Potential Changes to H-1B Cap Lottery System
November 2, 2018 |
Immigration Blog
In accordance with President Trump's "Buy American/Hire American" executive order, CIS may soon propose a rule to change the current procedures for the H-1B cap lottery process. It is expected in 2019 that the number of H-1B filings will far surpass the numerical limit again, so these proposed changes could affect how U.S. employers look at H-1B cap filings.
Three potential changes include:
- Switching the order in which the Regular Cap and Master's Degree Cap are selected-the change would have the Regular Cap lottery process go first
- Requiring companies to preregister for H-1B cap lottery filings
- Giving higher priority and weight to H-1B filings for individuals with higher degrees and higher wages.
So are these proposed changes a good thing or bad thing?
On the surface I think some of these proposed changes are flawed. For example, wages throughout the country are different, and smaller companies in smaller cities should not be penalized in the H-1B lottery process. The H-1B program is not intended for only larger companies in larger cities.
Also, changing the order of the lotteries adversely affects Bachelor's degree H-1B filings. The H-1B program was not intended for those only with a Master's degree or higher, and Bachelor's degree individuals should not be penalized.
On the positive side, a well organized preregistration system could make the overall process more efficient and eliminate the need for employers to file full H-1B submissions that will not be accepted under a lottery system. A poorly run registration system, however, could make an already stressful and cumbersome H-1B cap lottery system even more challenging for employers.
From a legal standpoint, I am not in favor of USCIS trying to change the rules of the H-1B program without congressional review and approval. Over the past two administrations, I think it has become too easy for executive orders and internal policy changes to circumvent the important role of congress to set our immigration laws. This results in inconsistent application of the laws when the laws themselves have not changed.
Disclaimer: The information in this post is provided for general informational purposes only, and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice from our firm or the individual author, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
Stay Informed
Related Content
Immigration Blog
Treaty Trader (E-1) visas for Canadian Chiropractors to work in the U.S.
February 22, 2023
Immigration Blog
Which one is better? Reviewing AOS (Adjustment of Status) vs IVP (Immigrant Visa Processing) for Foreign Nationals Currently in the U.S.
February 21, 2023
Immigration Blog
Advanced Ability to Pay Analysis for I-140 Filings — Digging Deep to Meet This Requirement
February 13, 2023
Immigration Blog
Medical Exam Requirements and Questions When Applying for a Green Card
February 8, 2023
PRACTICE TEAMS
IMMIGRATION
