USCIS Fees, Visa Bulletin, & H-1B Registration Updates
USCIS Announces New Filing Fees and Revised Fee Structure – Effective April 1, 2024
The USCIS Final Fee Rule taking effect April 1, 2024, sets new fees for Form I-129, Form I-129CW, and Form I-140. The fee changes are partly due to the increase in asylum adjudications and will now depend on the size and type of petitioning employer.
Additionally, the Form I-129 fee will vary based on employer classification. Employers filing online may receive a $50 discount.
👉 View the full new fee schedule under the “New Fee Schedule Table” tab
H-1B Modernization: Beneficiary-Centric Selection Process
On February 2, 2024, DHS announced a new beneficiary-centric selection rule for the H-1B visa program, taking effect on March 4, 2024.
Under the new system:
- Each unique beneficiary will be entered into the lottery only once, regardless of the number of registrations submitted on their behalf.
- Employers will be notified if a beneficiary is selected and may then submit a petition.
This change ensures equal selection opportunity for all beneficiaries and aims to reduce registration abuse.
April 2024 Visa Bulletin – Employment-Based Final Action Dates
USCIS will use the Final Action Dates chart from the Department of State for April 2024 filings.
| Employment-Based | All Chargeability | China (Mainland) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | C | 01SEP22 | 01MAR21 | C | C |
| 2nd | 15JAN23 | 01FEB20 | 15APR12 | 15JAN23 | 15JAN23 |
| 3rd | 22NOV22 | 01SEP20 | 15AUG12 | 22NOV22 | 22NOV22 |
| Other Workers | 08OCT20 | 01JAN17 | 15AUG12 | 08OCT20 | 01MAY20 |
| 4th | 01NOV20 | 01NOV20 | 01NOV20 | 01NOV20 | 01NOV20 |
| Certain Religious Workers | U | U | U | U | U |
| 5th Unreserved (C5, T5, I5, R5) | C | 15DEC15 | 01DEC20 | C | C |
| 5th Set-Asides (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure) | C | C | C | C | C |
“C” = Current | “U” = Unauthorized for issuance
Applicants may file only if their priority date is earlier than the listed Final Action Date.
Meal and Travel Reimbursement Updates for H-2A and H-2B Employers
On February 13, 2024, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued updated meal charge and subsistence/travel reimbursement rates for H-2A and H-2B workers:
Meal Charges – H-2A
- Maximum allowable charge for 3 meals per day: $15.88
Employers must:
- Either provide three meals daily, stating the cost in the job offer;
- Or offer free and accessible kitchen facilities for meal preparation.
Subsistence and Travel Reimbursement – H-2A & H-2B
- Minimum daily reimbursement: $15.88
- Maximum daily reimbursement: $59.00
Employers must reimburse eligible workers for travel expenses to and from the job location in accordance with these updated rates.
Need Help Navigating USCIS or DOL Changes?
Let the experienced immigration attorneys at Monty & Ramirez LLP help you comply with the latest immigration regulations and employer obligations.
📞 Call 713-289-4546
📧 Email: info@montyramirezlaw.com
We Know What Works.