O USCIS investiga preocupações com fraude no registro do visto H-1B para o ano de 2024
Kris Quadros-Ragar • February 15, 2024
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O Serviço de Cidadania e Imigração dos Estados Unidos (USCIS) divulgou recentemente um aviso
expressando preocupações sobre possíveis fraudes no processo de registro para vistos H-1B durante o Registro do Ano Fiscal 2024 H-1B.
Em 27 de março de 2023, o USCIS anunciou que havia atingido o limite anual para os registros H-1B do ano fiscal de 2024, tendo recebido 780.884 registros eletrônicos, um aumento significativo em relação aos 483.927 registros do ano anterior, que também haviam apresentado um aumento considerável em relação ao ano anterior a esse.
De acordo com o USCIS, além do aumento nos registros, a agência observou um aumento significativo no número de registros enviados para beneficiários com várias inscrições elegíveis, o que poderia indicar um esforço por parte de indivíduos ou empresas para obter uma vantagem durante o processo de seleção. A agência identificou empresas específicas como responsáveis por números potencialmente ilegítimos, incluindo quase 100.000 inscritos que enviaram múltiplas petições em nome do mesmo beneficiário, totalizando mais de 400.000 registros possivelmente fraudulentos - quase metade dos números do ano fiscal de 2024.
O USCIS está atualmente investigando o assunto e tomará as medidas apropriadas contra quaisquer atividades fraudulentas, incluindo encaminhar indivíduos ou entidades para as agências de aplicação da lei federais para possível processo criminal. A declaração da agência também confirmou que o USCIS pretende desqualificar inscritos, incluindo aqueles já selecionados, se tiverem se envolvido em fraude para aumentar suas chances de seleção, e negar petições ou revogar aprovações se encontrar evidências de falsa declaração ou fraude.
Além disso, para fortalecer o processo de registro do H-1B e desencorajar atividades fraudulentas no futuro, o USCIS propôs uma nova regra de modernização do H-1B. Como parte dessa proposta, a agência planeja aumentar a taxa de registro de cota do H-1B de US$ 10,00 para US$ 215,00. Essa medida visa desencorajar inscrições duplicadas e evitar o uso indevido do sistema de registro do H-1B. Ao aumentar a taxa de registro, o USCIS espera desestimular atividades fraudulentas e simplificar o processo para garantir que apenas candidatos elegíveis se candidatem à petição de cota do H-1B. Se a proposta for aceita, espera-se que a nova taxa entre em vigor no sorteio do próximo ano.
Se você acredita que pode se qualificar para um H-1B, entre em contato com nosso escritório para uma consulta.
Este blog não se destina a fornecer aconselhamento jurídico e nada aqui deve ser interpretado como estabelecimento de um relacionamento advogado-cliente. Por favor, agende uma consulta com um advogado de imigração antes de agir com base em qualquer informação lida aqui.
The United States has long been a destination for the world’s most talented athletes—not only to compete at the highest level, but to access world-class training, coaching opportunities, and long-term career prospects. Whether on the field, in the ring, or across the chessboard, athletes from across the globe are finding immigration pathways that allow them to pursue their athletic and professional goals in the U.S. U.S. immigration law offers several visa and green card options designed specifically for individuals with extraordinary athletic talent. These include the P-1A visa for internationally recognized athletes, the O-1A visa for individuals of extraordinary ability, and the EB-1A immigrant petition, which can lead to permanent residency and ultimately, U.S. citizenship. The P-1A visa is commonly used by professional athletes coming to the U.S. to compete in a specific event or season. This applies not only to individual athletes but also to members of teams or clubs recognized internationally. It is widely used by soccer players, basketball players, MMA fighters, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors, and even elite chess players. Athletes must demonstrate a high level of international recognition and a record of performance in their sport. The O-1A visa is a strong option for coaches who demonstrate extraordinary ability, typically evidenced by championship titles, sustained winning records, or recognition as integral to their team’s success. To qualify, a coach must establish that their expertise places them among the small percentage of top professionals in their field. For athletes seeking permanent status in the U.S., the EB-1A immigrant petition —often referred to as the “extraordinary ability green card”—provides a direct path to lawful permanent residency. It requires clear documentation that the individual is among the very best in their sport and has achieved sustained national or international success. Unlike other green card categories, the EB-1A does not require employer sponsorship and can be self-petitioned. This has become a common path for MMA world champions, BJJ black belt medalists, Olympic athletes, and chess grandmasters—many of whom now represent the U.S. at the highest levels of international competition. It’s important to note that U.S. immigration law defines “athlete” broadly. Whether you are a professional football player in Europe, a sprinter from the Caribbean, a judoka, a gymnast, or a grandmaster in chess, your achievements may qualify under these categories if they are properly documented and presented. The key is a consistent record of excellence and recognition in your sport on a national or international scale. Our office specializes in these types of immigration matters. Whether you are an individual athlete looking to relocate or an organization seeking to bring international talent to your roster, we offer tailored legal strategies to support your goals. If you are exploring options to compete, train, or build your future in the U.S., we’re here to help you take the next step.
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