Can two companies register me for H-1B without issues?

Question

I am currently employed at a consulting firm that plans to sponsor my H-1B registration this year. Meanwhile, I am interviewing with another staffing company that has offered to sponsor my visa as well. I'm concerned about whether both companies can register me for the H-1B lottery without causing any issues. Since this is my last attempt at the H-1B visa, I want to avoid any risks or automatic rejections. Additionally, I'm curious if both employers will be aware of each other's registrations and what would happen if I'm selected in the lottery.

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

Yes, two separate companies can register you for the H-1B lottery, as long as each has a genuine job opportunity available. USCIS allows multiple registrations for the same candidate only if they are from different, unrelated employers who independently intend to hire you. Both registrations must be legitimate and reflect actual employment needs; otherwise, USCIS might suspect fraud. 
 
Your employers generally won't know about each other's registrations unless you tell them directly. The H-1B registration system is confidential, and USCIS doesn't share applicant information between companies. This means both employers can register you independently without being automatically informed. 
 
If you're selected by both companies in the lottery, you must choose one employer to proceed with your application. However, it's crucial that the positions are genuine, separate opportunities; otherwise, USCIS might question the registrations, potentially jeopardizing your visa. To minimize risks, ensure transparency and legitimacy in your interactions with both companies.

Q: Can two companies register me for H-1B without issues?