USCIS

<p><b>USCIS</b> is the government agency under the Department of Homeland Security that adjudicates immigration applications and petitions.</p><p>For H-1B visas, USCIS:</p><ul><li>Manages the electronic registration lottery</li><li>Processes Form I-129 petitions</li><li>Approves or denies H-1B status</li></ul><p>It's distinct from the U.S. Department of State (which issues visas abroad) and from ICE or CBP (enforcement and border control). USCIS's decisions (like H-1B approvals, RFEs, denials) are critical to the H-1B process.</p>