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On October 23, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM or proposed rule) 88 FR 72870 that proposed to amend its regulations governing H-1B specialty occupation workers and F-1 students who are the beneficiaries of timely filed H-1B cap-subject petitions. Specifically, DHS proposed to revise the regulations relating to definition of "specialty occupation” and the "employer-employee relationship"; provide flexibility for start-up entrepreneurs; implement new requirements and guidelines for H-1B site visits; provide flexibility on the employment start date listed on the petition (in limited circumstances); address "cap-gap" issues; bolster the H-1B registration process to reduce the possibility of misuse and fraud in the H-1B registration system; modernize cap exemptions; clarify the requirement that an amended or new petition be filed where there are material changes; and codify USCIS’ deference policy and requirement of maintenance of status for all employment-based nonimmigrant classifications that use Form I-129, among other provisions. The October 23, 2023 NPRM was informed by public comments USCIS received in response to a Request for Public Input that published on April 19, 2021.

On February 2, 2024, DHS published a final rule, 89 FR 7456, implementing a beneficiary centric selection process for H-1B registrations, as well as additional integrity measures and flexibilities related to H-1B registration. DHS continues to consider the suggestions made in public comments received as they relate to the other proposed provisions discussed in the October 23, 2023 NPRM, and intends to finalize the remaining provisions in one or more actions.