H-1B Registration Update – Tips and Pointers
My law firm successfully submitted our first batch of registrations on Sunday, March 1, when USCIS opened the H-1B registration system. Ten days have passed since then. The online system, being brand new, experienced intermittent technical issues. USCIS managed to fix some of the system issues. However, additional slowdowns and issues are possible during the remaining 10 days of the registration period, which closes on March 20.
Our Tips and Pointers
Based on our experience, we suggest that employers should take the following steps to minimize problems and delays during the registration process.
Tip #1: Make sure you create an “H-1B Registrant” account
In order to review or e-sign registrations drafted by your immigration law firm, the employer must have the USCIS account type as “H-1B registrant.” If you mistakenly created any other type of USCIS account - e.g., as an “applicant, petitioner or requestor” - an error message appears when you enter the passcode provided by your lawyer. This prevents you from continuing to review and approve registrations. The online system does not allow changing the account type.
Tip #2: Getting help with account access and other technical issues
USCIS provides two ways to get in touch. 1) Call USCIS Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283; 2) Send an email to USCIS Help Desk at https://my.uscis.gov/account/v1/needhelp
Unfortunately, no designated technical support had been set up for H-1B registration. The telephone number is a generic one shared by all USCIS customers. Call volume tends to be high. Once a problem is reported, USCIS typically completes a work order in 3 business days.
Tip #3: Review draft registrations sooner than later
The registration period will end by noon EST on March 20. When the employer’s law firms finishes drafting an H-1B cap registration, the company’s designated signatory must log into his/her USCIS account to review, and e-sign. This is also the time to review and make sure there is no duplicate, as duplicate registrations will be deemed invalid. There is no appeal for the invalidation.
Tip #4: Post-registration steps to consider
USCIS intends to release H-1B lottery results on or about March 31. The “SELECTED” cases can file full application within a 90-day period. Starting early allows the attorneys to identify potential issues that would take time to resolve. For example, a FEIN clearance may be necessary, if it’s the first time a company files an H-1B petition. The applicant’s foreign credentials may need to be assessed by a degree evaluation company. If the applicant held J-1 visa in the past, a waiver may need to be applied for as soon as possible. There may a gap in the approved dates for employment, and the company can plan for a workaround in advance.
To learn more about what we can do for you and to receive a free evaluation, please email your inquiry or call. Attorney Wang will personally reply, typically within 24-48 hours.
Website Terms of Use
Use of this website constitutes your acceptance of the terms below. Our privacy notice is located below the legal disclaimer.
The materials located on this website are for general informational purposes only and shall neither constitute legal advice nor an agreement for legal services. It is the goal of this website to provide accurate information, but since laws change frequently and may become out of date, we cannot guarantee that the information provided herein is accurate or appropriate for an individual's specific situation. Any visitors to this website should, therefore, obtain professional advice from licensed legal counsel in his/her state before acting on any of the information contained in this website. External websites linked to this website are subject to their own terms of use. Linking of websites does not imply endorsement by the firm.
Under no circumstances does use of this website establish or create, directly or indirectly, an attorney-client relationship between you and the firm. The firm is available for consultation regarding legal matters; however, the act of sending electronic mail or making an online contact, asking a question, and/or scheduling a consultation does not create an attorney-client relationship. The firm is under no obligation to respond to your messages, and if such response is given, that alone does not create an attorney-client relationship. The attorney-client privilege will not protect your message, as you do not have an attorney-client relationship with the firm solely as a result of your initial inquiry. If the firm and you agree to enter into an attorney-client relationship, you will be required to sign a written agreement letter which the firm will provide to you. The engagement letter will describe the matter upon which you initially engage this firm. You will be charged for professional services and advice pursuant to the Retainer Agreement.
Because of the inherent properties of Internet transmissions, this law firm cannot guarantee the confidentiality of e-mail and/or Online Contact Form submissions. Please do not send any confidential information via email or the Online Contact Form.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT/PAST RESULTS
This website may be considered an attorney advertisement. The facts and the circumstances of each case are different and results may not be typical. Past results are not a guarantee of future outcomes.
PRIVACY NOTICE
We are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all of our clients and website visitors. The firm may collect nonpublic personal information about you from the following sources:
- Information that we receive from you; and
- Information learned in the course of our representation of you.
We will use your information to respond to you regarding the reason you contacted us. We will not share your information with any third party outside of our organization, other than as necessary to fulfill your request(s) and the requirements of your case. We do not disclose any public or non-public personal information about our clients, former clients, and/or website contacts to anyone, except as necessitated by services provided or as required by law.
Although we do not use your personal information for marketing purposes, if you have any questions about your personal information on file with us or if you would like to opt-out of any future mailings please contact our office.
Testimonials
CASE TYPE: Green Card via PERM labor certification
Dear Attorney Wang,
Again my warmest appreciation and deepest gratitude for the 6+ years of representation & efficient work! Although we have never met in person, and probably only spoken a few times on the phone (yay for email!), you have been very trustworthy – for this I thank you, too. I am finally FREE! All the best with you, practice and your family. I will surely recommend you to friends & family as I already have.
Client
CASE TYPE: EB1A Extraordinary Ability
Dear Ms. Wang:
How are you? I hope you and your team are all fine there.
I am now attending a conference in Anaheim this weekend and hope to drop by your office to say hello to you and forward my personal appreciation for your hard work on my PR case a few years ago.
All the best to you!
Your Client
CASE TYPE: EB-2 National Interest Waiver
Dear Vivian,
Thanks for your help with I-140. You couldn’t have been more thoughtful.
Happy Holidays,
Client
CASE TYPE: Green Card via PERM labor certification
Note accompanying flower delivery:
Thank you so much for all you have done for us!
Best Wishes,
Client
CASE TYPE: EB1A Extraordinary Ability
Note accompanying family photo:
Dear Ms. Wang,
Please accept our highest regards and a warm holiday greeting to you and your family!
Client and family
CASE TYPE: EB-2 National Interest Waiver
With deep appreciation for all you’ve done.
Thank you!
Client
CASE TYPE: Corporate client: H1Bs, E3, and green cards via PERM labor certification
Our entire organization joins in sending our appreciation with every good wish for the new year!
Corporate client
CASE TYPE: Green card via PERM labor certification
Dear Vivian,
Thanks so much for your patience and your help!
Client
CASE TYPE: EB-2 National Interest Waiver
Dear Attorney Wang,
Everything is difficult before it is easy!
Thank you for the contribution on L’s I-140 application. It made a big splash.
Client and family
CASE TYPE: H1B and Green Card via PERM labor certification
Dear Vivian,
Thank you for helping our H1B and PERM application. We are very pleased to have you as our immigration lawyer that’s professional, experienced, and responsible.
Included is a gift for you and wish you have a wonder holiday!
Client and family
CASE TYPE: EB-2 National Interest Waiver
Dear Vivian,
We received our cards yesterday. Thank you so much for helping us file our I-140 and I-485 petitions!
Client
CASE TYPE: EB1A Extraordinary Ability
亲爱的王律师:
非常感谢您在为我们办理移民申请上所做的不懈努力并取得成功。非常钦佩您高水准的敬业精神。祝您新年快乐,身体健康,事业发达!
客户敬启
CASE TYPE: EB-2 National Interest Waiver
Thank you so much, Vivian. This is way sooner than I expected (at least from the processing times they have on the website). I received both the I-485 approval notice and the actual card, on Friday, last week.
Thank you so much for your help and for handling the case quickly. I will definitely recommend you to my friends in need of an US immigration lawyer. I already did, actually.
Client
CASE TYPE: Family based green card application
Thank you Vivian. All went really week, I was prepared ;-) We had a really nice person who conducted the interview. She said I should receive my card in 2 weeks.
Thank you for making the whole process so smooth for us.
Client
CASE TYPE: EB-2 National Interest Waiver
Vivian,
Thanks so much for emailing the document to my home email address. I received it and was astounded to see how much work you had done to make my petition case stronger. The attachments of your email are one of the most important documents. I'll treasure it for a long time.
Client
CASE TYPE: H1B and Green Card via PERM labor certification
HI Vivian,
It's so exciting. I am very happy with your service. I will definitely recommend you to my friends and maybe my families later on (my mother-in-law is in Vietnam and we hope to bring her here). I really appreciate your help and hope you will have a prosperous business down the road.
Client
CASE TYPE: EB-2 National Interest Waiver
Hi Vivian,
I just want to let you know that I received my green card today and my wife's green card is on the way. I am amazed of how fast they approved my petition.
You did a wonderful and very professional job, I will be forever grateful with you.
BTW I refer a friend of mine with you, his name is XYZ. He is a very nice guy.
Thanks again for you great job.
Client
CASE TYPE: EB-2 National Interest Waiver
Hi Vivian,
Thank you very much for the message. It is a big relief. We are so glad we were able to get your services and we will definitely refer you to our friends and colleagues.
Client
CASE TYPE: EB-2 National Interest Waiver
Hi Vivian,
I was about to e-mail you and got your e-mail. I received the card yesterday. I was surprised that it was so quick. Everything went so smoothly and I really appreciate all your help. I gave your contact info to some of my colleagues...
Thank you very much.
Client
CASE TYPE: Inadmissibility issue related to I-485 adjustment
Dear Vivian,
I received the green cards for both my wife and me today in the mail. It has been a long journey. Thanks for your professional service and I will recommend you to others.
Client
CASE TYPE: EB-2 National Interest Waiver
Attorney Wang,
Yes, we got our cards today. Thanks for all your help. You are very skillful, professional, and fast, and we will be happy to recommend you in the future.
Thanks and best regards!
Client
CASE TYPE: EB-2 National Interest Waiver
Dear Vivian,
I just received by mail the notification that my I-485 was approved. First of all, let me thank you for all your help; it was a pleasure to work with you, and I greatly appreciated your efficient and brief communication style - we are all busy people and our time is precious. You can be sure that I will forward your contact info to anyone interested in immigration assistance.
Client
CASE TYPE: H1B and Green Card via PERM labor certification
Dear Vivian,
got the I-485 approval letters this afternoon as well. Thanks a lot for the great job you have done for us. We have had the worst luck getting delayed by BEC, July 07 fiasco, and visa retrogression. We are just glad it's over.
We really appreciate your help during this long process. We will definitely refer you to anyone we know who may need your service.
Thanks!
Client
CASE TYPE: EB-2 National Interest Waiver
Thanks Vivian!!! I am right in the middle of submitting NSF proposal. Can I check "permanent resident" for my citizenship now?
Thanks again!
Client
CASE TYPE: Family based green card application
Thanks Vivian, SX has her green card now since last week. Have a great day! May God bless you with every spiritual blessing! In Jesus Name.
Client
CASE TYPE: H1B and Green Card via PERM Labor certification
Dear Attorney Wang,
We both got our physical cards today at the old address. Whew~~~~~. Yes, finally it is over. Thank you so much for your excellent work! Your firm is definitely the first choice for our legal issues, especially the immigration ones. Will surely want to invite you for a lunch together again next time I come down to Santa Ana as my own company has business in Tustin/Orange.
Client
CASE TYPE: Post green card issues; Complex naturalization application
Good morning Vivian,
Just to let you know. I am at the LA Convention Center now for the oath ceremony. Already all checked in and now waiting for the ceremony to start. Will report success tonight.
Hello Vivian:
I am now a U.S. Citizen…
All in all very good, and I am happy of course that everything was successful! Now I will be your client no more. ;-)
Let's keep in touch. And I am of course also happy to recommend you to my colleagues and friends.
Take care,
Client
CASE TYPE: Complex H1B petition
Hi Vivian,
This is S, the guy who has a [omitted] PhD and managed to get a H1B approval from [omitted] as a Business Development Manager, thanks to your help!
I am having problem with my H1b transfer (?) to a new employer, and have to go [omitted] Consulate for consulate processing. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Next time, I am not going to use the corporate lawyer and try to work with you instead.
Client
CASE TYPE: EB-2 National Interest Waiver
Dear Vivian,
We're pleased to inform you that our green card application was finally approved. We just received our passports with the temporary stamp and a few sealed envelopes to be opened by immigration officers at the US border. Thank you so much for your support and guidance. Could not have been so smoothly without your expertise. Much appreciation!
Client
CASE TYPE: EB-5 I-526 application
Vivian,
That is the best news of the year! Thank you very much for all the efforts. Can you please email me a complete checklist for I485 ASAP?
Thanks!
Client
CASE TYPE: EB1B Outstanding Professor
A check will be sent out tomorrow. And I attached the approval notice with this email. FYI, it seems our I-485s have also been approved.
It was a great experience working with you on this application. Thank you for your excellent service!
Client
CASE TYPE: K-1 Visa
Hello Vivian,
V and I were married on April 22. We were married on Catalina Island. It was a simple wedding but was very good. The Reverend who performed the wedding did an excellent job. I am enclosing a few pictures of us.
Thanks again for all your help.
Client
CASE TYPE: H1B visa
Dear Vivian,
Wow. I am floored, but pleasantly so. Thank so very much for your help thus far.
Sincerely,
Client
CASE TYPE: EB-2 National Interest Waiver; Naturalization application
Hi Vivian,
Great! I wanted to thank you sooo much for being my attorney during this process. It was a pleasure to work with you. I will surely refer you to all my friends who are interested in filling and look forward to working with you again in the future.
Thank you again.
Best,
Client
CASE TYPE: EB-2 National Interest Waiver
Review left on Avvo:
EB-2 NIW
Vivian helped me through entire process of EB2-NIW. She evaluated and consulted my case before any paper works. Even though we communicated entirely by e-mail, I did not feel like I was left out in the middle of chaos. She responded to my e-mail within a day with explanations to my questions or issues. The petition was filed very promptly. I will definitely recommend her to my friends and colleagues if anyone requires an immigration attorney.
Review left on Avvo:
Very good service
Vivian is very knowledgeable and responsive! She first evaluated my case free of charge, indicating the chances of petition acceptance. Then, she assisted me throughout the entire process; she kept me informed and made sure everything was complete and well filed. I would recommend her services to anybody.
Review left on Avvo:
Very reliable and Knowledgeable attorney
Vivian Wang is an excellent, reliable and Knowledgeable attorney and is highly recommended for immigration related service needs. She is very prompt and answers all the questions (even minor ones) with clarity and thoroughness. Vivian's reputation and success rate are excellent and she is very fast in handling cases. The only minor thing I felt is that if something has been mailed to her by USCIS, it may take a while before she lets the client know (but if the client is proactive and asks about it then an immediate response is provided).
CASE TYPE: Post green card issues
Review left on Avvo:
My Trusted Immigration Lawyer for more than 10 Years
Vivian Wang has been my immigration lawyer for more than 10 years, supporting me through an immigration process that culminated in my naturalization in 2014. I originally found her from her web page and took advantage of the half-hour consultation she offers on her website. Since then, she helped me with green card renewals, re-entry permits, and finally my naturalization. Being able to talk to Vivian directly and not to assistants or paralegals has been very helpful for me. Furthermore, because of her own background, Vivian understands the issues immigrants are facing very well. I have been very happy about the process and the outcome. I have recommended her to colleagues and friends. Also, you don't have to live in Orange County to have Vivian help you. I travel a lot and so much of the work for my process was done via email or telephone.
CASE TYPE: EB-2 National Interest Waiver
Review left on Avvo:
Just as I asked!
Vivian is one of the best immigration lawyer you can find out there. She does exactly what you need and you get what you expect. The added value is that she helps you even after you get your documents. She always answers to emails and she returns your phone calls. And... well she also has great price for the service. Moreover she review your application in details. I, as few friends of mine, have no regrets about her representing us for our paper work.
CASE TYPE: Work visas and Green card via PERM labor certification
Review left on Avvo:
She makes my job easier!
Vivian is great! When an employee approaches me regarding how to start the process for their H1B or PERM, I immediately point them in the direction of her website. She is easy to communicate with and makes all the paperwork streamlined in easy to understand instructions for both the applicant and the employer. She has answered numerous questions of mine via e-mail and phone- all in a timely manner.
I have even recommended her to a couple of our Hawaii based employees. She makes the process smooth no matter where you are located. I would highly recommend Vivian Wang!
CASE TYPE: H1B and green card via PERM labor certification
Review left on Avvo:
Best immigration lawyer you can find in U.S.
Vivian does all the work by herself. So there is no mistakes by secretary. She picked up phone calls/responded to email right away. Best of all, she is very knowledgeable and dedicated to every case. I am lucky to use her for all my cases and all get approved fast!
CASE TYPE: H1B and green card via PERM labor certification
Review left on Avvo:
An EXCELLENT Immigrant lawyer that helped me get PERM and I-140 approved without RFEs.
Vivian Wang helped me file the PERM and I-140 and they were all approved without RFE. That is amazing given this is the first time our start-up company applied for PERM and I-140 and my H1B application was RFE'ed twice with my previous lawyer. I could not thank Vivian more for her excellent job on my PERM and I-140 applications! In addition, she is very responsive and patient and typically reply to my email within 1-2 days. She also let me know when she was away so I can plan ahead.
I would strongly recommend her to anyone who is seeking an immigrant attorney.
Free Evaluation
Who will benefit from our free evaluation?
We provide a free evaluation to anyone who are looking to retain a law firm to:
- file an immigrant petition in EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Alien category
- file an immigrant petition in EB-1B Outstanding Professor/Researcher category
- file an immigrant petition in EB-2 National Interest Waiver category
- respond to a RFE (Request for Evidence)
- file a PERM Labor Certification application
- apply for H1B, O-1, or L1
How to request a free evaluation?
Via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
What information should you send us?
-
For those who are interested in National Interest Waiver, Outstanding Professor and Researcher, Extraordinary Ability, or O-1, please email the following information:
- your most recent CV/resume including a full list of publications;
- a link to your Google Scholar profile (or the number of total citations from a database such as Web of Science or Scopus);
- your country of birth; country of birth of your spouse if applicable;
- name of the sponsoring U.S. employer if you are interested in EB-1B Outstanding Professor/Researcher, or O-1 category.
-
For those who are interested in PERM, or H1B, L1, please email the following information:
- a description of your inquiry.
What happens after we receive your inquiry?
Attorney Wang will contact you personally, typically within 24-48 hours, with an analysis and an honest appraisal of the likelihood of success based on the information provided.