US announces increase in H-1B work visa application fee by $10

Washington, November 8: The US has announced the increase of the H-1B work visa application fee by 10 US Dollars as part of its revised selection process. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) made the announcement yesterday. It said the non-refundable fee will support the new electronic registration system to make the H-1B cap selection process more efficient. Petitioners seeking to file H-1B cap-subject petitions will first have to electronically register with the USCIS during a designated registration period.

 

USCIS Acting Director Ken Cuccinelli said the electronic registration system is part of an agency-wide initiative to modernize the immigration system while deterring fraud.

The H-1B program allows US companies to temporarily employ foreign workers in occupations that require the application of a body of highly specialized knowledge with bachelors or a higher degree in the specific specialty, or its equivalent.

 

USCIS published a notice of proposed rulemaking highlighting a registration fee on Sept. 4, 2019, which included a 30-day public comment period. USCIS received only 22 comments during that time, and has considered all submissions and offered public responses ahead of announcing the final rule, which is effective on Dec. 9.