Client Payment Portal

H-1B Cap Season Arrives

Jan 25, 2021 | Immigration Updates

H-1B cap season is here, and it’s time to think about who might be eligible for an H-1B visa. The H-1B cap registration will take place at the end of March, and USCIS will conduct its lottery in early April. Once the lottery has taken place, the winners must file their H-1B petitions within 90 days.  

 For first-time H-1B petitions, registration for the H-1B cap is needed in March. Foreign nationals applying for an H-1B for the first time holding the following visa statuses should register: 

  • F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) 
  • F-1 STEM OPT 
  • TN (Canadian or Mexican) if more stable status is desired 
  • L-1 if there is a PERM application and an extension beyond 5 or 7 years is needed 

 Before filing an H-1B registration, we recommend scheduling an assessment of your case to determine its viability and to evaluate any issues that might result in USCIS responding with a Request for Evidence.  

 We will post further information as the season progresses. Please do not hesitate to contact us or schedule a consultation if you have any questions.  

Related Posts:

Immigration Update

TPS is back for Haitians! There is a new 18-month designation period for Haitians interested in Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This new TPS designation enables Haitian nationals currently residing in the United States as of May 21, 2021to file initial applications for TPS, so long as they meet eligibility requirements. “Haiti is currently experiencing serious security concerns, social unrest, an increase in human rights abuses, crippling poverty, and lack of basic resources, which are exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “After careful consideration, we determined that we must do what we can to support Haitian nationals in the United States until conditions in Haiti improve so they may safely return home.” Individuals eligible for TPS under Haiti’s new designation must file an application for TPS with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services within the registration period that will begin upon publication of notice in the Federal Register. This includes current beneficiaries under Haiti’s TPS designation, who will need to file a new application to register for TPS to ensure they do not lose TPS or experience a gap in coverage. Individuals filing for TPS may also request an Employment Authorization Document and travel authorization. All individuals applying for TPS undergo security and […]

Read More

Site Visits & Compliance in 2025 | The Business Immigration Benchmark (040)

By Laura Bloniarz Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe here to get the latest updates on the Business Immigration Benchmark podcast and more! In this week’s episode of The Business Immigration Benchmark, I sat down with WR Immigration Managing Partner Bernard Wolfsdorf to discuss the latest compliance challenges, increased site visits, and what global mobility leaders should prepare for in 2025. With immigration enforcement ramping up under the new administration, ensuring compliance has never been more critical. For global mobility professionals navigating uncertainty, this episode provides actionable insights into how technology, compliance, and change management are shaping industry priorities. Key Takeaways: 1. Increased Site Visits & Audits: Employers should be prepared for heightened scrutiny, including worksite visits by FDNS officers, ICE audits, and I-9 inspections. Having clear internal protocols and training front desk staff on how to handle site visits is crucial. 2. Compliance Best Practices: Bernie emphasized the importance of maintaining up-to-date I-9s, H-1B public access files, and PERM documentation. Regular internal audits can help identify and correct errors before an inspection occurs. 3. Managing Foreign National Anxiety: With policy changes and increased enforcement, foreign national employees are facing higher uncertainty. Employers should proactively communicate updates, ensure petition […]

Read More