USCIS has formally announced and released more information on the implementation of the electronic registration process for the upcoming FY2021 H-1B lottery. This announcement is a follow up to USCIS’ previous notice on December 6, 2019 regarding the electronic registration process, which we have discussed at https://www.rnlawgroup.com/h-1b/748-uscis-announces-h-1b-electronic-registration-process-for-next-h-1b-cap-season.

When to Register: The initial registration period will start March 1, 2020. USCIS intends to close the initial registration period on March 20, 2020 and will announce the actual end date of the initial registration period on its website at www.uscis.gov. At the end of the initial registration period, if USCIS determines an insufficient number of registrations have been received, USCIS will determine the final registration date once it has received the number of registrations projected as needed to reach the H-1B numerical allocations. If USCIS determines that it is necessary to reopen the registration period, USCIS will announce the start of the re-opened registration period on its website.

How to Register: USCIS will provide step-by-step instructions for Petitioners to register using an online account. Employers and authorized representatives may start setting up their accounts in advance of the registration period opening, although USCIS has not yet posted the date that employers may start doing so. Employers will also be able to continue to set up accounts during the registration period and may immediately use those accounts to register. A petitioner or its authorized representative must electronically submit a separate registration request naming each individual it seeks to petition for a cap-subject H–1B. However, petitioners will be able to register multiple individuals in a single online session. The electronic system will also allow for a filer to prepare, edit and store the record in their account prior to final payment and submission.

Registration Selection: According to USCIS, electronic notices will be sent to all registrants with selected registrations. These notices will inform the registrant they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition on behalf of the individual named in the notice, within the filing period indicated on the notice. The account holder who submitted the selected registration will receive notification via email or text message stating that an action has been added to their account, and they will have to log in to see the full notice. USCIS intends to notify registrants with selected registrations from the initial registration period no later than March 31, 2020.

Reddy Neumann Brown PC will continue to provide updates as additional information is received from USCIS about the upcoming H-1B cap season.