US to modernise H-1B visa registration after detecting fraud in lottery

The United States plans to modernise the H-1B registration process after uncovering abuse and fraud by some companies trying to increase their chances of winning the visa, according to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The USCIS has already conducted extensive fraud investigations during the Financial Year 2023 and Financial Year 2024 H-1B cap seasons and denied and revoked petitions. It has found that a few companies are responsible for entering the same applicants into the lottery multiple times to artificially boost their chances of winning a visa.

Also Read: US H-1B lottery system has resulted in abuse, fraud: USCIS

To reduce the possibility of misuse and fraud, the USCIS is proposing improvements, including bolstering the H-1B registration process. The USCIS is also initiating law enforcement referrals for criminal prosecution.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced plans to modernize the H-1B registration process after detecting fraud and abuse by some companies to increase their chances of winning the visa.

USCIS has already denied and revoked petitions based on evidence from the FY 2023 and FY 2024 H-1B cap seasons. It found that a small number of companies entered the same applicants into the lottery multiple times to artificially boost their chances of winning a visa.

Also Read: US: Spouses of H-1B visa holders can work, rules district judge

USCIS also saw a significant increase in the number of registrations submitted during the FY 2024 H-1B cap registration period. The federal agency is working on a modernization rule to improve the H-1B registration process and reduce the possibility of misuse and fraud.

H-1B visas have been a contentious issue in the immigration debate, with critics saying they are used to undercut U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents, while technology companies argue they are critical for hard-to-fill positions.