Starting today, companies that intend to file H-1B petitions this cap season may create a myUSCIS “registrant” account. Creating this account is a mandatory prerequisite to completing the new H-1B electronic registration process.

Key points:

  • An authorized signatory of the company must create an “H-1B registrant” account even if a law firm will be submitting H-1B registrations on its behalf. This type of account was not available on myUSCIS.gov before 10 a.m. EST today.
  • The company must create its myUSCIS account before H-1B registrations can be submitted. The submission period for H-1B registrations starts at noon EST on March 1 and closes at noon EST on March 20.
  • Through the company’s account, the authorized signatory will review and sign the registrations before they are submitted and electronically sign a Form G-28 that authorizes a law firm to represent them, if applicable.
  • Account holders will be able to download a CSV file showing the data for each prospective H-1B candidate that is entered into the system, both before and after registrations are submitted.
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has posted instructional videos and webinar presentations on its H-1B Registration website that provide guidance on the new process.

BAL Analysis: Companies are encouraged to create their myUSCIS H-1B registrant accounts as soon as possible so that any issues can be resolved and to allow as much time as possible before the registration period opens this Sunday. BAL clients can get all the latest information and analysis by logging onto the BAL H-1B Electronic Registration Resource Center with their Cobalt® credentials.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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