The Biden administration has eased H-1B visa restrictions, facilitating the hiring of foreign workers with specialized skills by US companies and simplifying the transition from F-1 student to H-1B visas. This is expected to benefit numerous Indian tech professionals seeking high-paying jobs in the US, boosting the American tech sector’s competitiveness globally.
The White House is in the final stages of reviewing sweeping changes to the H-1B visa program, impacting tech companies and foreign workers alike. Key updates include a revised lottery system, stricter employer penalties for H-2A/H-2B visa programs, and clarified eligibility criteria. Learn about the potential impact of these significant changes.
With Donald Trump poised to return to the White House in 2025, Indian immigrants are facing renewed uncertainty about their ability to secure H-1B visas and US green cards. Trump’s past policies, including restrictions on H-1B visas and a proposed end to birthright citizenship, have cast a shadow over the future of immigration in the US, raising concerns for many Indians who rely on these pathways to live and work in America.
India has expressed its commitment to engaging in dialogue with the United States regarding H-1B visa policies and related issues, emphasizing the crucial role of mobility and migration in their bilateral relationship. However, concerns are rising about potentially stricter immigration policies under President Trump’s second term, which could impact Indian IT professionals and skilled workers.
Renewing H-1B visas is turning into a stressful ordeal for Indian nationals residing in the US. The scarcity of dropbox and in-person appointment slots for visa stamping in India is creating anxiety and frustration among applicants. With limited availability and lack of communication from authorities, many are calling for system-wide reforms and a more transparent process.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a second lottery for the FY 2025 H-1B regular cap category. This lottery aims to fill the remaining spots in the FY 2025 allocation by selecting more unique beneficiaries from previously submitted registrations. The second lottery excludes beneficiaries under the master’s cap, as enough registrations were already selected for that category.
A Congress leader, Kandi Srinivasa Reddy, has been accused of orchestrating an immigration scam involving the manipulation of the US H-1B visa lottery system. According to a Bloomberg report, Reddy, a candidate for the Telangana Assembly elections, is alleged to have been part of a group that used multiple registrations to gain an unfair advantage in the lottery. This revelation has sparked controversy and raises concerns about potential corruption within the system.
Amidst widespread layoffs, the US government has announced new guidelines to assist H-1B visa holders who have lost their jobs. These guidelines provide various pathways for individuals to extend their stay beyond the typical 60-day grace period.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued guidance for holders of certain nonimmigrant visas who have been laid off or fired, reminding them of their options to stay in the country. These options include filing for a change of nonimmigrant status, adjustment of status, or a “compelling circumstances” employment authorization document. The guidance also notes that individuals can extend their stay if they are the beneficiary of a nonfrivolous petition to change employers. This guidance comes amid a flurry of layoffs by some of the country’s largest employers, including Walmart, Google, Tesla, and Microsoft.
For H-1B visa holders facing job loss, understanding the available legal options is crucial to extend their stay beyond the typical 60-day grace period. Various pathways can maintain legal status, including filing for a change of status, seeking a new job sponsor, or applying for an adjustment of status. By taking action within the grace period, holders can preserve their nonimmigrant status despite employment changes. Additionally, self-petitioned immigrant visa petitions allow concurrent filing with an adjustment of status application, facilitating continued employment and a path to permanent residency. In cases of compelling circumstances, beneficiaries of approved employment-based immigrant visa petitions may obtain a one-year EAD, ensuring employment continuity. Understanding these legal avenues empowers H-1B visa holders to make informed decisions during layoffs, securing their presence and employment in the United States.
