In a fresh development adding to the slew of anti-immigration measures implemented by the Donald Trump administration in the United States, the H1-B Visa programme is slated to undergo significant changes from Thursday, March 20.
US To Delete H-1B Visa Applications From Today: Know About The Changes And Impact On Indian Workers
Every year, the US issues 65,000 H-1B visas with an additional 20,000 for applicants with US master's degrees, and nearly 70 percent of the visas issued every year are used by Indian professionals.
It has been reported that, in a bid to pave the way for a new system implemented by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Foreign Labour Access Gateway (FLAG) would start deleting applications older that five years.
The temporary labour condition applications which will be considered for deletion will include H1-B, H-1B1, H-2A, H-2B, E-3 and Permanent Labour Certification Applications (PERM).
About H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa has the status of a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to hire foreign workers in several specialised occupations that demand theoretical or technical expertise.
Reports suggest that every year, the US issues 65,000 H-1B visas with an additional 20,000 for applicants with US master's degrees, and nearly 70 percent of the visas issued every year are used by Indian professionals.
What Changes Are Expected In H-1B Visa Programme?
As per media reports, the new policy includes deletion of any H1-B record older than five years from the system. In line with the new developent, the US-based employers have reportedly been asked to download any case older than five years by March 19.
The new application process to be launched by the USCIS is expected to be more fair and equal for all applicants. While the previous system allowed employers to file H1-B visa applications for a single individual, the new system is expected to give all the applicants an equal opportunity, regardless of how many employers file for them.
Through the revised system, USCIS is expected to select beneficiaries rather than applications for prospective employees, preventing multiple entries and reducing the advantage of larger firms.
How Will This Impact Workers?
Deletion of all the temporary labour condition applications from the FLAG system will affect the applicants to a great extent as the new system to be introduced by the USCIS is expected to ensure that all applicants get an equal chance. This change will significantly reduce the advantage of larger corporations who send multiple applications for a single employee.
Advertisement
Moreover, the modified system will also new system will also increase expenses for employers. The system will include a mandatory online registration peocess in an attempt to expedite the application process. The registration fee for this process has also been hiked from 10 USD to 215 USD per entry, as per a report by Mint.
The revised system also promises more efficient application processing by making the process online, eliminating paperwork and reducing time.
Show comments