USCIS Will Not Pre-Paid Mailers for FY 2021 Cap Subject H1B Petitions

On February 14, 2020, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it “will not use pre-paid mailers to send out any communications or final notices for fiscal year 2021 cap-subject H1B petitions, including those requesting consideration under the advanced degree exemption” [PDF version].

The USCIS explained its decision. It has a fully automated process for printing and mailing cap-subject H1B petition approval notices by first-class mail. The use of pre-paid mailers requires the USCIS to implement a “more time-consuming manual process.” The USCIS believes that its existing automated process is more efficient for petitioners and for the USCIS.

Petitioners who are seeking to employ H1B workers, and prospective and current H1B workers, should consult with an experienced immigration attorney in the area of employment immigration for specific guidance regarding their cases. We discuss issues relating to the H1B program and other nonimmigrant work visa categories in a growing section on site [see category].