Multiple H1B applications would attract rejection, warns USCIS

Multiple H-1B applications will lead to rejection of the petitions, a federal American agency has warned foreign workers, days ahead of the initiation of filing process for the non-immigrant visa, popular among Indian techies. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has indicated that it would intensify scrutiny of such applications.

The H-1B filing process begins from April 2 for the fiscal year 2019 starting October 1.

"After notice, we will deny or revoke the approval of all H-1B cap-subject petitions filed for one beneficiary by 'related entities' unless there is a legitimate business need," USCIS said. H-1B petitioners who submit multiple cap-subject petitions on behalf of the same beneficiary undermine the integrity of the lottery process, it added.

The federal agency issued policy guidance related to H-1B petitions, clarifying how the term "related entities" applied to the bar on multiple H-1B filings.

"Related entities" include petitioners, whether or not related through corporate ownership and control, that file cap-subject H-1B petitions for the same beneficiary for substantially the same job, it said.

"Absent a legitimate business need to file multiple cap-subject petitions for the same beneficiary," USCIS said, adding that it will deny or revoke the approval of all H-1B cap-subject petitions filed by related entities for that beneficiary.