Earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a final rule that made changes to the regulations that govern H-1B cap-subject petitions. This rule became effective on April 1, 2019. This rule reversed the order that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) uses to select H-1B petitions under the H-1B regular cap and the advanced degree exemption. The changes are designed to increase the number of selected petitions for H-1B workers who have a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. college or university.
DHS reportedly made these changes in response to the Trump Administration’s “Buy American and Hire American” executive order. This order instructed DHS to propose new rules to protect the interests of U.S. workers in the immigration system. More specifically, the order directed DHS to reform H-1B vis program administration to help ensure that H-1B visas go to the foreign workers with the most skills and who are the highest-paid.
These changes, along with the increased amount of scrutiny that USCIS is placing on H-1B visa petitions, require significant preparation for U.S. employers who wish to submit H-1B visa petitions. Employers who expect to participate competitively in the H-1B visa program must take steps early in the process to ensure that their applications are complete. They also must take precautions to avoid requests for further evidence from USCIS. These requests serve only to substantially slow down the processing times of applications, which can be fatal to an employer’s ability to hire foreign workers using the H-1B visa process.
As a result of these changes, employers likely are to need the assistance of an experienced immigration lawyer who can assist them through the often lengthy and complicated process of submitting petitions for H-1B visas. Since the application process is fraught with potential pitfalls, employers must start earlier than ever in preparing their applications. They should begin preparations even if they have not yet determined their lottery eligibility.
An experienced Texas immigration attorney can help you with all aspects of immigration law. We are here to evaluate the facts surrounding your case and present your options. Finally, we can help you make the decisions that will be most beneficial to you based on your circumstances. Contact Peek Law Group at (512) 399-2311 today and see how we can help.