H1B Visa applicants: Be very careful!

The volume of the H1B visa applicants from India to the United States has been on a constant rise in the recent years, and this trend is not likely to slowdown in the near future either.

A recent case highlights how a small mistake can cost someone their dream of working in the U.S. through the H-1B program. An applicant who had already won the H-1B lottery lost the chance because of an error made by the employer’s legal team.

While submitting the application, the lawyers included an extra check along with the documents. Because of this, USCIS returned the petition, calling it incomplete. By the time the corrected version was sent again, the filing deadline had already passed. As a result, the application was rejected outright, leaving the applicant with no chance to appeal.

This shows how strict the U.S. immigration system is. Even small technical errors can end a case. Many others have also faced similar issues. For example, some workers were mistakenly filed under the wrong category, forcing them to leave the country. Others remain stuck under Section 221(g), waiting for extra checks.

Experts say the only possible solutions are filing a motion to reopen or, in rare cases, going to federal court. This case is a reminder that accuracy in paperwork is as important as winning the H-1B lottery itself.