Hello HR heroes, legal leaders, and hiring maestros!

In this March 2024 newsletter, I share updates about:

• Employers’ H-1B cap Organizational Accounts Update
• Form I-9 re-verification for those on CPT, OPT and STEM entered in the H-1B cap lottery
• Speaking on NPR CloserLook with Rose Scott about USCIS’ Fee Increases starting April 1st, 2024 

👉 Watch the short video below for an overview of these topics and … you can also read more about them further below

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Employers’ H-1B cap Organizational Accounts and Registration Update

Here are the highlights

I’m thrilled to share that all of our employer clients now have their organizational accounts up and running smoothly, marking a pivotal milestone for participation in the H-1B cap registration process. 

As expected, there were some technical hurdles and additional research with certain accounts.  However, your patience and our collective teamwork ensured prompt resolution.

USCIS opened the H-1B cap registration March 6, 2024.   We have verified and commenced registration for the foreign nationals.  

Your partnership and engagement has been invaluable throughout this journey.  

I’m grateful for your support and trust.

Related Links: 👇

USCIS Organizational Accounts for H-1B cap FAQ 

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Form I-9 re-verification for those on CPT, OPT and STEM entered in the H-1B cap lottery

Many employees going through the H-1B cap process have work authorization that needs to be reverified using the Form I-9.  

Common errors I see in this process include forgetting to reverify or late reverification.

Reverification must happen by the expiration date of the employee’s current work authorization. 

For example, if an employee’s OPT EAD expires on June 1, 2024, reverification must occur before or on that date.   For this reverification, the employee must provide valid documentation showing current work authorization such a List A documents or List C documents.

If this employee has also applied for STEM EAD extension, the following documents are acceptable

• Unexpired EAD (List A); or
• Combination List A documents (Expired EAD + Form I-20 endorsed by the school.  This is acceptable for 180 days from the EAD expiration date, after which reverification is required.  

Understanding I-9 reverification is crucial for smooth H-1B cap transitions and compliance.

Related Links:

Foreign Academic Students | USCIS

Join me for my upcoming practical and engaging webinar on this topic.

Registration details below.  

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Speaking on NPR CloserLook with Rose Scott about USCIS’ Fee Increases starting April 1st, 2024 

USCIS has indicated that the purpose of these huge fee increases is to allow the agency to recover its operating costs, provide improved and innovative services and support the timely processing of new applications. 

It is very disappointing and disheartening to see the long standing inefficiencies and lack of accountability of DHS and related agencies.   

I had the opportunity to speak to Rose Scott on NPR about this issue.   I welcome to listen to my conversation with her.  

Tiffany, Supervising Producer of Closer Look with Rose Scott, says this about the interview with Giselle “always a pleasure, she provides so much important information to a fascinating conversation”

Related Links:

USCIS final rule, 89 Fed. Reg. 6194 (Jan. 31, 2024)

USCIS FAQ on the new fee rule 

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Upcoming Events 

What employers need to know about Form I-9 re-verification for those on CPT, OPT and STEM in the H-1B cap lottery

 Wed March 27 at 2pm

• This webinar will provide employers with an overview of CPT, OPT and STEM work authorization including samples of supporting documents and completed Form I-9 to facilitate compliance and save you time.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAofuCvqDguGddVyRkKrmCfrP0kr9bTGZef