So, the H1B registration has started last week and everybody's wondering, how's it going?
Is the system working well? Any glitches? So in this video, we'll talk about our impression
of what's happening with the system, all the glitches, all of the things we noticed. And
also, we’ll talk about some predictions after filing. So stay tuned, and I'll see
you on the other side. Hello, everybody. My name is Jacob Sapochnick and I'm an immigration
attorney based in San Diego, California. One of our main areas of practice is H1B visas,
and in this video, we'll focus on some of the things that are happening right now, as
the online registration is going in full force. But before that, if you’re here for the
first time, make sure you subscribe to our channel. Click that bell to be notified. And
also, make sure to follow us on Instagram and TikTok, where we do other kinds of videos
for your benefit and enjoyment. So, let's talk about the H1B registration system. This
is 2020 and we have a whole new system to file for H1B visas. As I mentioned in the
previous video, which we’ll link right here in the card, which I talked about the new
system, as of March 1st, the online registration system opened. That registration will close
on March 20. And then on March 31, they'll announce who was selected in the lottery.
But what happened since the opening? So, we were filing, registering a lot of our clients
into the system. The system essentially allows an attorney to register an employer and an
employee into the system. And what happened in the first few days, the first major glitch
was that our accounts were essentially locking us out. So, we're registering ourselves as
attorneys, and then we're about to register our clients, we're essentially locked out
so we have to set up multiple accounts for myself and other attorneys in the firm, to
be able to register clients. Also, when you register in that system, the system generates
a code that you have to email to the employer to be able to verify that information. And
we also have issues with our code. We’re not able to retrieve it, it wasn't working
for the employers. And so, those things were already fixed to my knowledge by USCIS and
things are working better now. There was another issue where the system was not able to verify
the attorneys as attorneys who are eligible to practice law in the United States. So,
there was also kind of a glitch in the system, which was resolved by USCIS and the American
Immigration Lawyers Association. But all in all, the system was working well, it didn't
crash completely, as we predicted. And so, things are moving smoothly, we were able to
register pretty much all our clients that sign up with us before March 1st. And we still
have time to register new clients before March 20th. So, that's what's happening with the
system so far. Again, it's registration, it costs $10 per applicant. We have to pay to
get those people in there. And then after March 31st, we'll have notifications as to
who was selected to file. And those who are selected, are going to have 90 days to file
their H1B visas, which give us more time to prepare cases, as opposed to previous years
where we have to file all cases on the 1st of April. So, let's talk about some predictions.
People are asking, “What do you think is going to happen now that you have this new
system, which again, allows for more simplicity in the process of registering applicants,
and what does that mean? Well, the way I see it, we have several things. First of all,
the economy is doing well and employers are looking to hire people. So, I think that the
demand for H1B visas is actually going to increase this year because the unemployment
is definitely lower than last year and previous years. And despite all the Coronavirus and
all these things that are happening, employers are still hiring. So, we think more applicants
are going to apply for H1B visas, which means a strong lottery this year too. Number two,
a lot of the STEM OPT, those are the students that are graduating and then they are applying
in different science disciplines three years ago or two years ago, some of these OPTs are
expiring right now. And those students are going to be applying for H1Bs right now. So,
those that got their OPTs started 6 months ago, and were able to work on those OPTs are
now going to be applying for H1B jobs to be able to continue and work with those employers.
So again, the demand for visas is going to be high again. Number three, as you know,
the H4 EAD rule for spouses of H1Bs has not been resolved yet, still pending litigation.
So, H4s are not able to work yet. So, we anticipate that those people that are on H4 visas that
they want to work, they're probably also going to apply for H1B visa. So again, more people
applying for a visa. So again, the economy is good, the demand is high for h1 visas,
students, our OPT STEM are essentially finishing their term, looking for H1B visas, and H4
EADs who are not able to work right now are going to be applying also for H1B visas. So,
all in all, we think that the demand is going to be super high this year. And therefore,
it's important to register on time and make sure that those selected will file their H1B
cases properly. So again, H1B is the only way for most people who are post OPT with
advanced degrees or with a bachelor's degree to be able to work in the US. And therefore,
we think that with all these new changes, despite all the glitches in the system, we
feel that this is going to be a kind of a streamlined way to be able to register, be
selected, and then have enough time without pressure to prepare and file those H1B visas,
which hopefully, will increase the chances for those who are qualified for H1B visas
to be approved and selected. We also think that this year, just like last year, there's
going to be an increase in Requests for Evidence and denials of H1B visas because, again, while
there's a high demand for visas, the government is also very strict with their criteria for
which positions qualify or not qualify for H1B. For example, marketing position, sales,
an analyst that used to qualify many years ago may not qualify any more, and positions
that kind of like a hybrid are going to be receiving much more Requests for Evidence,
and in some cases, denial. So, it's really important to prepare the position in advance.
Do good research about the exact code levels as the Department of Labor determines what
position qualifies for H1. We make sure they looking at the definitions of USCIS as to
what position requires a degree and create the positions accordingly to increase the
chances of our applicants to get those visas. So, let's see what happens. But these are
some of my predictions. And hopefully, those of you that apply for H1B visas will be successful
and be able to start working in the United States as of October 1, 2020, which is the
fiscal year when the H1B visa starts for any applicant that is selected. So, if you have
any questions, make sure you leave them in the comments below, or email, or call us.
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Thanks for watching. I'll see you in our next video.