H-1B visa program will change in US from this year, government is going to make 5 big changes

H-1B Visa News: America’s ‘Department of Homeland Security’ is going to make major changes in the rules of H-1B visa program. The new changes will come into effect from January 17. The change, known as H-1B Modernization Final Rule, will make the process of hiring skilled foreign workers in America easier. The reason behind these changes is to meet the needs of companies, simplify the visa process and clarify the rules so that employers can easily understand the visa process.
Through the H-1B visa program, American companies hire foreign workers in specialized fields. Companies have to sponsor foreign workers. This is why after the new rules, companies/employers applying for H-1B visa will now have to use Form I-129. This form will be mandatory from January 17. To make companies aware of the new changes, ‘US Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) has published all the changes on its website.

What major changes could happen in the H-1B program?

• While applying for a visa, it will have to be proved that the foreign worker has the required degree to do the job for which he/she is being hired.
• Non-profit and government research organizations will be exempted from the annual limit on the number of H-1B visas. The eligibility criteria for them has also been updated.
• Foreign students including Indians are going to get the biggest benefit from the changes in the visa program. Students coming to study on F-1 visa will no longer face much difficulties in getting the visa.
• If someone has already received an H-1B visa and is applying for it again, then USCIS will approve his/her application quickly.
• Under the new rules, USCIS can investigate the companies to see whether the rules are being followed after getting H-1B visa.

At present only 65 thousand H-1B visas are issued in America every year. Apart from this, 20 thousand visas are available to students studying from American institutions. These changes in H-1B visa are being made at a time when there is a lot of controversy regarding it. Donald Trump’s supporters say that this program should be ended because it is costing Americans jobs. However, Trump seems to be standing in support of this program.