United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a series of significant changes that will impact the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 H-1B registration and cap filing season. These changes involve adjustments to the H-1B registration system, a revision of the fee schedule, the introduction of an Asylum Program Fee, and updates to online filing and premium processing fees. Please review the following summary of these critical updates:

H-1B Registration Final Rule

Starting FY 2025, the H-1B cap registration fee will increase from $10 per registration to $215. Please note the registration fee will remain the same during the March 2024 registration. The increased fee will be applied during March 2025 registration. 

Revised Fee Schedule Effective April 1, 2024

USCIS has published a revised Fee Schedule final rule, with new fees for H-1B petitions to be required for all petitions postmarked on or after April 1, 2024:

Form I-129

$780 for employers with 26 or more Full-Time Employees (FTEs)

$460 for small employers (25 or fewer FTEs) and nonprofit entities

FY2025 Initial H-1B Registration Period

The registration period for FY2025 will run from 12 noon (ET) on March 6, 2024, through 12 noon (ET) on March 22, 2024. Organizational accounts, which are required for the registration period, can be created or upgraded starting 12 noon ET on February 28, 2024.

Online Filing for Organizational Accounts

Starting February 28, 2024, USCIS will launch online filing for organizational accounts for non-cap H-1B petitions. H-1B cap subject online filing will open on April 1, 2024.

Transition to USCIS Lockbox for Paper Filings

USCIS will transition paper filing locations for Form I-129 and Form I-907 associated with the H-1B classification to the USCIS lockbox. New filing addresses will be announced in March 2024.

Adjustment to Premium Processing Fees

Effective February 26, 2024, the filing fees for Form I-907 will increase to $2,805. Forms received by USCIS with a postmark on or after this date and incorrect filing fees will be rejected.

 We urge all our clients to take note of these updates to ensure compliance and successful participation in the FY2025 H-1B registration and cap filing season. Our team is closely monitoring these developments and is available to assist with any questions or concerns you may have.

With the FY2025 H-1B filing season about to commence, we encourage employers to reach out for any immigration needs related to hiring foreign employees. Our team is here to support you through these updates to ensure compliance and successful participation in the H-1B registration and cap filing season. For more detailed information and guidance, please do not hesitate to contact Shuyuan Tian, Esq. at stian@lgtlegal.com or 607-584-5792. Thank you.

Helpful Resources:

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-announces-strengthened-integrity-measures-for-h-1b-program

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-to-launch-organizational-accounts-enabling-online-collaboration-and-submission-of-h-1b