigating the complexities of the H-1B visa program.
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