The H-1B visa program is set for major changes starting Thursday, March 20, as the Foreign Labor Access Gateway (FLAG) deletes old applications and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) introduces a revamped processing system.
A key pathway for skilled foreign workers seeking employment in the US, the H-1B visa system is being updated, reportedly as part of efforts initiated by the Donald Trump administration to enhance transparency and efficiency.
All records older than five years will be removed from the system. For example, if a case’s final determination date was March 22, 2020, it will be deleted on March 22, 2025. Employers have been advised to download any applications older than five years before March 19.
According to the media, all temporary labor condition applications, including those for H-1B visas, will be deleted from the FLAG system starting March 20. The USCIS will implement a new application process designed to ensure greater fairness and equal opportunities for all applicants.
Previously, multiple employers could submit applications for the same candidate, increasing their chances of selection. The revised system will now select beneficiaries instead of applications, eliminating duplicate entries and preventing large corporations from gaining an unfair advantage. Additionally, the registration fee will see a sharp increase, rising from $10 to $215 per entry.
Another key change requires applicants to register online before filing a complete H-1B petition. This step aims to streamline the process and help USCIS manage applications more efficiently.
While the updated system is expected to improve fairness in candidate selection and speed up processing, it will also raise costs for employers, requiring them to be more selective in whom they choose to sponsor.
These changes mark a significant shift in how H-1B visas are processed, aligning with broader efforts to modernize and regulate skilled worker immigration. By eliminating duplicate filings and introducing a beneficiary-based selection process, the new system aims to create a level playing field for all applicants.
The increased registration fee is expected to discourage frivolous or speculative applications, ensuring that only serious employers participate in the process. This could lead to a reduction in overall applications, making the system more efficient and manageable for USCIS.
Additionally, the mandatory online registration step allows USCIS to track and organize applications better, potentially reducing delays and administrative bottlenecks. The agency expects that these modifications will not only improve processing times but also ensure a more transparent and predictable system for both employers and applicants.
However, the changes may also pose challenges. Small and mid-sized companies, which previously struggled to compete with larger corporations in securing H-1B visas, might find the higher fees and stricter selection process financially burdensome. On the other hand, tech giants and multinational firms that heavily rely on H-1B workers will need to adapt their hiring strategies to comply with the new regulations.
As the implementation unfolds, immigration experts anticipate both positive and negative impacts. While the system aims to curb potential misuse and promote fairness, the increased costs and stricter guidelines could create hurdles for certain businesses and workers.
Overall, the new H-1B visa framework represents a major overhaul with long-term implications for skilled foreign workers and US employers. It remains to be seen how effectively these changes balance fairness, efficiency, and the demands of the labor market.
