H1b Visa - Visa News for Indians

The U.S. visa application process has introduced a new mandatory step that all applicants must follow to retain their scheduled visa interview. As per the updated rule, applicants must confirm their "Intent to Proceed" with their scheduled visa interview in advance. Failure to do so could result in the automatic cancellation of the appointment, potentially delaying travel plans significantly.

What is the ‘Intent to Proceed’ Rule?

The U.S. Department of State has introduced this confirmation step to reduce the high number of no-show applicants for visa interviews. By ensuring that only serious applicants retain their slots, the government aims to cut down unnecessary delays and improve the overall visa processing system.

Who Does This Rule Apply To?

The new rule applies to all U.S. visa applicants, including those applying for:

• Non-immigrant visas (such as B1/B2 tourist visas, F-1 student visas, and H-1B work visas)
  
  
• Immigrant visas (green card applicants)
  
  

Why Was This Rule Introduced?

• Many applicants miss their scheduled visa interviews, leading to a backlog in available slots.
  
  
• The rule helps embassies and consulates manage interview schedules efficiently and minimize long wait times for other applicants.
  
  
• It ensures that only those who are prepared and serious about their visa process take up available appointments.
  
  

How to Confirm the ‘Intent to Proceed’ Step?

To avoid interview cancellation, applicants must:

Log in to the U.S. visa appointment system before their scheduled interview date.

Locate the ‘Intent to Proceed’ confirmation step in their application portal.

Acknowledge and confirm their attendance within the provided timeframe.

Check emails and official notifications for any deadlines related to this step.

Consequences of Skipping This Step

• Automatic cancellation of the visa interview appointment.
  
  
• Applicants may have to reschedule their interview, leading to long delays.
  
  
• Potential additional visa processing time, which could impact travel plans, job opportunities, or academic enrollments.
  
  

Final Takeaway

This new policy underscores the importance of being proactive in the visa application process. To avoid unnecessary delays, visa applicants must carefully follow all procedural requirements, including the new ‘Intent to Proceed’ confirmation.

Thinking about applying for an H-1B visa in the US for 2025? Awesome! Let's make sure you're up to speed with all the latest updates to make your application a breeze. Ever wondered how beneficiaries are chosen? 

Curious about where to send your forms? And what about those pesky fee changes? 

Don't worry, we've got you covered! 

Let's dive into everything you need to know for your H-1B visa application journey. Ready? Let's go!

United States Closes Registration for FY 2025 H-1B Cap Season

The United States ended the sign-up time for the H-1B visas for the year 2025 on March 25, 2024. This time was extended by three days.

USCIS to Pick H-1B Beneficiaries Randomly

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will soon choose the people who can apply for H-1B visas for 2025. They will select them randomly from those who applied.

Change in Where to Send H-1B Forms

Starting April 1, 2024, you need to send your H-1B visa forms to a different place. Now, you must send them to USCIS lockbox locations instead of service centers.

New Fees and Form for H-1B Applications

From April 1, 2024, there are new fees and a new version of Form I-129 for H-1B visa applications. Make sure to use the new form and pay the new fees if you apply after this date.

Tips for Sending Form I-129

• • If you mail your form before April 1, 2024, you can use the old version.
  • If you mail it on or after April 1, 2024, you must use the new version.
  • Only use the version from April 1, 2024, if you mail it on or after that date.

USCIS Changes Premium Processing Fee

USCIS made a rule change about the fee for a faster processing service. If you send the form for this service on or after February 26, 2024, make sure you pay the new fee.

New Online Accounts for Organizations

USCIS now has online accounts for groups. This helps people work together on H-1B applications. You can start using this on March 25 for some applications and on April 1 for others.

No More Prepaid Mailers

From March 25, USCIS stopped using prepaid mailers for H-1B applications. They will now send notices electronically and then by regular mail.

Phew! That's a lot of information to take in, but don't let it overwhelm you. 

Remember, you've got this! With the latest updates on H-1B visa applications in the US at your fingertips, you're well-equipped to tackle any challenges that come your way. Stay organized, double-check those forms, and keep an eye on deadlines. 

And hey, if you ever need a helping hand, don't hesitate to contact us. 

Your H-1B visa journey may have its twists and turns, but with determination and preparation, you'll reach your destination. Best of luck, and here's to a successful application process!

According to a study, in the third quarter of 2019-2020, the rejection rate of the H1-B has increased significantly. The US administration led by President Donald Trump has made it harder for the Indian techies to get a job in the States. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has rejected a considerably higher number of applications this year showing a three times increment from 6 per cent in 2015 to 24 per cent in 2019.

A notable hit was taken by the technology firms in India as the H1-B covered a major part of these companies. According to the analysis, the denial rates in the IT companies have been as high as 30 per cent in the first three quarters of 2019-20. These rates never crossed 7 per cent until 2015-16.

This sudden increase in the denials is considered to be a result of an increase in the legal standards by the USCIS and there seems to have been lack of evidence in the rejected applications.

Indian tech giants Cognizant, Wipro, Accenture, Infosys and Capgemini who have about 70 per cent of the H1-B visa holders, have been devastated with these high rejection rates. However, the effects of the rejection rates are not limited to the Indian talent being hired, but the profits of the company will take a hit as well.

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