The deadline to file H-1B petitions for foreign national workers is fast approaching. All new H-1B applications MUST be received at the respective USCIS location on or close to April 01, 2014. This year, like last year, is more likely than not going to result in a lottery as the demand for visas is far higher than the number of visa's available. Employers interested in filing H-1B's for prospective employees or current OPT/STEM employees need to start the process now!
Background
The H-1B visa is an attractive option for employers that rely on the temporary employment of foreign professionals in the United States for positions that employers' often cannot find qualified skilled talent. Specifically, this visa category offers work authorization to foreign nationals employed in specialty occupations, defined as a position requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specific academic field. Over teh years, the vast number of H-1B petitions have been filed for employees in the Technology Industry. Employees with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) account for the largest portion of these visas.
Congress has set an annual limit for H-1B visas at 65,000 per fiscal year (with an additional 20,000 reserved for occupations requiring an advanced degree from a U.S. institution). Given the H-1B visa's versatility and popularity, this annual quota is often reached shortly after the filing period opens.
The Importance of Early Preparation
The demand for H-1B visas is expected to be even higher this year than last year, when the cap was met during the first week of April 2014. We expect that the cap will be met within the first week of filing this year as well. Petitions are accepted on a “first-come-first-serve” basis. Any applications filed after the cap is met will be returned and cannot be re-filed until the following year.
To maximize the chances that your H-1B petition is included in the cap, Labor Condition Applications (“LCAs”) should be submitted to the DOL by the beginning of March, and petitions should be ready for filing on or before April 1, 2014.
For first time H-1B petitioner, the need to get started now is even greater, as chances are that the company will need to complete an additional verification process before you can even submit the LCA. All petitions need to be supported by adequate documentation of education credentials; employment offer; proof of sufficient work for the duration of the H-1B validity, and ability to pay higher of the prevailing wage or the actual wage.
Our team at Orbit Law, PLLC is ready to handle your H-1B filing needs. Whether this is your first time petitioning for a foreign worker, or whether your company has utilized the H-1B visa in the past, we are ready to provide the level of support and attention you require so please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of service.
