USCIS H-1B Selection Results for FY 2022: What You Need to Know
In recent H-1B visa updates, USCIS has begun issuing H-1B lottery selection results to registrants for the FY 2022 Cap Season. At Green Card Link, our immigration attorneys have already received numerous selection notices and expect more to follow in the coming days. If you were chosen in the H-1B lottery, USCIS will send a notification to the employer or immigration attorney who submitted your registration.
Important Filing Requirements
To ensure your petition is accepted, a fully completed H-1B petition must include a copy of the official Registration Selection Notice. The petition should be filed at the USCIS service center indicated on that notice. Missing or incorrect documentation can lead to rejection.
Next Steps After Receiving an H-1B Selection Notice
Once notified of selection, employers should promptly download the PDF of the selection notice and carefully review the details. The notice specifies the USCIS service center where the full petition must be filed.
Employers have until June 30, 2021 to file a complete H-1B petition. If the petition is not filed by the deadline listed, USCIS will invalidate the selection, and the opportunity will be given to another registrant from the lottery waitlist.
⚠️ Only the employer named on the selection notice is authorized to file the petition on behalf of the employee listed. Attempting to file for an individual not originally registered in the lottery may be considered fraud, which USCIS treats very seriously.
Technical Issues with USCIS H-1B Registration System
Green Card Link has been informed through AILA that some registrations submitted just before the lottery deadline appeared as “in progress” in the USCIS portal, and in certain cases, those entries even disappeared. USCIS has acknowledged this system glitch and confirmed that the issue has since been resolved.
Why You Should File Your Petition Early
If you were selected in the FY 2022 H-1B lottery, it is strongly recommended to submit your petition as early as possible. The filing window runs from April 1 through June 30. Waiting until the last minute can be risky—if your petition is rejected near the deadline, you may not have enough time to refile.
This year, applicants should also anticipate a significant number of Requests for Evidence (RFEs), as was the case last year. USCIS is expected to apply heightened scrutiny, particularly in two areas:
- Entry-Level Positions: Any job categorized under Wage Level 1 must clearly align with the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) category and job description. USCIS may deny petitions if the position does not meet the definition of a specialty occupation.
- Employer-Employee Relationship: USCIS carefully examines the legitimacy of employer-employee relationships, especially in cases involving middle vendors or third-party work sites.
For the best chance of approval, it is crucial to submit thorough documentation that addresses these factors. Consulting an immigration attorney at Green Card Link can greatly improve your petition’s strength and reduce the risk of delays or denials.
How Green Card Link Can Assist You
At Green Card Link, our immigration attorneys have extensive experience navigating the complexities of the H-1B visa process. From reviewing your selection notice to preparing a complete, well-documented petition, we guide you every step of the way.
If you have questions about your H-1B registration, selection notice, or the filing process, schedule an online consultation with our experienced immigration attorneys at Green Card Link today.