9 March 2021

H-1B season has finally arrived for fiscal year 2022. H-1B visas enable foreign workers with bachelor’s degrees or equivalent experience to work in the U.S. in specialty occupations. However, with an annual cap of the number of visas available, H-1B visas are limited, which is why it is important to start planning early.

The demand for new H-1B visas is again expected to be high this year requiring a lottery to randomly select which H-1B petitions will be adjudicated. USCIS has announced that the initial registration period will be open from noon Eastern on March 9, 2021 to noon Eastern on March 25, 2021. USCIS intends to notify applicants by March 31, 2021 if they have been selected.

In some cases, it may be advisable to file an H-1B petition for someone who is currently in the U.S. in another non-immigrant visa status, such as E-1, E-2 or L-1 status.

We recommend that you contact your LDA attorney or enquiries@lauradevine.com immediately if you are interested in filing an H-1B petition for yourself or an employee.