The registration fee is part of an agency-wide effort to modernize and more efficiently process applications to live or work in the United States, says USCIS.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on 7th November announced a final rule that will require a $10 non-refundable fee for each H-1B registration submitted by petitioning employers, once it implements the electronic registration system.
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The USCIS said in a statement that the registration fee is part of an agency-wide effort to modernize and more efficiently process applications to live or work in the United States.
Upon implementation of the electronic registration system, petitioners seeking to file H-1B cap-subject petitions, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption, will first have to electronically register with USCIS during a designated registration period, unless the requirement is suspended, it said.
“This effort will help implement a more efficient and effective H-1B cap selection process,” said USCIS Acting Director Ken Cuccinelli.
The H-1B program allows companies in the United States to temporarily employ foreign workers in occupations that require the application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s degree or higher in the specific specialty, or its equivalent.