US H-1B Visa Registration Period Now Open, Closes March 20th

Registration period for the fiscal year 2021 H-1B cap will open on Sunday, March 1st 12pm EST and run through March 20 at 12pm EDT.

During the open registration period, H-1B petitioners and their representatives will need to fill out the prospective petitioner and beneficiary information and submit the registrations online.

Prospective petitioners or their representatives will be required to create a myUSIS account to register each beneficiary and to also pat the $10 H-!B registration fee for each beneficiary.

If USCIS receives enough registrations by March 20th, a random draw will be held to select registrations. Those selected will be informed by March 31, 2020.

The H-1B program allows US employers to employ foreign workers in special occupations such as those in information technology, engineering, biotechnology, medicine, and physical sciences.

H-1B visas are valid for a period of three years and can be renewed for an extra period of three years. H-1B visa holders who want to continue living and working in the US after six years and have not obtained permanent residency are required to first remain outside the US for one year before re-applying for another H-1B visa.

H-1B visa holders can bring mediate family members (spouse and children under 21 years old) to the US under H-4 visas. H-4 visa holders are allowed to attend school in the US and apply for a driver’s license. Some spouses of H-1B visas may also be eligible to apply for work authorization.