Major changes in US Visa and H-1B program, what will Indians going to America in 2025 have to keep in mind?

US H-1B Visa Changes: People going to America to study or work should be aware of the new visa rules. From January 1, 2025, many changes will be made in the US Embassy in India to reduce the long wait for visa appointments. At the same time, America’s ‘Department of Homeland Security’ (DHS) is also going to make major changes in the H-1B visa program. These changes will make the visa process easier and faster for Indian tech professionals.
Talking about the new rules of visa appointment, now the appointment can be rescheduled once without paying any extra fee. But if you reschedule or miss your appointment again, you will need to make a new appointment. For this you will again have to pay a non-refundable fee of $ 185 (approximately Rs 15,730). The US Embassy has said that people should arrive on time on the appointment day, so that the visa process runs smoothly and no one faces any problems.

Changes in H-1B visa rules

America’s H-1B visa was being misused, to stop which the government has made some changes so that only skilled professionals can get work permits. Starting January 17, 2025, applicants applying for H-1B visas will have to prove that their academic qualifications are directly related to the job they are applying for. Due to the new rules, it will become difficult to get H-1B visa for those who do not have any specialization.

In simple language, for a job in IT sector, one must have a degree in Computer Science or Engineering, only then one will get H-1B visa. Also, now the process of H-1B visa extension will also become easier. Immigration officers will be able to process extension requests based on previous approvals. This way paperwork will be reduced and decisions will come quickly. At the same time, whether the companies are following the conditions of the H-1B program or not will also be strictly investigated.

Interview waiver program expanded

The Interview Waiver Program has been expanded. In this way, those who have previously applied for a US visa will no longer be required to give an interview. This will result in reduction in waiting time. Old records will be used to process new applications. Due to the new rules, those people who often travel to America or have a good visa history are going to benefit the most. The visas of these people will be easily renewed.

These changes to the H-1B visa program show that the US government is committed to meeting the needs of key industries, including the tech industry. India is a major source of skilled workers for Silicon Valley and other US tech hubs. Therefore, these changes are being considered an important step to reduce the backlog and meet the needs of high-demand sectors like IT.